(Jewish Group) A census question poses a dilemma for American Jews

[Behind the Aegis]

(THIS IS THE JEWISH GROUP! RESPECT!!)

A census question poses a dilemma for American Jews — are you white, and if so, what are your ‘origins’?

It’s the ninth question on the census, and for many Jewish respondents, it’s a surprising — and sometimes unwelcome — invitation to consider who exactly they are.

For the first time, the U.S. Census question on race is asking white and African-American respondents to dig deeper and fill in more detailed origins.

“Mark one or more boxes AND print origins,” the printed form says. For white, it adds, “Print, for example, German, Irish, English, Italian, Lebanese, Egyptian, etc.”

The request for “origins” has existed for decades for Native American, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander respondents. But whites and blacks were previously asked to simply check a box.

The question has launched countless Jewish conversations: “What did you list?” “What should I?”

more...

Two of my brothers should be able to put Irish, Scottish, British, French, and Ashkenazi Jew (49%).

[TygrBright]

1. I printed "FUCK ALL Y'ALL" in that space. n/t

[Meowmee]

10. 😹

[GeoWilliam750]

13. I see

Many people do not realize that the plural form of "y'all" is "all y'all".

[hedda_foil]

2. Northern European works for Ashkenazi. Fuck them if they want more.

[Behind the Aegis]

6. Actually, no, Northern European doesn't work for Ashkenazi.

[Historic NY]

3. I put American

[Rincewind]

4. I put down

"unknown". If that hadn't be excepted, I was going to put down " Euro Trash".

[Mosby]

5. I don't recall seeing this question.

Have no idea what I selected.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. It was one of the first questions.

I filled ours out on-line, so I am not sure how the paper one looks. The first question, I think, was about marital status, which thrilled me because I, for the first time EVER, could be counted as "married."

I think this is an interesting situation for many Jews, as many do not see themselves as anything but "white". If you have relatives which are Ashkenazi or Sephardic, then I think those are legitimate "ethnic groups" as Arab, Syrian, Irish, French, or what have you. I, too, understand why some are hesitant to answer such questions, especially given our current administration, but I also see a value in seeing the true breakdown as to what it is to be an American, which is a rich tapestry of identities, but why some are seemingly embarrassed by their Jewishness is disappointing to me.

[MosheFeingold]

8. Embarrassment is not the issue

For a long time the census requests in Europe asked this question — with a specific line for Jews.

Like then, your answer can and will be used against you.

You have a right to remain silent.

From experience, I encourage everyone, of every race, creed, and color to use it.

[Behind the Aegis]

9. For some, it certainly is embarrassment .

However, I can see the point you are making and have seen it as a serious concern, especially with this administration.

[Meowmee]

12. Yep would not answer that one none of their biz, just put the human race nt