Posted by
Marked in Pgh on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 3:50:14 PM
Question 8 is on Hispanic origins, 9 is race. The note to both states "For this census, Hispanic origins are not races." Then why ask? Are they looking for specificity about something that is not at all specific? Is this another example of political correctness? Of designating a difference that does not exist?
In the original census of 1790 only descent was differentiated. Twelve percent of the polulation of 3,900,000 were already of German descent, because of the influx of German settlers seeking religious freedom and new land in places like Pennsylvania. Eight percent of those counted were of Dutch descent and a smaller percentage were of Swedish and Finnish descent, reflecting the descendents of the former colonies of New Netherlands and New Sweden.
In the 2010 Census there are no designations for the majority, beyond white or Spanish, because the majority are not part of any official, oppressed minorities and group politics and identity. Designated minorities are further broken down by nationalities; but do not designate Aleutians and Eskimos, Ainus, Tasmanians, Bushmen, East Timorians, Papuans, remnant Homo Erectus Hobbits, Elves, etc.
The most absurd thing about the 2010 Census is when it has to be sent back to the bureaucrats, that is, April 1. I may send it in on time. The question is, who are the real fools on April 1, the people or the government?