Blacks More Negative About Race After Zimmerman Verdict

According to two Gallup polls, the verdict in the George Zimmerman case has caused more blacks to think new civil rights laws are needed, the government should be more involved in improving blacks’ welfare, and that blacks are treated badly in the United States. A Gallup poll the month after the verdict found 61% of blacks felt more civil rights laws should be on the books, as opposed to 53% the month before the verdict. The same difference was evidenced in how many blacks thought the government should improve their social and economic position: 63% after the verdict, 54% before the verdict.

As for how they are treated in the United States, 47% were satisfied with their treatment before the verdict, 41% after the verdict.

The verdict was reached on July 13; a July 16-21 Gallup poll showed 85% of blacks thought the verdict was wrong. Only 30% of whites agreed.