Multiracial people become fastest growing US group

[marmar]

AP via Yahoo!:



Multiracial people become fastest growing US group
By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON – Multiracial Americans have become the fastest growing demographic group, wielding an impact on minority growth that challenges traditional notions of race.

The number of multiracial people rose 3.4 percent last year to about 5.2 million, according to the latest census estimates. First given the option in 2000, Americans who check more than one box for race on census surveys have jumped by 33 percent and now make up 5 percent of the minority population — with millions more believed to be uncounted.

Demographers attributed the recent population growth to more social acceptance and slowing immigration. They cited in particular the high public profiles of Tiger Woods and President Barack Obama, a self-described "mutt," who are having an effect on those who might self-identify as multiracial.

Population figures as of July 2008 show that California, Texas, New York and Florida had the most multiracial people, due partly to higher numbers of second- and later-generation immigrants who are more likely to "marry out." Measured by percentages, Hawaii ranked first with nearly 1 in 5 residents who were multiracial, followed by Alaska and Oklahoma, both at roughly 4 percent.

Utah had the highest growth rate of multiracial people in 2008 compared to the previous year, a reflection of loosening social morals in a mostly white state. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090528/ap_on_re_us/us_multiracial_americans

[MADem]

1. I think the US has, for a long time, had a LOT of multiracial people.

I just think that many of them didn't identify themselves in that fashion. That's the bit that is changing.

That's a nice thing!

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Thank goodness.....

I see that as a WONDERFUL trend. I love when I can't tell what someone's ethnicity or race is (not that there's anything wrong with being able to tell, either). It will confuse the living shit out of the racists. :)

[napoleon_in_rags]

5. Amen, and end to all the nonsense is in sight.

I have two new interracial nephews from different sides of my family, BTW. One Euro-Semetic and on Euro-Asian. Both Amazing! People moving past this stuff is good news for the world.

[AspenRose]

3. Yay for us. My brother will still have a hard time catching a cab, though.

[Political Tiger]

4. And the Reich-wing shivers! n/t

[BR_Parkway]

6. I usually mark Hispanic & Eskimo on any of those things that ask

and WTF is this statement "a reflection of loosening social morals in a mostly white state" a loosening of the social bigotry maybe, but morals?

[etherealtruth]

11. In my heart ....

I need to believe the idiot that wrote the article meant "mores"

[vadawg]

12. lol, i never mark the darn things, its insulting to even ask

[aquart]

7. Racial purity is one of the silliest concepts.

It is amazing how well people got around before jet planes and motels.

And let's not forget Genghis Khan and his fecundity.

Or the lonely Roman army which recruited soldiers from pretty much anywhere.

Or the flaming sword of Islam and the Ottoman empire.

Or the Silk Road.

Or the wandering Celts who so annoyed Alexander the Great centuries after being loyal mercenaries to the Egyptians.

[devilgrrl]

8. It's about time!!!!

:thumbsup:

[Libertyfirst]

9. My mother said sixty years ago that racism would disappear when

most people in America were closer to the same shades of color.

[fair trade soy chai]

10. I was chose to participate in the Census and the woman asked me

what my race is. I am half Hispanic/half White. She persisted: "But which one do you identify more as?" I said I am exactly half and half! How can I give more legitimacy to my White father's side or my Latina mother? There should be a box for mixed in 2009!