Census or Privacy invasion

[RoadToad]

The race questions are the only ones that I find in the least objectionable, and even those, if there's a compelling reason for the government to need the information, I have no problem with answering. So I searched around, and the clearest explanation I can find is this from http://2010.census.gov/partners/pdf/ConstituentFAQ.pdf


18. Why does the Census Bureau ask about race and Hispanic origin?
The Census Bureau collects race data in accordance with guidelines provided by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and these data are based on self-identification. The racial categories included in the census form generally reflect a social definition of race recognized in this country, and are not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically or genetically. In addition, it is recognized that the categories of the race item include racial and national origin or socio-cultural groups. People may choose to report more than one race to indicate their racial mixture, such as “American Indian and White.” People who identify their origin as Hispanic, Latino or Spanish may be of any race. In addition, it is recognized that the categories of the race item include both racial and national origin or socio-cultural groups. You may choose more than one race category.
Information on race is required for many federal programs and is critical in making policy decisions, particularly for civil rights. States use these data to meet legislative redistricting principles. Race data also are used to promote equal employment opportunities and to assess racial disparities in health and environmental risks.

I'm still not totally convinced, but on the other hand, I really don't see any downside to answering the questions. I don't see where this information could be used for any purpose that does anybody any harm, so I'm going to go ahead and answer the whole questionnaire.

[Tyme2fish]

Roadtoad quote."I'm still not totally convinced, but on the other hand, I really don't see any downside to answering the questions. I don't see where this information could be used for any purpose that does anybody any harm, so I'm going to go ahead and answer the whole questionnaire. "

That's one small step for a census taker, one giant leap for government intrusion.

[RoadToad]

That's one small step for a census taker, one giant leap for government intrusion.

Maybe so, but that's a "giant leap" that took place in 1800, the first time the census asked for your race. The very first census, in 1790, classified people as "free white males, free white females, or slaves."
http://www.us-census.org/help/questions.html

Looks to me like the censuses from the 19th Century, starting with 1840, were the most intrusive of all.

[redneckshadrap]

What I do or don't do is really no one's friggin business. When the Census person comes to my house here's what they'll get told. There's 3 people living here...have a nice day. If they persist they'll get escorted to the end of the driveway...

Those that don't like it can stick it!

[roadrunner]

I think you mean RACE questions, not RACISM.

"State governmemts use the data to determine congressional, state, and local voting districts. Race data are also used to assess fairness of employment practices, to monitor disparities in charateristices such as health and education and to plan and obtain funds for public services."

It only becomes racism when it is used to determine fairness of employment practise,( I thought we got rid of quotas) to monitor dispararities in charateristices such as health and education and to obtain funds for public services. Come on why are people of different races treated different we should all be treated the same and no one needs to know what race you are unless you plan to treat different races different which is racism.

[HURRICANEBOB]

Color/Race <> qualified
Color/Race <> unqualified

Employment fairness? Add more data elements in an effort to determine fairness.
- Education level
- Years experience
- Criminal record or lack thereof
- IQ
- Writing ability as demonstrated on resume
-THEN add in race including white
- and compare to levels of employment within age groups and by industry (92 year old white males with Doctor's degrees do poorly in Professional Football Hiring circles)

After that analysis, save a detailed documented complaint, all you have is a considered declaration of "what is", without a true cause and effect relationship. Numbers can never truely disclose intent. Numbers can create perceptions. But not motivations. Racism is motivated.

Lasalle Univer, 1976, Soci0logy and Social Statistics.
Secondary degree more recently in "Good KY Bourbon".

[HURRICANEBOB]

Color/Race <> qualified
Color/Race <> unqualified

Employment fairness? Add more data elements in an effort to determine fairness.
- Education level
- Years experience
- Criminal record or lack thereof
- IQ
- Writing ability as demonstrated on resume
-THEN add in race including white
- and compare to levels of employment within age groups and by industry (92 year old white males with Doctor's degrees do poorly in Professional Football Hiring circles)

After that analysis, save a detailed documented complaint, all you have is a considered declaration of "what is", without a true cause and effect relationship. Numbers can never truely disclose intent. Numbers can create perceptions. But not motivations. Racism is motivated.

Lasalle Univer, 1976, Soci0logy and Social Statistics.
Secondary degree more recently in "Good KY Bourbon".

Robert......BRILLIANT.......Have another Guinness mate!

[HURRICANEBOB]

Q: What kind of answers do you expect to get at houses of prostitution?
A: Well, if they are full time residents, they will be counted. If they rent, they will be counted. If they are only visiting, then they will be counted at their permanent home address. Please provide me a list of all such establishments and I'll be sure to volunteer to survey those locations and report back to you. Dangerous job, someone HAS to do it.

Q: How are you going to round up homeless people to get their information?
A: Census folks literally will be checking homeless shelters, and alleys, and under the overpasses. I'd recommend people not become homeless to avoid answering the Census. (See US Constitution Article 1 Part 2, and USC Title 13)

Q: How do you handle forms at homes where they can't read and write?
A: We ask the questions, and write down their responses, or ask if another family member is available to do so for them.

Q: Can I answer the questions in sign language?
A: Yes, in fact, the Census even has a Census form totally in braile. Can you imaging someone responding in Chinese sign language? That might take a little time to figure out.

Q: On the question where they ask my race, can I answer "Heinz 57?"
A: Yes, so long as that is true, and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

Q: What will you do if you have to take census at Ugly Cheryl's house and she answers the door dressed in her usual attire...naked?
A: We ask the questions more quickly than at the location in question 1.

Q: Why do they need to know if people have a mortgage on their houses (I don't)? I haven't read anything that said the government will make their payments for them.
A: I agree the government won't make your house payment. They want to know as it is indicative at state and federal levels as to how much money should be allocated to things like home mortgage programs and incentives, as well as to home building grants and low interest builders loans.

Q:I know you will enjoy your new job; you may want to practice "Duck and run."
A: I have been married for 29 years. That experience qualified me for the "duck and run" questions on the eligibility test.

But other than that, how are we doing?