Final answer:
The correct term for negative feelings about Blacks held by Americans, despite a conscious belief in racial equality, is 'racial bias'. This is a form of implicit bias that can influence actions contrary to one's expressed beliefs, contributing to structural racism and reinforcing stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflicting, often nonconscious, negative feelings about Blacks that Americans may have, even though most support principles of racial equality and do not knowingly discriminate, can be best described as racial bias (option A). These attitudes are referred to as implicit biases, which are unconscious associations or stereotypes that can influence behavior in a manner inconsistent with one's conscious beliefs. For instance, although society largely opposes racism, implicit bias can manifest in various aspects of life, like within the educational system where unconscious stereotypes may lead to students of color being disproportionately placed in lower track classes. This perpetuates a cycle of structural racism and reinforces negative associations.
It is imperative to distinguish between the different concepts mentioned in the options provided. Terms like ethnocentrism refer to the belief that one's own culture is superior to others, and xenophobia is characterized as an irrational fear or hatred of other cultures or foreigners. These attitudes can lead to social injustices, and an understanding of their definitions and implications is crucial in addressing racial and cultural biases.