Apparently using Negro is still OK in the 21st century.
The Census is using Negro as a category. Imagine going door to door and asking a black family, “Do you consider yourself asian, latino, white or negro?” Would a door slam suffice as a proper response to an outdated and offensive term? Perhaps a replacement of black or African American on the Census would be more productive.
Despite living in modern and progressive times with our first black president, I guess progress needs to include a team effort. Any sociologists or culturally and race-sensitive folks in the house?
I suppose even if these people aren’t around, there’s always common sense. According to a friend of mine who works in the census, “ I’m not going to use negro. I’m going to ask if you are black or African American and I’m sure other people will know better to do the same.”
Not too sure about that, especially since it appears are still confused about the differences between race, ethnicity and nationality. When people are still asking, “Why is latino considered an ethnicity?” a crinkled forehead might just be the only appropriate response one can muster without feeling a pitiful dread of America’s doom.
If this kind of ignorance continues to circulate, we shouldn’t be surprised when laws are made targeting certain groups.
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