For the first time in the history of the Census people were allowed to identify themselves in more than one racial category. Only 2.4% identified themselves in more than one racial category. Of those who reported themselves as more than one race, the most common category (32%) was “white and some other race.” As expected, Census 2000 reported that Hispanics represented 12.5% of the total population. This group has now just barely overtaken African-Americans (12.3%) as the largest minority in America. The question on race for Census 2000 was different from the race question used for the 1990 Census, making direct comparisons between the two censuses difficult. Census 2000 has more racial and ethnic categories to choose from than any previous census.

MOST COMMON RACE

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While minority populations do continue to grow, America is not quite the racial melting pot that some commentators make it out to be. Regional differences in racial makeup are still quite pronounced, as this map shows.

The new federal standards of collecting data on race were implemented to reflect the increasing racial diversity in America and the growing number of people, especially children, who are multiracial. The number of children who are born of multiracial parents is increasing. According to Census 2000, 4% of children report being multiracial whereas only 2% of adults do. It is believed that including these new standards will give a more accurate picture of America’s racial diversity.

Experts predict that over the next 25 years minority populations are projected to increase in all parts of the country. The largest minority population increases are projected in the South, Southwest, and West. By 2025, minority groups are expected to account for over 50% of the population in Hawaii, California, New Mexico, Texas and the District of Columbia. Demographers have long predicted that by the year 2050 almost half of the U.S. population will be non-white. Census 2000 validates this trend.

Critical Thinking

Question 1: Why do you think so few people took advantage of the opportunity to identify themselves multi-racially? Do you think that the number of those who reported themselves as such accurately reflects our population? Why or why not?

Question 2: As American population becomes more racially diverse, what do you think will be the most significant problems that will have to be solved? Will America be a better place to live because of its diversity? Make a list of reasons why or why not.

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