North Carolinians say they're not biased -- but their neighbors are

[DeepModem Mom]

LAT: North Carolinians aren't biased; just ask 'em

A delicious dispatch from the "I'm perfect, you're not" view-of-the-universe department. As a prelude to North Carolina's May 6 Democratic presidential primary, state voters recently were asked about prejudices. As related by the Raleigh News & Observer, here's what the poll found:

* A whoppingly large number -- 91% -- said race would not affect their political decisions -- but 54% said they knew someone who would not cast a ballot for a black.

* A candidate's gender, 79% said, would make no difference to them -- but 63% said they knew someone who would not vote for a woman.

The survey by Elon University also looked ahead to the fall election that will feature Republican John McCain trying to become the oldest person elected to a first presidential term. No problem, 66% said, age would not be a factor in their vote -- but 44% said they knew someone who would not support someone they viewed as "too old."

Nice to know there are so many open-minded folks in the Tar Heel State. Too bad about so many of their neighbors, though.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/04/north-carolinia.html

[lisa58]

1. I hate to admit it, but that's what they say in NJ too

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Probably everywhere! I was glad this piece, though in the LAT, came from N.C. nt

[aquart]

3. Everybody thinks their neighbor is an idiot.

When we first opened our American handcrafts store, people who came in to Oooh and Aahhh were very excited and extremely dubious about our potential success because they didn't feel their neighbors and the local community would appreciate what we offered.

We were there 20 years. And when we told our customers we were leaving, they begged us to stay.

So it's nothing to do with politics. People just think they're smarter than the people around them.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Interesting point! Human nature, I guess. nt

[flakey_foont]

5. is this supposed to be a slam on NC?

I live here, and I and most people I know, would not make a voting decision based on race, gender or age, yet, I actually do know people that would...........and I would think that the results of this survey would not be much different were it taken in other states. I have also lived in Pennsylvania and from my experiences, there is as much racism there as in NC. Just my opinion

[DeepModem Mom]

6. As I said upthread, although printed in the LA Times, the info came from Raleigh.

I wouldn't have posted it otherwise because as I said upthread, I think results would be similar anywhere.

[flakey_foont]

7. not you personally

the LA Times article............I did read your comments.

[DeepModem Mom]

8. I guess N.C. is "under the microscope" with the primary coming up...

but, you're right, I don't recall a similar poll in other primary states.