GSS 1972-2024 Cumulative Datafile - Release 1

Some people say that it is only fair that in a society like ours, 
people holding public office should have roughly the same racial or 
ethnic background as the population as a whole. So, for example, if 
30% of the people were Hispanic, then 30% of the public officials 
should be Hispanic as well. Others say that in choosing people for 
public office they should be considered purely on the basis of 
ability without regard to their ethnic or racial background. Let me 
ask you about these ideas in several different areas. 
B. What about teachers in public schools or universities?  Should 
they have roughly the same racial or ethnic background as their 
students, or should they be considered purely on the basis of their 
ability without regard to their racial or ethnic background?

Some people say that it is only fair that in a society like ours, 
people holding public office should have roughly the same racial or 
ethnic background as the population as a whole. So, for example, if 
30% of the people were Hispanic, then 30% of the public officials 
should be Hispanic as well. Others say that in choosing people for 
public office they should be considered purely on the basis of 
ability without regard to their ethnic or racial background. Let me 
ask you about these ideas in several different areas. 
C. What about students in medical, law, and other professional 
schools?  Should they have roughly the same racial or ethnic 
background as the people in their area, or should they be considered 
purely on the basis of their ability without regard to their racial 
or ethnic background?

In history classes in high school and college, do the experiences of 
racial and ethnic minority groups in America receive too much 
attention now, too little attention, or about the right amount?

Some people say that when the experience of a racial or ethnic 
minority group is taught in high school or college, it should be 
taught by a teacher from that group. Do you strongly agree, agree, 
neither agree nor disagree, disagree, or strongly disagree?

A. Do you think that white people in this country get much more 
attention from government than they deserve, more attention than they 
deserve, about the right amount of attention, less attention than 
they deserve, or much less attention from government than they 
deserve?

B. Do you think that blacks get more attention from government than 
they deserve?  Would you answer much more attention from government 
than they deserve, more attention than they deserve, about the right 
amount of attention, less attention than they deserve, or much less 
attention from government than they deserve?

C. Hispanic-Americans?  Would you answer much more attention from 
government than they deserve, more attention than they deserve, about 
the right amount of attention, less attention than they deserve, or 
much less attention from government than they deserve?

D. Asian-Americans?  Would you answer much more attention from 
government than they deserve, more attention than they deserve, about 
the right amount of attention, less attention than they deserve, or 
much less attention from government than they deserve?