# Racial Classification and Self-Identification **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 18, 2003, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588 "2003-04-18T17:15:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![culture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/958977/32.png) [@culture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/culture)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2003, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/1 "2003-04-18T17:15:52Z")
In programs with racial set-asides, such as race-based scholarships and minority set-asides for government contracts, how are minorities identified? I have a bother-in-law whose last name is garcia and is about as hispanic as bill clinton (One great-grandfather [obviously paternal] was from mexico, no other hispanic ancestors). However, his children are apparently eligible for minority scholaships based on his last name. Can I self identify as africa-amarican? Who is to say i am not? Is there a minimum skin shade? If the one-drop of blood rule still applies, who is to say I am not? I am certian this has been an issue and has been dealt with somewhere. Anyone know? ---
**Author:** ![Deadly\_Nightlight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Deadly\_Nightlight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deadly_Nightlight)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2003, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/2 "2003-04-18T18:20:01Z")
I am black, my dad is black, But if you looked at him you would prob see Old irish guy- Used tohave read hair, bright blue eyes, and very very freaking pale. But he is still black. My mom always used the one drop rule, one drop you’re black for life. ---
**Author:** ![culture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/958977/32.png) [@culture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/culture)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2003, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/3 "2003-04-24T22:07:24Z")
Anyone, anyone? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2003, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/4 "2003-04-24T23:23:04Z")
Culture: Do some searching and you’ll see that this issue has been addressed many, many times in the last few months on SDMB. I don’t remember the exact threads. FYI, there isn’t one, easy answer. ---
**Author:** ![syncrolecyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f08c70/32.png) [@syncrolecyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/syncrolecyne)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2003, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/5 "2003-04-24T23:37:24Z")
There have been 4 or 5 threads on this subject lately. It basically boils down to what you consider yourself. I suppose whomever is giving the scolarship/benefit may demand some documentation. I have, for instance, seen Hispanic Scolarships requesting proof that one is at least “1/4 Hispanic”. What that might be, I have no idea. If one is an immigrant I suppose that would consit of naturalisation papers. “Hispanic” is no more a “race” than “Roman Catholic” as far as I am concerned…and I am of Mexican descent. ---
**Author:** ![aeropl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f05b48/32.png) [@aeropl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aeropl)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2003, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/6 "2003-04-24T23:46:08Z")
For the most part, they depend on you to be honest. ---
**Author:** ![aeropl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f05b48/32.png) [@aeropl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aeropl)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/7 "2003-04-25T00:08:24Z")
On [this](http://www.hsf.net/DOC_PDF/2003-2004SHPE.pdf) Hispanic scholarship application, they require you to be of Hispanic heritage, which means having at least one Hispanic parent or two parents that are 1/2 Hispanic each. The way you prove it is by signing a statement, and by writing about your Hispanic background and where you came from in your personal statement. Those measures would be pretty hard to get around if you didn’t outright lie. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2003, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racial-classification-and-self-identification/169588/8 "2003-04-25T01:00:13Z")
So, you’re Hispanic if you have an Hispanic parent. Talk about circular reasoning!