Next Mexican census to add ethnic group classification "Afro-Mexican"

by Ben Reilly Sat Feb 06, 2016 10:48 pm

With February comes Black History Month in the U.S., a time designated to reflect on the history and contributions of people of African descent in this country. And while the month may invite debate among some, one thing rarely does in the U.S.: the idea of calling oneself, or being described as, black or African-American.

In Mexico, however, it is unusual — so unusual, in fact, that up until now, Mexican citizens were unable to officially recognize themselves as "Afro-Mexican" on national censuses. That is set to change in the upcoming 2020 census, though. Already, a preliminary 2015 survey — conducted in preparation for the 2020 census — found that some 1.4 million people identify as Afro-Mexican.

To learn more about what this might mean — and why these changes are only happening now — NPR's Michel Martin spoke with Luisa Ortiz, CEO of Nova Mexico, a nonprofit organization that works with minorities communities.

NPR also spoke with people of mixed Mexican and African descent; their takes on race and identity can be found on the right side.

http://www.npr.org/2016/02/06/465710473/now-counted-by-their-country-afro-mexicans-grab-unprecedented-spotlight

by eddie Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:12 am

Everyone loves a label!

by Original Quill Sun Feb 07, 2016 5:14 pm

eddie wrote:Everyone loves a label!

Everyone loves language. It's all just a collection of signs, or "labels".

I think it's valuable to know migratory patterns, and have a count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.

by veya_victaous Sun Feb 07, 2016 8:39 pm

this is why we just go;
"born here? both parents born here?" Suspect

"Ok then shut up, you're Aussie " pirat

by eddie Sun Feb 07, 2016 8:43 pm

veya_victaous wrote:this is why we just go;
"born here? both parents born here?"
"Ok then shut up, you're Aussie "

That's what the uk does

by Ben Reilly Fri Feb 19, 2016 4:22 am

eddie wrote:Everyone loves a label!

Especially the ones who have been ignored.

by Raggamuffin Fri Feb 19, 2016 4:56 am

Ben_Reilly wrote:
eddie wrote:Everyone loves a label!

Especially the ones who have been ignored.

Won't some complain that they've never been to Africa so they can't be Afro-Mexican?

by Raggamuffin Fri Feb 19, 2016 5:04 am

eddie wrote:
veya_victaous wrote:this is why we just go;
"born here? both parents born here?"
"Ok then shut up, you're Aussie "

That's what the uk does

There were complaints about the UK census form. In the section on ethnic groups, if you're white and English, you were lumped in with white Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish people. Disgraceful! Laughing

by Original Quill Fri Feb 19, 2016 4:23 pm

Raggamuffin wrote:
Ben_Reilly wrote:

Especially the ones who have been ignored.

Won't some complain that they've never been to Africa so they can't be Afro-Mexican?

The prefix 'Afro' denotes an ethnic blood line, not a geographic location. The blood of my sister is Scottish (as is mine) and she has never been to Scotland (I have). She is not offended. Likewise, the term 'Asian' does not denote the place, but the person. Most people are proud of their bloodline, and would never have an inclination to complain.

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Next Mexican census to add ethnic group classification "Afro-Mexican"

Next Mexican census to add ethnic group classification "Afro-Mexican"

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Re: Next Mexican census to add ethnic group classification "Afro-Mexican"

Re: Next Mexican census to add ethnic group classification "Afro-Mexican"