Today, Explained Who counts as white on the census?
Aug 18, 2021
Hansi Lo Wang, an NPR correspondent focused on the U.S. Census, dives into the complexities of racial identity in the latest census results. He reveals a significant 8.6% decline in the solely white population and discusses the socio-political anxieties surrounding this shift. Wang critiques oversimplified narratives of race, especially for multiracial and MENA individuals. He also examines the Trump administration's impact on census participation and the urgent implications for redistricting and fair representation in future elections.
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Misleading Headlines
- Headlines proclaiming a declining white population are misleading.
- The white population has grown when including those who identify as multiracial.
Impact of Headlines
- Headlines about a declining white population can fuel extremist propaganda and anxiety.
- Demographic changes and changes in census categorization likely contribute to the perceived decline.
Defining White
- The Census Bureau defines "white" as anyone with origins in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
- Self-reporting leads to varied interpretations of whiteness, influenced by family history, privilege, or comfort levels.