The "Other" Side

In college and any other application, form, or survey that I have ever filled out I had always checked the "other," box when it came to the race question. I knew I wasn't white, and I was not black so since there was no alternate except for Asian, American Indian, or Alaskan native there was obviously no alternative but that other box.

While checking that box a strange thought came to me-well if I am not white, black, or any other choice that was given then I am an "Other." That was strange to me. Not strange in the sense that I did not know where I stood because, I knew I was well...Tan. And that may be silly to some but, so were the 5 classifications of race on the census to me. And I was okay being a Tan Man. But the question was how did the Government see me now that I am checking the other box? And if others were checking the white box then what did I know and feel that they did not? That was the troubling part.

Not Alone
To my relief, statistically , more and more Hispanics are checking the "other," box; not seeing themselves as white or black but, some other race. In 1980, 58% Hispanics checked white, '90-52%, an in '00-48%. The "other," box was used exclusively by Latinos-97%!!!

It is a movement of pride that Latinos now identify themselves uniquely and no longer accept the labels that are given to them. As we question and shed age long concepts the Census Bureau is now forced to revisit their classification of Latinos because of our emerging shift in thought.

Opponents
Some believe that such data collection is counter productive. And that was the point of Proposition 54 in California. How else will we know what is out there? How else will we know the needs of school systems or other government or local groups? Those who invented Proposition 54 want to bring it back for a second run. My only comment would be to find a better solution before getting rid of something that has value.

Waking up
More and more the view on Latinos are changing and this data now shows it is not because of how others view us but, how we are starting to view ourselves. The Census shows something solid now for all those that said it "demilitarizes," race. It shows how Latinos across the U.S., are thinking more of one mind and are taking pride in their culture and identity. Of how stereotypes are no longer accepted, and we would rather be an "other," if not our own.