Caitlyn Jenner has seemingly been welcomed into the world with open, inviting arms. The media and the general American public have opened their minds and their hearts to a woman many now consider something of a pioneer where gender identity, gender reassignment and gender equality are concerned. Jenner's story of self-exploration is set to be covered in-depth via a documentary series titled "I Am Cait," which will debut July 26.
Only, a recent poll suggests that Jenner may not be as widely and readily accepted as appearances would have you believe.
E-Score, a product of E-Poll Market Research, is a survey of 1,100 random individuals with "general representation" across demographics of income, age, education and geographic location. According to a recent E-Score survey, Jenner's standing amongst the general U.S. populace can be termed, "ambivalent." Per the survey, most hold a negative or undecided opinion of her -Jenner is liked by 23 percent of the people surveyed, while 34 percent dislike her.
The average television personality garners a 51 percent like and four percent dislike.
Unsurprisingly, it seems that there is a significant difference in opinion where Jenner is concerned when it comes to age, with 37 percent of Americans age 13 to 24 liking her and only 19 percent of Americans age 25 to 54 holding a favorable view.
"Based on respondent comments, many people are not sure about Caitlyn's motives for the show given her recent history as a reality star," says Gerry Philpott, CEO of E-Poll Market Research, via email. "They will be looking to see if she is exploiting the transition for publicity and money, or is sincere in her efforts to present transgender issues."
The E-Score poll even tracked the change in public perception between Caitlyn and Bruce Jenner. Bruce's general awareness was at 64 percent, whereas Caitlyn's is now just 58 percent.
Perhaps most indicative of just how Jenner's public standing has changed is the fact that her positive appeal has risen from 19 percent to 23 percent at the same time as her negative appeal also rose from 24 percent to 34 percent, meaning she is now an incredibly divisive figure.
