For many Americans, though not quite a majority in the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, Islam is a problem. These Americans see Islam as a religion that is more likely than others to encourage violence, and view it unfavorably. And-- like Republican Rep. Peter King, who held Congressional hearings on American Muslim extremism last week-- a majority of Americans think Muslim-Americans should be doing more to discourage extremism.
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Republicans and Democrats agree with this, though there is far more agreement from Republicans. And among those who identify with the Tea Party, 88% want Muslim Americans to do more.
There also are large party differences when it comes to linking Islam with violence. Just 24% of Democrats believe Islam is more likely to encourage violence than other religions, while 74% of Republicans do. Overall, 41% say Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence.
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A majority of Republicans view Arab-Americans as less patriotic than other Americans; Democrats disagree. But both parties agree that there is at least a fair amount of discrimination against Arab-Americans, and more see discrimination against Arab-Americans than see it against Asian-Americans, African-Americans and Mexican-Americans.
And while 47% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Islam today, that is lower than the percentage who felt that way last year. Then majorities held unfavorable views of the religion.
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When Americans express opinions about Islam, it may be based on limited knowledge of the religion. And many Americans admit to little knowledge. Just 12% say they know a great deal about the religion.
Image source: flickr ( davehighbury )