DENVER – They are optimistic about their finances and health care, but concerned about racism and violence, according to a new survey of Hispanic-Americans from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Sylvia Manzano is principal with Latino Decisions, the firm that conducted the survey, entitled “The State of the Latino Family 2014.” She says 1 in 2 people reported their personal finances have improved in the past five years.
“Even though more than half of Hispanics earn less than $40,000 a year, we still see a very bright and forward-looking sort of attitude,” Manzano said.
The poll, according to Manzano, shows 3 out of 4 Hispanic-Americans described themselves as “optimistic” or “very optimistic” about the future of their finances. She adds a majority feels access to affordable health care, education and equal opportunity has improved in the past five years. However, a majority also said racism toward Hispanics, crime and violence, and affordable housing all have gotten worse.
Gonzalo Palza, executive director at Centro de la Familia de Utah, says a lack of education seems to be at the root of racism.
“Very strong patriotic feelings,” says Palza. “To the point of being bunker-minded with immigrants, and especially at the border, is to me a reflection of poor education and being very poorly informed.”
Palza says greater efforts to educate people about immigrants, and others who are not like them, may help to diminish racist views. According to the survey, a large majority, 84 percent, believe police are there to protect them and their family.
