Racial Categorization

From a discussion group I participate in:

I think it is premature because a rose by any other name is still a rose. Let’s look at an analogy. We use a thermometer to gauge temperature. If we removed the ticks on the thermometer how would we do this. Until, people understand that we perceive to be separate and distinct races is just a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo, discrimination will still occur. And unless we have a gauge to quantify this discrimination I don’t think it will go away.

So then, how much longer should we continue to educate people that “race” is bunk, while preaching to them that they must “racially” identify themselves on paper because the government demands it. That’s hypocrisy.

I disagree. How would you be able to remedy discriminatory behavior based on race, if you didn’t collect statistics on race.

Instead of trying to remedy “discriminatory behavior” with statistics, actually try dealing with discrimination on a case-by-case basis. Statistics, once again, don’t prove discrimination. Discrimination requires intent. Numbers don’t prove intent.

Does white flight ring a bell? You they really have gotten over it? Please!

Not all “white flight” is related to running from “blacks.” I love when people bring up “white flight” as if “racism” is the only reason so-called “white” people moved from inner cities to the suburbs over the last 35 years or so. Some undoubtedly have moved out of racist notions, but on the other hand, some want their own house with a yard and a little distance between their house and their neighbors. Some want to live in a safer area, free of the ramifications of Our National Disgrace, aka The Drug War. I live in a very diverse, suburban area of Northern Virginia. You couldn’t pay me to live in most parts of Washington, DC, however and it is entirely crime-related.

What is majority support? 51, 52%? That is still almost half the people who don’t support it and we all know that depending on the size of the margin of error, that majority “support” may actually be less than fifty percent.

The Zogby poll was 65% in favor of removing “racial” categories from all government forms. I don’t remember the percentages from other polls taken in California and elsewhere. The initiative will be voted on next year and we’ll see the answer clearly then.

I don’t know if I agree with that assertion. Why would they get upset about multi-racial categories vs not having the ability to define themselves as white?

Why would the get upset about people calling themselves multiracial? Because then people who don’t fit the “white” profile would be claiming to be part “white.” Heavens, it might even cause some so-called “white” people to admit they aren’t “racially” pure! Why would they get upset about not being able to define themselves as “white” on the Census? They could still call themselves “white”, only they just wouldn’t be doing it on government forms. There would be no way to regulate the way people identify themselves. Why would people think there would be?

This entry also posted at Yahoo! Groups – Race Debate.

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