Blacks Have More Faith in American Dream Than Others

Despite facing numerous obstacles, black Americans as a group believe in the “American dream” more than Hispanics and whites, a new poll shows.

The Kaiser Family Foundation/CNN survey on race in America, which was released Tuesday, found that blacks were more likely than whites and Hispanics to say that achieving the American dream is easier for them than it was for their parents.

Blacks were also least likely to say that achieving the American dream is harder for them than for their parents. On the other hand, whites were the most likely to say that achieving the American dream is more difficult now.

Specifically, the survey found:

• Blacks: 55 percent said the American dream is easier for them than their parents; 36 percent said it’s harder.
• Hispanics: 52 percent said it’s easier; 42 percent said it’s harder.
• Whites: 35 percent said it’s easier; 56 percent said it’s harder.

Despite these results, the survey found that blacks report more financial and social challenges.

For example, the survey conducted from Aug. 25 to Oct. 3 found that blacks were most likely to say:

• They are dissatisfied with their personal financial situation.
• The average black person is worse off than the average white person (in terms of housing, income and education).
• They have experienced certain types of racial discrimination, like being denied a job or housing or being prevented from voting.
• They have at some point been afraid their life was in danger because of their racial or ethnic background.

CNN Money takes for example Breionne Carter, 22, of Pflugerville, Texas.

She is strapped for cash, works in fast food and does not have a car. But she recently moved on to a full-time job with benefits at Dairy Queen with hopes of promotion and plans to go to community college when she is financially settled.

Carter also tells CNN that she believes she can accomplish any goal she sets:

“The world is changing. I face less discrimination. I have the opportunity to do things [my mom] couldn’t do.”

How do you feel about the American dream? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook.