1/2 white, 1/4 mexican,1/4 native american... what do i put for race/ethnicity?

Question

When you fill out those forms, like for applications, and you have to choose an ethnicity and a race, WHAT DO I CHOOSE??

I've never known! I'm enrolled in a tribe so Ive always just put Native American, but I've noticed Im suppossed to choose "non hispanic" to choose "native american" or just choose "hispanic" and nothing else. I'm so confused!

Answer 1

How bout biracial and leave it at that.

Answer 2

I would choose the one that you are "most" of.  True story...My dad retired from the local Sheriffs department and  he told me that the prisoner system there is so archaic that  it only offers black or white for race.  That means that anyone in the jail who is hispanic, arabic or asian is considered white.  

Ted is right though... if you are filling in  a scholarship application, select the one they want to see.  The point is to be who you are.  You are blessed with a diverse family history.  Use it to its full potential.  Good luck!!

Answer 3

Several years ago the federal government made a requirement for government agencies to change racial designation instructions on forms from "Check One" to "Check All That Apply".  

This was to help multiracial people to check all parts of their heritage.  If the form doesn't allow you to mark more than one race, you can choose "Other" or write multiracial or biracial.

Answer 4

Mutt.   Actually if the 1/4 mexican is American Indian, then you are one half Native American.  If the 1/4 Mexican is at least part Spanish, then you are definitely mostly white since the Spanish are caucasian.

Race has become political since a lot of places have to keep track of minorities in order to get additional federal funding.  You can call yourself what you want to.   I am anAmerican national of mutt heritage myself, most Americans are.

Answer 5

Write "Mixed" over the stupid little check boxes, if the form is on paper, and let them deal with it. Choose "Other" if it is a computer form.

If the application is for a scholarship for people of a particular ethnicity, choose the one that they want to see.

I enter "Huguenot" every chance I get.

Answer 6

Try other.

If you're asked to specify, put...Race -- Other: Human.

I think it's terrible that we're all asked to fit neatly within checkboxes.

Answer 7

Since Mexican blood is mestizo, and predominantly Indian, you are essentially half Indian, half white.  As far as your ethnicity, culture, you can best determine that.  Choose what best characterizes you

Answer 8

you can put other

Answer 9

it's your choice.

Answer 10

North American Native Indian