DISCLAIMER -- I'm not saying the US is a racist nation. It just struck me because you don't do that in Italy when you apply to College, or a job, or the equivalent of a SSN.
The USA are a democracy, aren't they? So, all citizens are equal. Who cares if you are White/Caucasian, African American, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, African, Middle Eastern, or Other? How can Americans allow and accept this?
I'm posting this in the FIFA World Cup section because racial debate is one of the favorite subjects here ;-)
2006-07-12 05:36:58 · 17 answers · asked by thecatphotographer 5 in Sports ➔ Football ➔ FIFA World Cup (TM)
It's for demographics. It is optional - it can't be made a legal requirement that you answer those questions. However, it is rarely stated on the forms that it is optional, and depending upon what form you are filling out and who is processing it, they may say you have to, however, you can refuse to fill that info out, and they still have to process the form.
There are some programs (like for grants to American Indians) where not providing that information will result in your application being denied, but that is more a requirement of the program than it is the form.
I don't think Congress has changed the law yet, but providing your SSN on those forms is supposed to be optional as well - read the Privacy Act Notice that is on the form (BTW, don't EVER put your SSN on a US Govt form that doesn't include the Privacy Act Notice). However, typical government - not putting your SSN on will certainly cause the form to be rejected, despite the fact it is supposed to be optional as well (or at least it was during my Navy years).
2006-07-12 05:46:28 · answer #1 · answered by Chris H 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Primarily for statistical purposes. How can you know if there is disparity between services and opportunities afforded all if you don't have some idea of what groups are being represented. It is not racist to ask someone about their face; it is racism to discriminate against them based on the information received. Moreover, to completely deny or ignore that there are any differences also denies all the possibility of learning more about other races and cultures. Used properly, it creates a deeper understanding and a greater respect for all. Yes, there will always be those sickos who do not value cultural diversity but its like the old saying goes...do you throw the baby out with the bathwater... No, you deal with the bad and embrace the good.
2006-07-12 05:45:42 · answer #2 · answered by Sonie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's because the US has become a nation of "entitlement" where many minorities rely on government hand-outs, programs and preferential treatment rather than education, hard work and self-reliance.
The once great programs of giving the "underprivileged" a helping-hand have created an entire class of ghetto-dwelling parasites who are completely dependent on the Nanny government to provide for them and their families.
I'm mostly white European by race but I always check "Native American"
2006-07-12 05:44:56 · answer #3 · answered by DJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-01 22:19:44 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The government requires allot of places to literally "screen" to try to keep it "even" Now whether or not this is done that remains to be seen. I think this is a way for companies to say "see look we have other minorities applying" but their not necessarily hiring them. Your right is should not make a difference, but as you know it does.
2006-07-12 05:45:38 · answer #5 · answered by Barbie doll lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most forms I see that ask you to state your race also say that it is optional for you to do so. I always assumed it was some kind of way to track what races applied for certain services or whatever the application is for.
2006-07-12 05:41:10 · answer #6 · answered by startwinkle05 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the US you say? Have you filled forms in other countries, everywhere you go and fill up a form, there's this little box which asks, Race.
So what's the big deal, if you're Arab, you're Arab, if you're Caucasian, you're Caucasian, if you're Indian, you're Indian and so on.
Be proud of your race, and be proud to statte it.
2006-07-12 05:53:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The race section of the forms are always optional however they rarely tell you that fact.
2006-07-12 05:40:23 · answer #8 · answered by stevieg639 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree it's probably for demographic survey...in Italy it really wasn't necessary because unlike Canada and the US it is not really an immigrant counrty.
2006-07-12 05:41:22 · answer #9 · answered by fragolina7979 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because some "minorities" get preferential treatment here. All citizens here are NOT equal at all.
2006-07-12 05:40:49 · answer #10 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋