Growing up, I hated taking standardized tests or signing forms, mostly because there was never an option to check Middle Eastern on the racial/ethnic background section. The first time I saw the term “Middle Eastern” on one of these forms, however, was when it was in parenthesis next to the option for “White” or “Caucasian.” After the 2010 Census, a movement put forth mostly by the Arab American Institute to add a Middle Eastern/North African option, or MENA, was heading in a positive direction. Unfortunately, news broke out that the option for Arab Americans to be recognized on the 2020 Census was refused and the only option available to them is “White.” Though it may seem to be a small problem to some, the effects are greater than not having a box to check. Some of these major effects includes the MENA community being completely disregarded, as well as causing a lack of health research, language assistance, and beneficial statistics to help these communities.
The most obvious effect is that the middle eastern community, their issues, and especially their culture is ignored. This causes a sense of disassociation and confusion for many Arab people who have to check “White” on forms but are treated as less than or different. Also, since Arab culture is ignored, many people don’t know what belongs to it, therefore causing many different forms of cultural appropriation towards the MENA community to go unnoticed.
In addition to having an entire race/ethnicity be ignored, there is also a legislative issue that arises. The federal government uses the census to distribute congressional seats. For the amount of seats had, congressmen are divided to represent different racial/ethnic communities, however there is no one to represent the very distinct Arab culture and community because it “technically” does not exist on the census.
Additionally, there are health concerns that are prominent in people who are of Middle Eastern/ North African descent. Without the option for MENA on the 2020 census, access to health care research specifically to help the MENA community and improve health statistics will not be a concern.
Adding an option for the MENA community to be represented on the 2020 census is an important goal for the MENA community, which I am a part of and will continue to support. Since the government has made their decision on the 2020 census, the MENA community will continue to fight for our representation in the 2030 census. Ultimately, my goal is to see a world where everyone is accepted and where different cultures are celebrated.