There may well be distinct differences in how this question might be answered based upon the age of the respondent. How neanderthals are represented or percieved both publicly and in the scientific literature has changed over the decades. So while 20 or 30 years ago you might have been given an impression of an ape-man, and possibly a violent one just think of how 'neanderthal' is used as a dergoatory term, now the representation is more of a parrallel lineage of man with a developing culture, and often one represented as having been victimised and driven to extinction by anatomically modern man.
This hasn't been due to overcomng of some hidden evolutionist agenda, simply due to the continual accummulation of more evidence about neanderthal society and anatomy.
TTFN,
WK
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