Q2

Q: You may want to reread the section on race and identity in this chapter.  What is race?  Is race a useful way to classify people?  Why or why not?  Do you think the Census Bureau should allow people to check multiple races to define themselves?

Ans: Race is defined as a "primary aspect of personal identity" in the textbook. On dictionary.com race is defined as: a group of persons related by a common decent or heredity. Basically, the linage of people who share similar physical and also genetic characteristics. I do not think that race should be the primary way to identify a group of people as described in the textbook, but it definitely should not be done away with. In the current year of 2012, if we look around the streets in San Jose we see a mixture of people. Although it is not common in other cities and states to see such a wide variety the bay area is a pretty good representation of the future. There are a lot of interracial marriages and relationships as we speak; however, many still choose to stay within their own linage because of family demands or the ability to share a common culture. Those that are more traditional in their own culture at home, such as Japanese, may, most likely than not, have clashing cultures with the traditional Americans. When a couple share different backgrounds it is hard to find enough common ground to last a long lasting marriage. BUT, the child which they create, the "hybrids", are a mixture of the two extreme races. They essentially are creating a new "breed" or generation. (These may not be the best choice of words, but I think it makes the most sense to use these words. Sorry if they have offended you.) With this mixing of the races we reduce racism by not being able to label a particular person "Asian" or "White" or "Black" when filling out forms. At the current state where there are still some extremists who stay within their own "race", I think that the Census Bureau should allow people to check multiple races.