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When news of the O.J. Simpson verdict was broadcast across the United States, a nation stood divided as blacks and whites reacted differently to the decision. This text supplies the reasons for this division, asserting that racial resentment continues to exist. Despite the belief of many that racial hostility in the United States is on the decline, the authors reveal that racial resentment still remains a powerful determinant of white opinion on such racially-charged issues as welfare, affirmative action, school desegregation and the plight of the inner city. The book analyzes the critical factors that shape people's opinion on race-related issues, uncovering the relative importance of self-interest, group identity and ideological principles, as well as racial animosity. Finally, the authors explore how the racial divide has insinuated itself into the presidential election process and examine the role of political elites in framing racial issues for ordinary citizens.