A question about the census - just curious

Why does it specifically ask if you're Hispanic and then give other options below that question?

...mine only went on and on if there were more people living in your household.

The problem is that none of the "race" options are either. They're skin color and ethnicities/nationalities. I did learn why "white" includes people of Middle-Eastern descent though, and it's thoroughly stupid and mired in 19th century racism.

... here, click on the number 8 and it tells you why the question is there. (It won't cut and paste).

A real answer. :)

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"The Feds" already have all the information asked for on the Census questionnaire. The only purpose of the Census is for determining congressional districts and how much Federal money each state is entitled to. The questions about names, sex, age, and race/origins are only there for demographic reporting and to prevent duplicates.

They only want a phone number in case they can't read someone's answer.

The paranoia surrounding the Census is ridiculous. If you have a job, "the Feds" already know where you live, how much you make, etc. If you have a social security card, "they" know the same information including your date of birth and employment history. If you have a driver's license, "they" have your height, weight, whether you wear glasses, etc. Hell, the AT&T gave the NSA access to everyone's Internet browsing history.

The Census has to go out and count people because Article I, Section 2 says they have to, and because other agencies don't share personal information with the Census bureau--the USPS doesn't even give them a list of addresses.

Oh, and Census employees aren't even going out to contact people who don't send in their forms until mid-May.

ETA: Looks like I was wasting my time.