Because the census is utterly clueless on how to properly classify people. The Canadian system is far superior.
How's the Canadian system?
It's not perfect either, but:
The census (actually, the "National Household Survey" [NHS] which is an optional form that 1/3 of Canadians get along with the mandatory census) asks whether or not you're a visible minority. If you're not a visible minority you're either White or Aboriginal. (because I guess calling the original inhabitants of this country minorities is offensive?)
If you are a visible minority, you may select one the following options:
South Asian
Chinese
Black
Filipino
Latin American
Arab
Southeast Asian
West Asian
Korean
Japanese
Visible minority, n.i.e. (write ins)
Multiple visible minorities
Also, the NHS has a separate question asking about ethnicity.
..That really works for me. The only reason why race is an issue is because people used to treat people unjustly for looking different. Then again, I heard of this woman attorney who was blond but was an eight black yet self-identified as black.
