The recent reclassification of race and ethnicity groups by the federal government has been met with mixed reactions, with some communities feeling that they are not accurately represented in the official numbers. Hmong, Armenian, Black Arab, and Brazilian communities in the U.S. have voiced concerns about the changes, citing issues related to identity, government funding, political power, and health implications. The revisions, which were widely applauded, have created a tension between how these groups identify themselves and how they are classified by the government.
The Hmong community, known for their participation in the “secret war” during the Vietnam War, feels strongly that they should be classified as Southeast Asian due to their history and ancestral ties. However, the U.S. Census Bureau categorized them as East Asian after the 2020 census, causing frustration among many Hmong Americans. This classification not only hurts their sense of identity but also has practical implications, as it could hide socioeconomic disparities between Hmong and other Asian households that need to be addressed. The Census Bureau has stated that they are working with the Hmong community to improve their classification.
The revised race and ethnicity standards also introduced a new category, Middle Eastern or North African (MENA), but some groups were left out, such as Black Arabs and Armenians. The omission of these backgrounds has raised concerns among the communities, with Armenians feeling that their exclusion poses an existential threat to their culture and identity. The lack of a separate category for Armenians could lead to undercounting and reduced political power in areas with large Armenian populations. Correct identification in data is crucial for various purposes, including redrawing political districts, accessing government funds, and tailoring health campaigns for specific communities.
A coding error in a Census Bureau survey last year revealed that a significant number of Brazilians in the U.S. identify as Hispanic or Latino. This insight shed light on the complexity of racial and ethnic identities among Brazilians and highlighted the need for accurate data collection to capture the diversity within these communities. The misclassification of Brazilians and Haitians as not Hispanic or Latino overlooks the presence of Afro-Latinos and contributes to their marginalization and statistical invisibility in the U.S. Some experts have called for better data collection practices to ensure that all groups are accurately represented in government statistics and policies.
The impact of correct categorization extends beyond identity to practical matters such as government funding distribution, political representation, and public health initiatives. For communities like the Hmong, Armenians, Black Arabs, and Brazilians, being accurately represented in official data is essential for advocating for their needs and addressing disparities within their populations. The ongoing dialogue between these communities and the federal government highlights the importance of listening to diverse voices and ensuring that the classification system reflects the reality of America’s multicultural society.
