DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Dorothy Schramm newspaper clippings, 1949-1955 (folder 1 of 2) | Des Moines Register Article: "Answers on Prejudice in Des Moines" Page 1

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Dorothy Schramm newspaper clippings, 1949-1955 (folder 1 of 2)

Des Moines Register Article: "Answers on Prejudice in Des Moines" Page 1

[[Bold subheading]]
Would go along.
[[end bold subheading]]
"This means there is quite a good-sized group which is lethargic and might not be prejudiced but would not do anything about it.
[[Bold]]"If employers are encouraged to hire mixed groups of workers, it is this group which might go along with the idea. As it is, we permit a very vocal minority to make policy.[[end bold]]
"A man in the restaurant business said he had no particular feelings on the race question himself. He was asked about the possibility of a Negro cashier working in his dining room which would be accept by perhaps 49 customers but would cause objections from the fiftieth.
[[Bold subheading]]
Italians and Jews.
[[End bold subheading]]
"He admitted that he might pay more attention to the one, and that the one's protests might outweigh the fact that 49 accepted the Negro cashier."
[[bold]]While prejudice as expressed to a much lesser degree against Italian and Jewish people, the poll indicated a somewhat equal prejudice against these two groups.[[end bold]]
Mrs. Mallon said some of the persons expressing a prejudice against Italians indicated they felt them to be "inferior people." They were inclined to link them in general, to widely publicized law-breakers of Italian descent.
[[Bold subheading]]
Cite "Control of Wealth."
[[End bold subheading]]
Jewish prejudice the interviewers found, was often based on the ancient and oft-disproved storys about "control of the country's wealth." Some persons interviewed frankly said they "would not dislike Jews if they did not act like Jews."
Interviewers found a kind of prejudice against Jews which was different from that expressed against Italians.
[[bold]]For example, Mrs. Mallon pointed out, the high acceptance of Jews in the jobs listed in the survey seemed to indicate that those interviewed would be rather glad to have Jewish people be content with relatively low-paying jobs, rather than striving for something else.[[end bold]]
"Although a high number of those interviewed did not want to be served by Negroes in a restaurant, a meat market or a beauty shop," Mrs. Mallon said, "it is interesting that some want them to have a higher status."
[[Bold subheading]]
Consider "Cleanliness". 
[[end bold subheading]]
The survey showed that 86.8 per cent would accept a Negro as a bank teller, which many of those interviewed seemed to classify as "white collar."
But the percentage dropped to 73.6 when they were asked about service by a Negro in a meat market.
[[bold]]In this connection it appeared that those questioned were going back to old ideas about "cleanliness," as a basis for prejudice.[[end bold]]
The small percentage of prejudices against Catholics or Protestants, the interviewers found, seemed to be based to a large extent on the idea that "I prefer my own kind."
[[Bold subheading]]
Governed by Minority.
[[end bold subheading]]
But prejudices against Catholics, Protestants and Jews were usually clear-cut and definite, while prejudices based seemingly on skin pigmentation were more variable and unpredictable. 
[[bold]]"The important thing is that we allow ourselves to be governed by an articulate minority," Mrs. Mallon said.[[end bold]]
In order to obtain a more accurate index on prejudices, those interviewed were first asked a generalized question. Then more specific questions which would reveal variance and inconsistencies in thinking were asked.
[[Bold subheading]]
"Ability Only."
[[End bold subheading]]
The first question was: "Do you believe that people should have equal chances at jobs on the basis of their ability only, or do you feel that race or religion should also have some weight."
[[bold]]A total of 968 persons, or 91.7 per cent said "ability only." There were 76 who
[[Begin table]]
[[bold]]Following is a table showing answers to questions asked on racial and religious prejudice in Des Moines by League of Women Voters members:[[end bold]]
-
[[italics]]The following questions were answered by one of these three categories:[[end italics]]
(1) I don't think I would mind at all.
(2) I don't think I would like it but I wouldn't do anything about it.
(3) I think I would see to it that the management knew I didn't like it.
[[Italics]]1. How would you feel about someone delivering milk or groceries to your home who was:[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 96.7%, Cases - 1021; (2) 2.6%, Cases - 27; (3) .4%, Cases - 4
Mexican ... (1) 91.6%, Cases - 966; (2) 5.9%, Cases - 62; (3) 1.5%, Cases - 16
Negro ... (1) 84.1%, Cases - 886; (2) 11.9%, Cases - 126; (3) 2.8%; Cases - 30
Catholic ... (1) 99.0%, Cases - 1045; (2) .9% Cases - 9; (3) ...% Cases - ...
Protestant ... (1) 99.9%, Cases - 1054; (2) ...% Cases ...; (3) ...%, Cases ...
Jewish ... (1) 97.6%, Cases 1030; (2) 1.6%, Cases 17; (3) .4%, Cases - 4

[[Italics]]2. How would you feel about one of the following picking up and delivering your LAUNDRY?[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 97.5%, Cases - 1029; (2) 1.7%, Cases 18, (3) .4%, Cases - 4
Mexican ... (1) 94.3%, Cases - 995; (2) 3.8%, Cases - 40; (3) 1.1%, Cases - 12
Negro ... (1) 90.0%, Cases 950; (2) 7.3%, Cases 77; (3) 2.0%, Cases - 21
Catholic ... (1) 98.8%, Cases - 1043; (2) .8%, Cases 8; (3) ...%, Cases ...
Protestant ... (1) 99.3%, Cases 1048; (2)..3%, Cases - 3; (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Jewish ... (1) 97.7%, Cases - 1031; (2) 1.4%, Cases - 15; (3) .4%, Cases - 4

[[Italics]]3. If you needed a PLUMBER, or a PLASTERER, how would you feel if the firm sent one of the following:[[end italics]] 
Italian ... (1) 94.8%, Cases 1001; (2) 3.8%, Cases - 40; (3) .8%, Cases - 8
Mexican ... (1) 89.5%, Cases 944; (2) 6.9%, Cases 73; (3) 2.3%, Cases 46
Negro ... (1) 83.6%, Cases 882; (2) 10.3%, Cases - 109; (3) 4.4%, Cases 46.
Catholic ... (1) 97.9%, Cases 1033; (2) 1.2%, Cases 13. (3) ...%; Cases - ...
Protestant ... (1) 99.0%, Cases 1045; (2) .2%, Cases - 2; (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Jewish... (1) 96.6%, Cases - 1020; (2) 1.9%, Cases - 20; (3) .6%, Cases - 6.

[[Italics]]4. What would be your feelings to have one of the following wait upon you at a RESTAURANT?[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 95.5%, Cases 1008; (2) 3.6%; Cases 38; (3) .4%, Cases - 4
Mexican ... (1) 87.1%, Cases - 919; (2) 9.8%, Cases 103; (3) 1.9%, Cases - 20
Negro ... (1) 80.4%, Cases 848; (2) 15.7%, Cases 166; (3) 3.4%, Cases 36
Catholic ... (1) 98.3%, Cases - 1038; (2) .8%, Cases - 8; (3) .1%, Cases - 1
Protestant ... (1) 99.0%, Cases 1045; (2) .1%, Cases - 1; (3) .1%, Cases - 1
Jewish ... (1) 97.1%, Cases - 1024; (2) 1.4%, Cases - 15; (3) .4%, Cases - 4
[[Italics]]5. What would be your feeling if one of the following waited upon you in a MEAT MARKET?[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 94.3%, Cases - 996; (2) 4.2%, Cases 44; (3) .8%, Cases - 8
Mexican ... (1) 84.3%, Cases 889, (2) 10.6%, Cases - 112; (3) 3.2%, Cases - 34
Negro ... (1) 73.6%, Cases - 776; (2) 18.8%, Cases - 209; (3) 5.1%, Cases 54.
Catholic ... (1) 98.2 %, Cases - 1036; (2) .9%, Cases - 10; (3) .1%, Cases - 1
Protestant ... (1) 99.1%, Cases 1046; (2) .3%, Cases - 3; (3) .1%, Cases - 1
Jewish ... (1) 95.7%, Cases 1010; (2) 2.5%, Cases - 26; (3) .7%, Cases - 7
[[Italics]]6. What would be your feeling if one of the following waited upon you in a DEPARTMENT STORE?[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 96.3%, Cases - 1016; (2) 2.9%, Cases - 31; (3) .3%, Cases - 3
Mexican ... (1) 91.7%, Cases - 967; (2) 6.4%, Cases - 67; (3) 1.0%, Cases - 11
Negro ... (1) 85.0%, Cases 897; (2) 12.1%, Cases 128; (3) 2.3%, Cases - 24
Catholic ... (1) 98.8%, Cases 1043; (2) .7%, Cases - 7; (3) .1%, Cases - 1
Jewish ... (1) 97.8%, Cases - 1032; (2) 1.7%, Cases - 18; (3) .2%, Cases - 2

[[Italics]]What would be your feeling to have one of the following wait upon you in a BEAUTY PARLOR?[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 92.4%, Cases 974; (2) 5.1%, Cases - 54; (3) 1.5%, Cases - 16
Mexican ... (1) 82.8%, Cases - 874; (2) 10.7%, Cases - 113; (3) 4.1%, Cases - 75
Negro ... (1) 70.5%, Cases - 744, (2) 19.9%, Cases - 210; (3) 7.1%, Cases - 75
Catholic ... (1) 97.2%, Cases - 1025; (2) 1.6%, Cases - 17; (3) ...% Cases - ...
Protestant ... (1) 98.2%, Cases - 1036; (2) .6%, Cases - 6 (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Jewish ... (1) 95.3%, Cases - 1005; (2) 2.5%, Cases - 26; (3) .9%, Cases - 10
[[Italics]]8. What would be your feelings if you walked up to a window in a BANK and found the TELLER was:[[end italics]]
Italian ... (1) 96.1%, Cases - 1014; (2) 2.7%, Cases - 29; (3) .3%, Cases - 3
Mexican ... (1) 92.6%, Cases 976; (2) 5.1%, Cases - 54; (3) 1.2%, Cases - 13
Negro ... (1) 86.8%, Cases 916; (2) 9.4%, Cases - 99; (3) 3.0%, Cases - 32
Catholic ... (1) 98.7%, Cases - 1042; (2) .9%, Cases 9; (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Protestant ... (1) 99.4%, Cases - 1049; (2) .1%, Cases - 1; (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Jewish ... (1) 97.8%, Cases - 1032; (2) 1.4%, Cases 15; (3) .3%, Cases - 3
[[Italics]]What would be your feelings if you went into a business office and were met by a RECEPTIONIST or a SECRETARY who was: [[end italics]]
Italian ... (1)94.7%, Cases - 999; (2) 3.9%, Cases - 41; (3) .2%, Cases - 2
Mexican ... (1) 90.1%, Cases 950; (2) 6.8%, Cases - 72; (3) 1.2 %, Cases - 13
Negro ... (1) 84.0%, Cases - 886; (2) 11.2%, Cases - 118; (3) 3.5%, Cases - 37
Catholic ... (1) 98.5%, Cases 1039; (2) 1.0 %, Cases - 11, (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Protestant ... (1) 99.0%, Cases - 1045; (2) .4%, Cases - 4; (3) ...%, Cases - ...
Jewish ... (1) 96.9%, Cases - 1023; (2) 2.0%, Cases - 21; (3) .3%, Cases - 3

Saving...

[[Bold subheading]] Would go along. [[end bold subheading]] "This means there is quite a good-sized group which is lethargic and might not be prejudiced but would not do anything about it. [[Bold]]"If employers are encouraged to hire mixed groups of workers, it is this group which might go along with the idea. As it is, we permit a very vocal minority to make policy.[[end bold]] "A man in the restaurant business said he had no particular feelings on the race question himself. He was asked about the possibility of a Negro cashier working in his dining room which would be accept by perhaps 49 customers but would cause objections from the fiftieth. [[Bold subheading]] Italians and Jews. [[End bold subheading]] "He admitted that he might pay more attention to the one, and that the one's protests might outweigh the fact that 49 accepted the Negro cashier." [[bold]]While prejudice as expressed to a much lesser degree against Italian and Jewish people, the poll indicated a somewhat equal prejudice against these two groups.[[end bold]] Mrs. Mallon said some of the persons expressing a prejudice against Italians indicated they felt them to be "inferior people." They were inclined to link them in general, to widely publicized law-breakers of Italian descent. [[Bold subheading]] Cite "Control of Wealth." [[End bold subheading]] Jewish prejudice the interviewers found, was often based on the ancient and oft-disproved storys about "control of the country's wealth." Some persons interviewed frankly said they "would not dislike Jews if they did not act like Jews." Interviewers found a kind of prejudice against Jews which was different from that expressed against Italians. [[bold]]For example, Mrs. Mallon pointed out, the high acceptance of Jews in the jobs listed in the survey seemed to indicate that those interviewed would be rather glad to have Jewish people be content with relatively low-paying jobs, rather than striving for something else.[[end bold]] "Although a high number of those interviewed did not want to be served by Negroes in a restaurant, a meat market or a beauty shop," Mrs. Mallon said, "it is interesting that some want them to have a higher status." [[Bold subheading]] Consider "Cleanliness". [[end bold subheading]] The survey showed that 86.8 per cent would accept a Negro as a bank teller, which many of those interviewed seemed to classify as "white collar." But the percentage dropped to 73.6 when they were asked about service by a Negro in a meat market. [[bold]]In this connection it appeared that those questioned were going back to old ideas about "cleanliness," as a basis for prejudice.[[end bold]] The small percentage of prejudices against Catholics or Protestants, the interviewers found, seemed to be based to a large extent on the idea that "I prefer my own kind." [[Bold subheading]] Governed by Minority. [[end bold subheading]] But prejudices against Catholics, Protestants and Jews were usually clear-cut and definite, while prejudices based seemingly on skin pigmentation were more variable and unpredictable. [[bold]]"The important thing is that we allow ourselves to be governed by an articulate minority," Mrs. Mallon said.[[end bold]] In order to obtain a more accurate index on prejudices, those interviewed were first asked a generalized question. Then more specific questions which would reveal variance and inconsistencies in thinking were asked. [[Bold subheading]] "Ability Only." [[End bold subheading]] The first question was: "Do you believe that people should have equal chances at jobs on the basis of their ability only, or do you feel that race or religion should also have some weight." [[bold]]A total of 968 persons, or 91.7 per cent said "ability only." There were 76 who [[Begin table]] [[bold]]Following is a table showing answers to questions asked on racial and religious prejudice in Des Moines by League of Women Voters members:[[end bold]] - [[italics]]The following questions were answered by one of these three categories:[[end italics]] (1) I don't think I would mind at all. (2) I don't think I would like it but I wouldn't do anything about it. (3) I think I would see to it that the management knew I didn't like it. [[Italics]]1. How would you feel about someone delivering milk or groceries to your home who was:[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 96.7%, Cases - 1021; (2) 2.6%, Cases - 27; (3) .4%, Cases - 4 Mexican ... (1) 91.6%, Cases - 966; (2) 5.9%, Cases - 62; (3) 1.5%, Cases - 16 Negro ... (1) 84.1%, Cases - 886; (2) 11.9%, Cases - 126; (3) 2.8%; Cases - 30 Catholic ... (1) 99.0%, Cases - 1045; (2) .9% Cases - 9; (3) ...% Cases - ... Protestant ... (1) 99.9%, Cases - 1054; (2) ...% Cases ...; (3) ...%, Cases ... Jewish ... (1) 97.6%, Cases 1030; (2) 1.6%, Cases 17; (3) .4%, Cases - 4 [[Italics]]2. How would you feel about one of the following picking up and delivering your LAUNDRY?[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 97.5%, Cases - 1029; (2) 1.7%, Cases 18, (3) .4%, Cases - 4 Mexican ... (1) 94.3%, Cases - 995; (2) 3.8%, Cases - 40; (3) 1.1%, Cases - 12 Negro ... (1) 90.0%, Cases 950; (2) 7.3%, Cases 77; (3) 2.0%, Cases - 21 Catholic ... (1) 98.8%, Cases - 1043; (2) .8%, Cases 8; (3) ...%, Cases ... Protestant ... (1) 99.3%, Cases 1048; (2)..3%, Cases - 3; (3) ...%, Cases - ... Jewish ... (1) 97.7%, Cases - 1031; (2) 1.4%, Cases - 15; (3) .4%, Cases - 4 [[Italics]]3. If you needed a PLUMBER, or a PLASTERER, how would you feel if the firm sent one of the following:[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 94.8%, Cases 1001; (2) 3.8%, Cases - 40; (3) .8%, Cases - 8 Mexican ... (1) 89.5%, Cases 944; (2) 6.9%, Cases 73; (3) 2.3%, Cases 46 Negro ... (1) 83.6%, Cases 882; (2) 10.3%, Cases - 109; (3) 4.4%, Cases 46. Catholic ... (1) 97.9%, Cases 1033; (2) 1.2%, Cases 13. (3) ...%; Cases - ... Protestant ... (1) 99.0%, Cases 1045; (2) .2%, Cases - 2; (3) ...%, Cases - ... Jewish... (1) 96.6%, Cases - 1020; (2) 1.9%, Cases - 20; (3) .6%, Cases - 6. [[Italics]]4. What would be your feelings to have one of the following wait upon you at a RESTAURANT?[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 95.5%, Cases 1008; (2) 3.6%; Cases 38; (3) .4%, Cases - 4 Mexican ... (1) 87.1%, Cases - 919; (2) 9.8%, Cases 103; (3) 1.9%, Cases - 20 Negro ... (1) 80.4%, Cases 848; (2) 15.7%, Cases 166; (3) 3.4%, Cases 36 Catholic ... (1) 98.3%, Cases - 1038; (2) .8%, Cases - 8; (3) .1%, Cases - 1 Protestant ... (1) 99.0%, Cases 1045; (2) .1%, Cases - 1; (3) .1%, Cases - 1 Jewish ... (1) 97.1%, Cases - 1024; (2) 1.4%, Cases - 15; (3) .4%, Cases - 4 [[Italics]]5. What would be your feeling if one of the following waited upon you in a MEAT MARKET?[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 94.3%, Cases - 996; (2) 4.2%, Cases 44; (3) .8%, Cases - 8 Mexican ... (1) 84.3%, Cases 889, (2) 10.6%, Cases - 112; (3) 3.2%, Cases - 34 Negro ... (1) 73.6%, Cases - 776; (2) 18.8%, Cases - 209; (3) 5.1%, Cases 54. Catholic ... (1) 98.2 %, Cases - 1036; (2) .9%, Cases - 10; (3) .1%, Cases - 1 Protestant ... (1) 99.1%, Cases 1046; (2) .3%, Cases - 3; (3) .1%, Cases - 1 Jewish ... (1) 95.7%, Cases 1010; (2) 2.5%, Cases - 26; (3) .7%, Cases - 7 [[Italics]]6. What would be your feeling if one of the following waited upon you in a DEPARTMENT STORE?[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 96.3%, Cases - 1016; (2) 2.9%, Cases - 31; (3) .3%, Cases - 3 Mexican ... (1) 91.7%, Cases - 967; (2) 6.4%, Cases - 67; (3) 1.0%, Cases - 11 Negro ... (1) 85.0%, Cases 897; (2) 12.1%, Cases 128; (3) 2.3%, Cases - 24 Catholic ... (1) 98.8%, Cases 1043; (2) .7%, Cases - 7; (3) .1%, Cases - 1 Jewish ... (1) 97.8%, Cases - 1032; (2) 1.7%, Cases - 18; (3) .2%, Cases - 2 [[Italics]]What would be your feeling to have one of the following wait upon you in a BEAUTY PARLOR?[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 92.4%, Cases 974; (2) 5.1%, Cases - 54; (3) 1.5%, Cases - 16 Mexican ... (1) 82.8%, Cases - 874; (2) 10.7%, Cases - 113; (3) 4.1%, Cases - 75 Negro ... (1) 70.5%, Cases - 744, (2) 19.9%, Cases - 210; (3) 7.1%, Cases - 75 Catholic ... (1) 97.2%, Cases - 1025; (2) 1.6%, Cases - 17; (3) ...% Cases - ... Protestant ... (1) 98.2%, Cases - 1036; (2) .6%, Cases - 6 (3) ...%, Cases - ... Jewish ... (1) 95.3%, Cases - 1005; (2) 2.5%, Cases - 26; (3) .9%, Cases - 10 [[Italics]]8. What would be your feelings if you walked up to a window in a BANK and found the TELLER was:[[end italics]] Italian ... (1) 96.1%, Cases - 1014; (2) 2.7%, Cases - 29; (3) .3%, Cases - 3 Mexican ... (1) 92.6%, Cases 976; (2) 5.1%, Cases - 54; (3) 1.2%, Cases - 13 Negro ... (1) 86.8%, Cases 916; (2) 9.4%, Cases - 99; (3) 3.0%, Cases - 32 Catholic ... (1) 98.7%, Cases - 1042; (2) .9%, Cases 9; (3) ...%, Cases - ... Protestant ... (1) 99.4%, Cases - 1049; (2) .1%, Cases - 1; (3) ...%, Cases - ... Jewish ... (1) 97.8%, Cases - 1032; (2) 1.4%, Cases 15; (3) .3%, Cases - 3 [[Italics]]What would be your feelings if you went into a business office and were met by a RECEPTIONIST or a SECRETARY who was: [[end italics]] Italian ... (1)94.7%, Cases - 999; (2) 3.9%, Cases - 41; (3) .2%, Cases - 2 Mexican ... (1) 90.1%, Cases 950; (2) 6.8%, Cases - 72; (3) 1.2 %, Cases - 13 Negro ... (1) 84.0%, Cases - 886; (2) 11.2%, Cases - 118; (3) 3.5%, Cases - 37 Catholic ... (1) 98.5%, Cases 1039; (2) 1.0 %, Cases - 11, (3) ...%, Cases - ... Protestant ... (1) 99.0%, Cases - 1045; (2) .4%, Cases - 4; (3) ...%, Cases - ... Jewish ... (1) 96.9%, Cases - 1023; (2) 2.0%, Cases - 21; (3) .3%, Cases - 3