I’ve seen and commented on this before, but it is still wild to me.
It explains so much about the collective mentality that Americans in almost exclusively in majority groups (white, Christian), and why they constantly feel under seige. They have been convinced that while they are unlikely to meet a Muslim, Jewish person, or trans person, there is the secret huge population of them (obviously all hiding in NYC) ready to come invade their church in their town.
Actual percentages:
Trans: <1%
Muslim: 1%
Jewish: 2%
Black: 12%
Live in NYC: 2%
Lesbian, gay, or bisexual: 4%
In addition, Americans believe 20% of the population make $1 million or more a year (actually >1%). Americans also think that 30% live in Texas and 32% live in California, meaning to the average American, 92% of the country live in 1 of 3 places.
Meanwhile, Americans tend to underestimate the size of majority groups (estimate in blue, actual in red)
