Americans, I was thinking about something about race

[Apia resurrected]

Don’t be afraid, it’s nothing offensive.

As far as I know, the US are keeping records about race, you as a citizen have to check boxes what your ethnicity is.

In Germany we don’t have that.

What is better in fighting racism? Not knowing your ethnicity means also no affirmative action for a special group, because race isn’t something recorded about a person.
But also, everyone is the same on paper.

What do you think?

[Keith]

We know there IS discrimination, so the U.S. Census helps government programs get funded that will fight where discrimination DOES exist.

Supposedly individual records aren't shared by anyone such as the FBI. It's people as a group: Are they being represented fairly? Why are some areas not being represented the way others are? Etc.

[Sparrow]

in a super cool world that’d be nice. America is racist AF. it’s important for oppressed communities be heard. their numbers are a part of that. otherwise “humans” tend to be white.

[Apia resurrected]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

in a super cool world that’d be nice. America is racist AF. it’s important for oppressed communities be heard. their numbers are a part of that. otherwise “humans” tend to be white.

And exactly this was my question. Is it helpful?
Because some statistics can be read in a racist way.

The reason why so many black people are in jail is for me obviously racism.
But also racist people can say: see how many black people are in jail!

I really don't know.
Using the German model you wouldn't know about it. But also racists can't use this knowledge to "prove" their racist points.
But also you know and still nothing changes.

[Sparrow]

the disproportionate number of black people in jail is more than racism, it’s systemic oppression. shit, just their place in the poverty cycle is enough to wax long about by itself.

[Apia resurrected]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

the disproportionate number of black people in jail is more than racism, it’s systemic oppression. shit, just their place in the poverty cycle is enough to wax long about by itself.

Thanks for pointing it out, I just said racism because I already didn't want make the impression I wouldn't see that this is very wrong and absolutely unfair.

Of course you are right. It's more than just racism.
My question is what is better against it? I lean towards the German model but I can be convinced otherwise.

[Lanfear]

We may not be asking for race explicitly but we are keeping statistics and information on what they call here 'people with a migration background' plenty fine here.
The government knows exactly who your parents are and where they came from.

[Apia resurrected]

Originally Posted by Lanfear

We may not be asking for race explicitly but we are keeping statistics and information on what they call here 'people with a migration background' plenty fine here.
The government knows exactly who your parents are and where they came from.

But this is not about race. I am a person of Migration background but also white.

[Lanfear]

Originally Posted by Apia resurrected

But this is not about race. I am a person of Migration background but also white.

I am pretty sure racism is about more than skin color.
Especially here in Europe.

[Sparrow]

yes, yes, Apia, German ways of doing things are superior to everyone else’s ways. we’re different countries with different relationships to to our communities of color.