Sun Media. Racial Tolerance Report. January 2007

Transcription

1 Sun Media Racial Tolerance Report January 2007

2 METHODOLOGY INSTRUMENT An online survey was conducted between December and January SCOPE A representative national sample of 3092 adult Canadians. RELIABILITY With a sample size of 3092, responses can be considered accurate to within +1.8%. Use header or footer to name study. Example: Ad Campaign Post-Test 2

3 KEY FINDINGS Racial Tolerance Almost half of Canadians admit to being at least slightly racist with one-in-ten saying they are strongly or moderately so. Despite this, only one-fifth say that some races are more gifted than others. Most would feel indifferent about dealing with a person of another race in social or work situations, with most saying they would even vote for a Prime Minister from a different ethnic background. However, when it comes to marrying a different race, this scenario raises the most concern. While the majority of Canadians have a good opinion of all ethnic groups tested, the Arab community raises, by far, the most negative opinions. 3

4 KEY FINDINGS Prejudices There is mixed opinion as to whether or not racism is a significant problem in Canadian cities, however, most agree the problem is not getting worse, instead either remaining constant or even declining. Almost all Canadians have seen racist behaviours, and two-thirds of visible minorities say they have been a victim of this behaviour. Despite this, few took action to intervene. While many admit to having told ethnic jokes, few say that they have uttered racial slurs. 4

5 KEY FINDINGS Immigration Canadians are not of one mind when it comes to immigration issues: while half believe immigrants can easily integrate into Canadian society, only slightly fewer believe this is not true. Additionally, half feel that immigrants should be encouraged to settle outside of major urban centres, while the other half are not so sure. Yet, most agree on the issue of immigration control. Very few Canadians feel that control over immigration should be lessened, for example, with the majority feeling it should be increased. While a majority feel that all cultures are treated equally in the legal system, this is less true of the media or police. 5

6 KEY FINDINGS Accommodations Canadians are not overly religious, with most saying they do not practice religion much or at all and atheist being the second most offered religion (behind Catholicism). It is thought to be at least important (if not essential) for immigrants to adopt to the lifestyle habits of the city in which they live. However, most are accommodating when it comes to religious customs, with the belief that many religious practices do not pose a problem in their city. While the majority feel that wearing a veil is not a problem, this practice raises more concern than others. 6

7 KEY FINDINGS Solutions A strong majority feel their everyday life is enriched by the presence of those of different ethnic backgrounds and most do not feel a major fight against racism is needed in their city. When it comes to a fight against racism, about half would be willing to sign petitions or report racist behaviours to authorities, but would not be willing to back this fight financially. It is believed that Canadian laws, as they stand, should be respected by everyone, regardless of infringement on cultural practices. They do not feel legal intervention for the usage of racial slurs is the answer, though. 7

8 Racism Test Your Tolerance Level

9 Almost Half of Canadians Admit to Being Racist While less than one-in-ten will say that they are either strongly or moderately racist, almost half (47%), admit to being at least slightly racist. People 55 years of age or older are more likely to say they are at least slightly racist (52%), compared to those (43%). In comparison, 47% of those under 35 say they are somewhat racist. Men are more likely to describe themselves as moderately racist (10% vs. 6% of women). Strongly racist 1% Strongly/Moderately Racist 9% Moderately racist 8% Slightly racist 38% Not at all racist 51% Don't know / Refused 2% 9 Q8. Personally, to what extent do you consider yourself as someone who is racist?

10 Most Believe People are Created Equal Only 21% believe that some races are more gifted than others, with 68% thinking this is not the case. Not surprisingly, those who consider themselves strongly/moderately racist are more likely to think the statement is true (43% vs. 25% of those who are slightly racist and 15% of those who are not racist). There is no significant difference between races, with 66% of white people and 65% of visible minorities thinking this is not true. Yes, some races more gifted 21% No, some races are not more gifted 68% Don't know / Refused 11% 10 Q19. Are some races more gifted than others?

11 Canadians Mostly Indifferent when it Comes to Dealing With Those of Different Ethnic Backgrounds. The vast majority of Canadians would react indifferently if they were to deal with people in a number of positions who were a different ethnic background. The situation in which this raises the most issue is when it comes to whom their child would marry. Almost one-tenth (9%) would react negatively if their child were to marry someone of a different race, while 16% say this would depend on the race. Taxi driver 80% 12% Immediate supervisor 76% 14% Doctor 74% 16% Neighbour 73% 17% Child were to marry 16% 9% 55% 14% Don't know Depends on race Negative Indifferent Positive 11 Q9a-e. Would you have a positive reaction, remain indifferent, a negative reaction, or would it depend on the ethnic origin if the following persons were of another ethnic group than yours

12 Canadians are Open to an Ethnic Prime Minister Seven-in-ten Canadians said they would vote for a Prime Minister of another ethnic group than their own, with an additional 13% saying it would depend on which ethnic group they are from. This likelihood is most prevalent among people who think racism is a significant problem (74%), who have been a victim of racism (75%), or who belong to a visible minority (85% vs. 71% of white people). This is also more prevalent among those with a higher education (post-secondary: 74% vs. 61% of those with high school or less), and a higher income ($80,000 or more: 75% vs. 66% of those with a household income of under $40,000). 8% 13% 9% 70% Vote for PM of other race Would depend on ethnic origin Not vote for PM of other race Don't know / Refused 12 Q20. Would you vote for a Prime Minister of another ethnic group than your own?

13 Canadians Have Lowest Opinion of Arab Community The majority of Canadians have a good opinion of all communities tested. However, Italians come out on top, with 88% of Canadians having a good opinion of members of the Italian community, while only 53% have a good opinion of members of the Arab community. Good Opinion Italian Community 3% 47% 41% 88% Latin American Community 9% 51% 28% 78% Asian Community 13% 47% 30% 77% Jewish Community 10% 43% 33% 76% Black Community 18% 46% 24% 70% Arab Community 27% 37% 15% 53% Very bad Somewhat bad Somewhat good Very good 13 Q1a-f. Do you have a good opinion or a bad opinion of members of

14 Prejudices

15 Mixed Feeling as to Whether Racism is a Problem There is mixed feelings as the significance of the problem of racism in Canada, with most feeling more neutrally. Not surprisingly, those who have been a victim of racism are more likely to find this problem significant than those who have not (60% vs. 48% respectively). Those who describe themselves as at least somewhat racist are more likely to see this as a problem (55% vs. 50% respectively). Women are also more likely to see this problem as significant than are men (59% vs. 45% respectively). Very significant Somewhat significant 10% 43% Significant 52% Not very significant 35% Not signficant 12% Not Significant 47% 15 Q26. Would you say that racism is a significant problem in your city?

16 The Problem of Racism on the Decline Only 17% believe their city is more racist than it was 10 years ago, with 29% feeling it is the same and 41% feeling it is less racist. People who feel racism is a problem are more likely to say their city is more (26%) or as racist (37%) as it was, while people who feel is it not a problem say their city is less racist (56%). Those who describe themselves as racist are more likely to feel their whole city is more racist (22% vs. 12% of those who aren t racist), as well those who have been a victim of racism (22% vs. 14% of non-victims). More racist 17% As racist 29% Less racist 41% Don't know/refused 13% 16 Q27. Is your city more racist, as racist or less racist that ten years ago?

17 Most Canadians Have Witnessed Racism More than nine-in-ten (92%) of Canadians have witnessed racist comments or behaviours. This is particularly true among those under 55 (92% vs. 89% of those 55 or older), and those of a higher income bracket (95% of those with a household income of $80,000 plus vs. 87% of those with a household income of under $40,000). 6% 3% 92% Have witnesses racist comments/ behaviours Have not witnessed racist comments/ behaviours Refused 17 Q21. Have you ever witnessed racist comments or behaviours?

18 Base: All Outside of Quebec (n=2139 ) Two-Thirds of Minorities Have Been Victims of Racism While most have witnessed racist comments or behaviours, only one-third (34%) feel they have been a victim of such comments or behaviours. However, when examining results of visible minorities, 66% feel they have been a victim of racial comments or behaviours, compared to only 30% of white people. Additionally, those who find racism to be a problem (40%), those with a post-secondary education (36%), and those under the age of 55 (37%) have been victimized. People who describe themselves as strongly or moderately racist are also significantly more likely to say they have been a victim of racism (49% vs. 36% of those who are somewhat racist and 31% of those who are not at all racist). 5% 61% 34% Have been a victim of racism Have not been a victim of racism Don't know/ Refused 18 Q23. Have you ever personally been a victim of racist comments or behaviours? NOT ASKED IN QUEBEC

19 Base: Those who have witnessed racist comments/behaviours (n=2128 ) Action Not Often Taken Against Racism While most have witnessed racist comments or behaviours, only one-third said they ever took action to intervene or inform authorities about this behaviour. People more likely to have intervened are people who find racism a significant problem (43%), who describe themselves as not racist (47%), who have a post-secondary education (39%), and who are women (41%). Those over the age of 55 are less likely to intervene when witnessing racism (63%). 6% 56% 37% Took action against racism Did not take action against racism Don't know/ Refused 19 Q22. Did you take any action to intervene or inform authorities of this behaviour?

20 Base: All outside of Quebec (n=2319 ) One-Fifth Have Uttered a Racial Slur One-fifth (21%) of Canadians have uttered a racial slur, while 76% say they never have. Not surprisingly, those who say they are strongly or moderately racist are much more likely to have done so (62%), as are those who have been a victim of racism (28%), those who do not practise religion (25%), and men (29%). 3% 21% 76% Have uttered racial slur Have not uttered racial slur Don't know/ Refused 20 Q24a. Have you ever uttered a racial slur at a minority?

21 Base: All (n= 2092 ) Canadians Do Tell Ethnic Jokes While most Canadians do not utter racial slurs, they do tell jokes with derogatory ethnic meanings (66%). Not surprisingly, those who consider themselves racists are more likely to have done this (81% who are strongly/moderately racist, 75% who are somewhat racist), as are people who have been a victim of racism (70%), those under 35 (70%) or 35 to 54 (67%), those who do not practise religion (71%), those who are not a visible minority (68%), and men (76%). 3% 31% 66% Have told ethnic joke Have not told ethnic joke Refused 21 Q24b. Have you ever told a joke which included derogatory ethnic meaning? NOT ASKED IN QUEBEC

22 Immigration

23 Few Believe Control over Citizenship Should be Lessened Only 3% of Canadians believe that Canada should lessen its control over Canadian citizenship, with 35% feeling current control is sufficient and 57% feeling it needs to be strengthened. Those who do not think that racism is a problem are more likely to feel this control needs to be strengthened (60%), as are those 35 to 54 (62%) or 55 and older (57%) and those with no post-secondary education (62%). More strict control before awarding Canadian citizenship 57% As strict control 35% Less strict control before awarding Canadian citizenship 3% Don't know / Refused 6% 23 Q29. Should Canada allow for control before awarding Canadian citizenship to an immigrant?

24 Mixed Opinion About the Ease of Integration Generally, Canadians do not feel strongly about the ease of integrating into Canadian society, with 44% feeling it is done somewhat easily, while 36% believe this is not very easy. Canadians who are more likely to find this situation easy are those who do not see racism as a problem (56%), who are not racist (57%), under 35 (56%) or 35 to 54 (53%), and who have no post-secondary education (57%). Very easily 7% Integrate Easily 51% Somewhat easily 44% Not very easily 36% Not at all easily Don't know / Refused 4% 10% Do Not Integrate Easily 45% 24 Q30. Would you say that most immigrants integrate easily into Canadian society?

25 Half Believe Immigrants Should Settle Outside Cities Half of Canadians believe that immigrants should be encouraged to settle outside of major urban centres, with 28% thinking this is not the case, and 20% not being sure. Opinions on the significance of racism or personal racist beliefs do not impact this opinion. However, people over 55 (58%), those with a secondary education (56%), and men (58%) are more likely to think this is true. Encourage immigrants to settle outside major urban centres 52% Should not encourage immigrants to settle outside major urban centres 28% Don't know/ Refused 20% 25 Q33. Should we encourage immigrants to establish themselves more outside of the major urban centres?

26 Mixed Opinion on Fair Treatment Just over half (57%) believe that members of all cultural communities are treated fairly by the legal system, while just under half feel the same of the media (48%) and the police (46%). People who consider themselves racist are more likely to feel ethnic groups are treated fairly by all groups, as are those under 35 and men. Legal system 16% 27% 57% Media 13% 39% 48% Police 16% 38% 46% Don't know Not treated fairly Treated fairly 26 Q34a-c. Do you believe that members of cultural communities are treated fairly, that is, the same way as people of Canadian lineage by

27 Reasonable Accommodations

28 Canadians Not Overly Religious Only one-third say they practice their religion either a lot or somewhat, while the majority (58%) say they do not practice it much or at all. People over the age of 54 are more likely to practice religion (44%). People of a visible minority are more likely to practice religion (47%) than those who are not a visible minority (38%). Practice a lot 12% Religious -34% Practice somewhat 22% Do not practice much 28% Not Religious -58% Do not practice at all 30% Don't know/ Refused 8% 28 Q37. Would you say that it is that members of cultural communities living in your city adopt your city s lifestyle habits?

29 Catholicism is the Most Practiced Religion One-third (35%) say that they practice Catholicism while one-fifth (22%) are Protestant. An additional one-fifth (21%) classify themselves as Atheist. While Catholics may (37%) or may not (38%) be practicing, those who are Protestant are more likely to practice their religion (32% vs. 18% who do not). Catholic 35% Atheist Protestant 21% 22% Jewish Muslum Buddhist Orthodox 2% 1% 1% 1% Other 10% Refused 1% 29 Q37. Would you say that it is that members of cultural communities living in your city adopt your city s lifestyle habits?

30 It is Important To Adopt City s Lifestyle Habits More than four-fifths of Canadians believe it is at least important for cultural communities to adopt the lifestyle habits of the city in which they live, if not essential. People who think this is essential include those who are strongly/moderately racist (65%), those who are 35 to 54 (34%) or 55 plus (39%), and those with no post-secondary education (39%). Essential 33% Important but not essential 52% Secondary 12% Don't know / Refused 3% 30 Q37. Would you say that it is that members of cultural communities living in your city adopt your city s lifestyle habits?

31 Most Religious Practises Do Not Pose a Problem The majority of Canadians do not feel that religious practises pose a problem to living in their city s society. This is particularly true of prayers and fasting. Wearing a veil has the most issues, with 37% thinking this poses a problem, while 57% thinks it does not. People who are not religious themselves are less tolerant, being more likely to think each practise, with exception of prohibiting alcohol, poses a problem. Men are also less tolerant, being more likely to find each practise, with exception of prayers, to be a problem. Wearing a veil is more of an issue to people who are white than those of a visible minority. Prayers 12% 84% Ramadan Fast 9% 83% Prohibiting alcohol 17% 77% Wearing religious ornaments Wearing a veil 25% 37% 70% 57% Don't know Poses a problem Doesn't pose a problem 31 Q38a-e. Does respecting the following religious practices pose a problem to living in your city s society?

32 Solutions

33 All Must Respect Canadian Law A strong majority of Canadians believe that Canadian law must take priority over any cultural beliefs, with only 15% feeling that laws should be adapted to allow all people to follow their beliefs. People who do not feel racism is a problem are more likely to think laws must be respected (84%), as are those who are white (79%) and not religious ( 81%). All should respect Canadian laws, even if against their beliefs 78% Should adapt laws so they do not require immigrants to go against beliefs 15% Don't know / Refused 7% 33 Q46. Which statement corresponds best to your opinion?

34 Canadians Unsure of Law s Role in Stopping Racism One-third of Canadians believe the law should condemn those who utter racial comments, with almost half thinking this should not be the case and one-fifth being unsure. Even those who find racism a significant problem are not sure this is the answer, with 39% saying the law should step in and 42% saying it should not. Men are more likely than women to say this should not happen (53% vs. 40%). Yes, law should condemn those who utter racial slur 35% No, law should not condemn those who utter racial slur 46% Don't know / Refused 19% 34 Q25. Do you personally think that the law should condemn any person who utters racist comments?

35 Presence of People of Different Backgrounds is Enriching Almost three-quarters of Canadians feel that being in the presence of people of different ethnic backgrounds is enriching. While it is not surprising that those who are not racist are more likely to find this to be true (81%), a good proportion of those who are slightly racist (67%) or even strongly/moderately racist (45%) also find this to be true. Additionally, this is truer of: women (75%), people who find racism to be a problem (77%), people who have been a victim of racism (75%), those with a post-secondary education (76%), and those of a visible minority (77%). 17% 11% 72% Enriching Not enriching Refused 35 Q50. In your everyday life, do you find it rather enriching or not to be in the presence of people of a different ethnic background other than your own?

36 Majority Believe a Fight is Not Necessary While 52% do believe that racism is a problem in their city, only 32% feel a vigorous fight is necessary against it. However, those who say the problem is significant are more likely to feel this fight is necessary (49% vs. 13% who believe it is not a problem). People under 35 (36%) or 35 to 54 (32%) are more likely to feel this fight is necessary as are people with a post-secondary education (33%). People belonging to a visible minority also see the necessity for this fight more strongly (44% vs. 28% of white people). Yes, a fight is necessary 32% No, a fight is not necessary 57% Don't know / Refused 11% 36 Q52. Do you think that a vigorous fight against racism is necessary in you city?

37 Canadians Unwilling to Back Fight Financially While about half of Canadians would be willing to report racism to the authorities, or sign petitions, they will not back the fight financially, with only 23% saying they would be willing to provide financial aid to organizations that fought racism. Report Racism to Authorities 15% 27% 58% Sign Petitions 14% 37% 49% Provide Financial Aid to Fight Racism 22% 55% 23% Don't know Unwilling Willing 37 Q53a-c. To fight racism, please tell me if you willing or unwilling to

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