ABSTRACT
What is race? The United States Census Bureau census form asks people to self-identify, offering a choice of 15 boxes to check, beginning with White, Black, American Indian, followed by an additional 11 (one of which is Filipino; another is Guamanian or Chamorro), and concluding with one labeled Some Other Race. None of the 15 offers a choice of Hispanic, Latino, or any other accepted term used by US residents whose ethnic heritage links them to countries in Central or South America. Odd, given the preoccupation both political parties show toward this ethnic group. Although the lack of a Latino box is puzzling, it is apparent that the Census Bureau is treading lightly here, hoping to avoid offending anyone. And, Hispanics tend to self-identify as white. As we know all too well, race can be a very contentious matter. The general, and reasonable, assumption is that genetic differences underlie race.
