– Armenians and Hmong feeling underrepresented in US race and ethnicity categories
– Dissatisfaction with US race and ethnicity categories among Armenians, Hmong, and other groups.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : The recent reclassification of race and ethnicity groups by the federal government has sparked controversy among various communities in the United States. While the revisions were intended to better capture the diversity of the nation, some groups feel that they are not accurately represented in the official numbers.
Hmong, Armenian, Black Arab, and Brazilian communities have raised concerns about the changes, stating that the new classifications do not align with how they identify themselves. The issue goes beyond mere semantics, as it can have significant implications for issues such as government funding distribution, political power, and even healthcare access.
The Office of Management and Budget, which oversaw the revisions, conducted numerous “listening sessions” with advocacy groups, academics, and the public. Despite these efforts, certain communities still feel that their voices are not being heard.
One group that has been particularly vocal about the reclassification is the Hmong community. Historically, the Hmong people played a significant role in the Vietnam War, with many fighting alongside the U.S. military. However, after the 2020 census, the Census Bureau categorized them as East Asian, a classification that many in the community find inaccurate and hurtful.
The omission of Black Arabs and Armenians from the new Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) category has also raised concerns. For Armenian Americans, not having their own category could have far-reaching consequences, impacting everything from political representation to healthcare access.
Furthermore, a coding error in a recent Census Bureau survey revealed that a significant number of Brazilians in the U.S. identify as Hispanic or Latino. This oversight has highlighted the need for more inclusive data collection methods that accurately reflect the diversity of the population.
In conclusion, the recent reclassification of race and ethnicity groups by the federal government has sparked a crucial conversation about identity, representation, and the importance of accurate data collection. It is essential for policymakers to listen to the concerns of marginalized communities and work towards more inclusive and equitable classification systems..
1. Armenians and Hmong feel US race and ethnicity categories are not inclusive
2. Other groups in the US feel misrepresented by race and ethnicity categories.
