The British Social Attitudes survey usually involves interviews with about 3,300 people, chosen at random. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA
Is racial prejudice racism and how do we know if one, the other or either exists? Do we believe that racism persists? Perhaps we are comfortable with the notion that others are racist, but surely not we. If you were called a racist, how would you respond? Likely not well. What if only your actions were questioned; would that make a difference? How about your neighbor, your friend, or family – how do you perceive them to be? Touchy? Tender or trying to come to terms with what is within them selves to see?
The term “racist” is one that evokes ferocious response. Can racism be measured? Can we really gage racial prejudice? What can we tell from a tweet? As mentioned in an earlier essay, measures are rarely if ever complete. People may pose as tolerant and actually they may believe them selves to be. But what is seen in their actions – in our own actions, conscious or not what is it that is revealed? You may wonder who would admit to racial prejudice; we all truly believe we love our brethren.
Yet, frequently we find dichotomies and work to grapple with these differences. Who we are is not in question – all people are beautiful – what we do, that can be a troubling issue. Today, throughout much of the world we have segregated neighborhoods, separate and unequal schools. Cities are gentrified; people are priced out of their homes. We might say communities were saved, or that, of course, people gravitate to those who are similar to them selves. And this may be true, just as other possibilities might also exist. Huh? What possibilities?
Our attitudes often remain hidden. Only at times do we allow ourselves to see. An overt statement. A covert belief. None of us wishes to think that we might be prejudice. To be called a racist would jar our senses. To assess our selves, that is the tale never fully told. We can only measure and muse….

Racism in the UK: Can We Really Measure Racial Prejudice?
You may wonder who would admit to racial prejudice. Here is how the BSA arrived at its figures, and what they show

By Alison Park | Originally Published at Guardian. May 27, 2014
The British Social Attitudes survey usually involves interviews with about 3,300 people, chosen at random. Photograph: Fiona Hanson/PA
The Guardian has reported new data from the British Social Attitudes survey showing that three in 10 empathyeducates – Can We Really Measure Racial Prejudice?: