I think race is a concept that defines who we are in society. Race is first thing we notice when we look at a person. It is undeniable that we cant see. race. In the United States we use race it to classify a persons group or identity. I think race is a useful way to classify people generally but when ethnicity gets mixed into the race pool it become complicated. For example, some people in the US mistake Chinese or Japanese as a race as they are ethnicities within the Asian race. Race is good to use for US Census data or compiling data polls on various topics. Additionally, race is a good way to classify people within crimes or national security. However, race can be bad when it used to segregate people. During the 1960's the Civil Rights movement took place because Blacks were segregated from whites and were not allowed the same opportunities and rights white people in our country. This caused a social change in our country because then it became a battle of racial class and which race is better. I believe all races are equal and no one is superior. Luckily, Blacks stood up for their rights and fought segregation and the Civil Rights Laws was passed desegregating races. I do not think the Census should not allow people to check multiple races to define them selves because it would mess up data gathering. Additionally, their is an box for mixed race people to check which is other or bi-racial. Therefore, the US Census should not accomodate a box for people mixed with two races or more because it would inaccurately classify the demographics of the US.
-Sir Keithington
This is a very interesting post, as my point of view differs. I don't believe race is a great way to classify people because of years of history behind the labels. Although yes, many people come from different places, calling someone Chinese or Irish has a very different connotation and can be taken the wrong way. I don't think that it would be good for compiling people with grimes or national security. Knowing that there are a certain percentage of Chinese inmates in California isn't beneficial to anyone, it is just a statistic. Ideally I wish to agree that all races are equal and no one is superior, but unfortunately the connotations behind the history say otherwise. I hope we continue to progress and grow a new history to the labels society has.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that it is an undeniable fact that there are different races out there and I also see how having people of mixed races checking multiple boxes would make matters more difficult for the Census Bureau. However, I disagree with race being a useful way to classify people in regards to crime or national security. I don’t think someone’s race has any real factor in whether or not they’ll commit a crime and thus it shouldn’t be taken into account. In addition, someone’s race shouldn’t have much consideration in whether or not they’re a threat to national security. Remember, it’s the individuals who can be dangerous not their race.
ReplyDelete