Earlier this year when I learned that the Census Bureau included the classification of “Negro” on the 2010 census form I didn’t think it was a big deal but ironically I do now.
If you know me, then you know that I hate the term African American with a passion & that I consider myself to be Negro, Black or an African caught up in America.
What is an African American anyway? No, I won’t go there now. Not in the mood…
So anyway, when I got my census form the other day. I was turned off with the mandatory completion statement on the envelope & was ready to toss that bitch. Why is the census mandatory but voting is optional? What kind of mess is that? I’m just saying.
Then I open it up today to see the Negro classification & all of the other information they are attempting to collect & I’m like no! I’m too busy!
Why can’t this be submitted online? They had 10 years to prepare since the last one to plan? I’m so tempted to get a little chicken grease on it before sending it in.
The way I see things, Negroes shouldn’t have to complete this shit until we get the 40 acres & mule that was promised to our ancestors. Just saying!
I guess I will rest my militant Negro ways to avoid harassment by our government. And I really don’t want a census worker coming to my house cause I’d hate to pull a “Silence of the Lambs” move!
“A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.” ~ Hannibal Lector
If you’re planning on being militant & not sending your form in just know the following:
– The census response is required by law according to Title 13 section 221 of the United States Code.
– A fine of up to $5,000 can be imposed for failure to respond to the census
And yes, I know that I’m somewhat contradicting myself with my racial identification preference but that’s how I do.
Cynthia / March 19, 2010
Hello,
I am a new reader since following your blog through another. I never really understood why we have to classify with the term “African American” Since Black people fall under a number of different races. My family for example – My mother is1/2 Black Cuban/Puerto Rican, my son is 1/2 Haitian Creole, and 1/2 me. All of which have derived from Africa at some point, but have formed its own colonies/nations since. The cultures and languages are so different yet to the eye we are still black, simple as that. So why must it be so Taboo so controversial? I rarely or almost never heard of a white person being called an “England American” or “Irish American” yet, this classification is short and simple. So I vote we simplify these stupid Censuses and narrow it down to only 5 open Categories: 1. Black, 2.White, 3.Asian, 4.Indian, and 5. all of the above, so I don’t have to check all those damn boxes for my son who is of: Haitian, French, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Chinese, Spaniard and Filipino Decent. I know a mouthful right? But in my opinion a Census is Senseless since we are fast becoming a melting pot society.
mofunk / March 19, 2010
Awhile back my family and I had a big laugh. We were talking about the subject of being called African American. It’s funny because from our parents to now our ethic has been changed 4-5 times. Negro Black, Afro, Black American, African American. LOL On our birth certificates each one of us had something different. It’s said to think how shallow America was back then and still cannot correct or foresee the problems they created from being gready.
@colourgurl / March 20, 2010
So, I know how my people moved from Nigger to Negro. But how did we go from Negro to Black to African American all in what, 20 years? Seems we were only Black during the 70s. Maybe the question warrants more than a Google answer, but I suppose I can start there.
Tafari / March 22, 2010
Thx so much for the insightful comments! This is such a shifting subject based on age/generation & socio economic status.
Yesterday, I spent some time with my momma & we discussed the topic of racial term preference. During our conversation, she told me that she preferred to be called colored because that was the listing on her birth certificate.
My how times change!