Refusing to Answer Census Race Question

In 2010 US Government Wastes Three Billion Tax Dollars On Useless Race Question!

I have to admit, as a market researcher I should probably have been paying more attention to US Census efforts so far. As a taxpayer alone the cost total cost of the census should make me interested, $14.7 billion!

When I picked up the form last night to answer the 10 questions I was surprised that even in 2010, the US government is still so focused on race. Out of the 10 questions, 2 or 80% of the survey ($3 billion dollars) is dedicated to race and Hispanic origin!

I will be refusing to answer this question for several reasons, both ethical and methodological. I encourage you to think about it as well.

In regard to the race question, the US Census website states that it has been “Asked since 1790. Race is key to implementing many federal laws and is needed to monitor compliance with Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act…Race data are also used to assess fairness of employment practices, to monitor racial disparities in characteristics such as health and education…

(more…)