Attitudes of Blacks and Whites Toward Native American Revolutionary Tactics for Social Change

Abstract

Seventy-five male Blacks and Whites in New York City responded to a questionnaire concerning the militant Native American seizure of Wounded Knee, South Dakota while the events were occurring. Despite extensive news coverage, subjects had little specific knowledge of the Native Americans' demands. Younger people and Blacks had more favorable attitudes toward the militants and their tactics. Poorer Whites also favored militant tactics. Wealthier Whites placed more blame on the government. Little good was expected to come from militant tactics, but younger Whites expected more favorable outcomes for the militants themselves, and there was a tendency to predict more favorable outcomes for the militants when the investigator was Black. Revolutionary tactics may not be expected to alter economic conditions yet may be espoused for their psychological impact on alienated members of the society.