'Negro' Box on 2010 Census Raises Ire

Census respondents this year can identify themselves as “black, African-Am. or Negro,” which does not sit well with some black Americans. “It’s a bad vibe word,” a man tells the New York Daily News of the Negro identification. “Doesn’t agree with my heart.” A Census Bureau spokesman says it’s just in the interest of better counting minorities. “Many older African-Americans identified themselves that way, and many still do.”

“Those who identify themselves as Negroes need to be included,” the spokesman continues. Opponents aren’t convinced. “I don't think my ancestors would appreciate it in 2010,” one says. “I don't want my grandchildren being called Negroes.” The word has appeared before on Census forms, and Congress has approved the language. Still, one potential respondent says, “it’s definitely unnecessary in this day and age.” (More 2010 census stories.)