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'Negro' Box on 2010 Census Raises Ire

Government contends older blacks use the term

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2010 1:37 PM CST

(Newser) – Census respondents this year can identify themselves as “black, African-Am. or Negro,” which does not sit well with some black Americans. “It’s a bad vibe word,” a man tells the New York Daily News of the Negro identification. “Doesn’t agree with my heart.” A Census Bureau spokesman says it’s just in the interest of better counting minorities. “Many older African-Americans identified themselves that way, and many still do.”

“Those who identify themselves as Negroes need to be included,” the spokesman continues. Opponents aren’t convinced. “I don't think my ancestors would appreciate it in 2010,” one says. “I don't want my grandchildren being called Negroes.” The word has appeared before on Census forms, and Congress has approved the language. Still, one potential respondent says, “it’s definitely unnecessary in this day and age.”

A screenshot of the Census form
A screenshot of the Census form   (US Census)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 92 comments
riffran
Jan 9, 2010 8:50 AM CST
speaking of "negro"...I have a six pack of Modello Negro in the fridge....awaiting on the carnitas to get done...and a habenero based pico de gallo to wet the ole pallette'
flightofphoenix1973
Jan 7, 2010 12:33 PM CST
Wow some people on here are ignorant!!
paul123
Jan 7, 2010 12:32 PM CST
Fondue: So just why haven't the dem's tried to change it either? Don't try to hang this on any one group, it doesn't work: http://jeffreyricker.files.wor...

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