“Is racism in the United States declining?” requires close examination because it combines politics, statistics, and personal experiences. According to a July 2025 survey, only 45% of adults now think that Black people experience high levels of discrimination, a significant decrease from the 60% who said so in 2021. Rather than the elimination of systemic injustices, this shift is a reflection of changing public awareness.
Phillipe Copeland, a professor at Boston University, encapsulated the subtlety when he said that the nation has backed away from its racial reckoning. His observation that lived realities have not changed as rapidly as perceptions is particularly clear. Black Americans and other minorities continue to face systemic obstacles, despite surveys indicating racism is less of a headline issue. This tension emphasizes the discrepancy between perception and experience.
Key Shifts in Racism Perceptions in the US
| Year/Survey | % of Adults Saying Black People Face High Discrimination | Perception of DEI Impact | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 (AP-NORC) | 60% | Broadly supported | Heightened reckoning after George Floyd |
| 2025 (AP-NORC) | 45% | Many see DEI as backfiring | Notably reduced recognition of discrimination |
| 2025 (Pew) | 74% say Black people face some discrimination | 40% believe DEI reduces bias | Persistent acknowledgment, but declining urgency |
| 2025 (Gallup) | 64% say racism against Black people remains serious | Strong partisan divide | Democrats report higher concern than Republicans |
This gap is exacerbated by cultural icons. Conversations have been remarkably effective because of Beyoncé’s advocacy, LeBron James’s insistence on racial equity, and Ava DuVernay’s films that document Black experiences. However, conservative commentators and voices like Elon Musk contend that DEI programs are discriminatory against white men or have other flaws. This ideological divide is eerily reminiscent of past affirmative action discussions, demonstrating that America continues to struggle to balance diversity and justice.
Once praised, DEI initiatives are now disputed. Nearly a quarter of Americans contend that such programs increase bias, while four out of ten still think they lessen discrimination. According to Claudine Brider, a Black engineer in California, claims that she profited from quotas frequently cast doubt on her accomplishments. According to her, DEI has occasionally created new barriers in addition to failing to remove existing ones, which is a paradox that is especially useful for highlighting the intricacy of institutional reforms.
The division is widened by partisan politics. Compared to 54% of Republicans, 94% of Democrats believe that Black people experience discrimination, according to Pew data. Because of how persistent this polarization is, racism is no longer a common moral concern but rather a political marker. Instead, what ought to be a national consensus is more like two opposing viewpoints.
Another reversal can be seen in the corporate environment. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Nike committed billions to equity initiatives following the passing of George Floyd. Due to political attacks on DEI and pressure from shareholders, many of these companies had reduced their operations by 2025. The fact that this retreat feels strikingly similar to past cycles of activism and retrenchment shows how quickly public momentum can wane.
Scholars stress that perception alone cannot be used to assess progress. Black Americans continue to earn about 24% less than white Americans, live five years less, and have a six-fold higher incarceration rate, according to research by economist Roland Fryer Jr. These figures are remarkably resilient over time, demonstrating that systemic injustices endure despite the decline in the social acceptance of overt racism.
Glimmers of hope are provided by generational change. Younger Americans are much more likely to support multicultural workplaces, mixed-race marriages, and diversity. However, many also have a skeptical view of DEI, doubting the true efficacy of such initiatives. Their position is highly adaptable, encouraging society to be more inclusive while calling for more creative solutions.
The landscape has also changed as a result of Supreme Court decisions that limit affirmative action. Critics caution that they erase history and context, while supporters celebrate them as triumphs for meritocracy. Although presented as neutral, these rulings demonstrate how different people have different ideas about what constitutes fairness. As a result, the legal environment has drastically diminished affirmative action opportunities, influencing how future generations will have access to opportunities and education.
Statistics are still more than just numbers for communities impacted by racism. Public recognition of discrimination against Asian Americans, who experienced violent attacks during the pandemic, decreased from 45% in 2021 to only 32% in 2025. Once headlines fade, empathy can be ephemeral, leaving scars that persist long after the public’s focus shifts, as demonstrated by this startlingly rapid decline in recognition.
Awareness is still anchored by the voices of celebrities. Oprah Winfrey uses her personal stories to show that discrimination and achievement can coexist. Barack Obama, the former president, has maintained time and time again that while progress is unquestionable, it is not complete. These individuals have a particularly noticeable role in making sure racism is discussed in the country even when political will falters.
Polls alone cannot answer the question of decline. Racism is more covert but extremely effective in its effects; it is also less obvious and more ingrained. Despite shifting public perceptions, the story of health disparities, school segregation, and employment gaps is remarkably consistent. However, there has also been progress, as evidenced by the growing multicultural communities, more diverse representation in Congress, and the younger generations’ insistence on equality as a fundamental expectation.
