[Magdalen] Asian?

[Mahoney, W. Michael]

The Bureau of Census and other government agencies have been struggling
with race/ethnic classification issues for years.  It is one thing for a
"scientist" or a group of scientists to establish a taxonomy.  It is
another thing to ask people where in that taxonomy they fit.  And remember
that Census data are typically "self-reported".

See:  http://www.census.gov/topics/population/race.html

Mike M.

On Mon, Aug 10, 2015 at 12:14 PM, Cantor03--- via Magdalen <
magdalen at herberthouse.org> wrote:

>
> I spent part of the morning today reviewing material for my CME
> (Continuing Medical Education) requirements.  This is needed to
> continue medical licensure.
>
> Several articles in my review dealt with "Asians" vs.  "Caucasians"
> and various aspects of skin cancer.
>
> I note that many other areas have this category of "Asians" not the
> least of which is the periodic US Census.
>
> It seems to me, though, that this is a very inexact label for very
> different
> groups.  For example, East Indians who make up a subgroup of
> Caucasians, are lumped together with Chinese and Japanese, etc.,
> who are Oriental/Yellow race, and thus very different.
>
> I'm not so surprised the US Census would use the "Asian" term, but
> it really has no place in a scientific study,  at least IMHO.
>
>
>
>
> David Strang --- 4% Oriental/Yellow race/Laplander DNA, and 96%
> Caucasian.
>
>