The Social Construction of Race and Government Classifications

The chapter explores the social construct of race and the role of government in creating racial classifications, focusing on cases like people of Middle Eastern descent being classified as white for affirmative action. It delves into the evolution of the term 'Hispanic' in the United States, tracing its origins from government recordkeeping to cultural acceptance and highlighting Mexican American activists' efforts to create a collective identity. The discussion also examines portrayals of Hispanic individuals in media, debates on assimilation, and the intersection of race and class within Hispanic communities.