Filling Out Census Forms

* On March 19, my wife and I were trying to fill out the census form we received about a week before. We were answering yes or no or whatever to the questions pertaining to things that you did “last week,” or whenever, when we came across the April 1, 2000, date which seemed to be the basis time for the questions, some of which we had already answered. Well, since we weren’t sure of what was going to happen “last” week, and we couldn’t remember what happened “next” week, we decided to wait two more weeks to finish the form. Luckily we used pencils.

When we resume we’ll use the black or blue pen that they require in small print on the front cover. Glad this only happens once in 10 years. Then again, maybe it’s just an April Fools’ Day joke.

HARRY L. GOREN

Los Angeles

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* “Census 2000--Milestone for Mixed Races,” March 16:

Your article begins, “For the first time a person can check two or more ethnicities.” My Mexican roots, which I am proud of, date back to when the Southwest was still Mexico. Being of a culture that is over-labeled now, I disagree with the census takers adding more options. My identity has always been a flavor-of-the-month type of thing. As a youngster, my mother and seventh-grade teacher tried in vain to convince me I was an American. My school chums, along with the school board, corrected them by tagging me as Mexican. During my rebellious teenage years, I proudly claimed the title of Chicano. The Army dubbed me Caucasian. A major corporation listed me as “other.” In legalese, I’m referred to as Hispanic.

Now, as a recent retiree, the Census Bureau adds to my confusion and asks me to pick one or more identities from a multiple of names, including Spanish, Hispanic, Latino, Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, etc. My education tells me my race is Caucasian, my nationality American and my heritage, which is only relevant to myself, should not be a factor in this country of freedom and equality. Your article and the census itself contradict our forefathers’ intent. This country has always been referred to as a melting pot for all races and ethnicities, for the sole purpose of blending into a unique and special existence.

ALBERT OBREGON

Sunland