Census 2010 USA

Mar 15, 2010 23:31

first page filled, remainder for "person 2 ( Read more... )

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Comments 6

hafoc March 16 2010, 11:39:28 UTC
"They" are working in some cubicle entering data into columns because it provides a paycheck. "They" will do nothing with your DRAGON entry because there is no column for it, because there are a thousand forms to enter today, because after the hatred and abuse, the mindless tedium broken by ranting hate-filled screeds from the true crazies, a form that lists race as DRAGON is nothing exceptional at all. But "They" will probably smile, and "they" will go home to their own lives to dream and love as best they can. For "They" are people as real as yourself, with hearts, minds, dreams, and feelings. Whether you know it or not.

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thoughtsdriftby March 16 2010, 17:17:38 UTC
referencing the data use once compiled. the comment not lofted at the rank and file of hourly workers. yes, perhaps it might amuse/provide conversation points over coffee.

brown shirts - a reference to the new national security system that will add this data to the growing pile, another ding added to my person of interest score. Although I participate writing letters and such with a differing viewpoint, it is something beneath their notice. I remain a blip only, a non threat.
I believe they are real also.

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elynne March 16 2010, 18:32:17 UTC
There's probably a checkbox for "other" and "Dragon" will go into that tidy little box. There may be a text entry field - unlikely, but possible. And yes, having done exactly that work as a temp on occasion... the majority will look at it and go "uh" and that'll be the end of it; if the stars align correctly, it will end up in the hands of somebody who will read it and it will sparkle in their mind, possibly for days, possibly forever, possibly change their life. Even such a small thing has that power.

The main problem I have with the census is that it doesn't allow nearly as much room for the complexities of my life as I would need to explain myself adquately. Ah, well.

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thoughtsdriftby March 17 2010, 00:02:26 UTC
The census has uses by government but determining population as required by the US Constitution is it's main purpose. Districts will be determines and funds (IOUs) allocated. It is now much simpler than in the past as most US citizens are on multiple databases already.

It is also used by future generations trying to backtrack their genealogy. The form had a text entry field, so I would assume it will be typed in on my permanent record and released to public viewing some years in the future. A very minor curiosity only.

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zuki_san March 16 2010, 14:11:39 UTC
A sufficiently large number of people report their religion as "Jedi" in the UK, such that there is a unique code for it on the data-entry and processing forms. I believe Race/other: DRAGON is worthwhile.

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thoughtsdriftby March 16 2010, 18:10:19 UTC
Jedi seems less sparse for governance, a more valid tic on a government form than my own.

As for race, my heritage only has a few strands, the rest quite muddled and muddy, quite failing any future racial purity movements (as likely ranked mutt for government purposes).

Quite fond of tracing genealogy, the spouse wished to have my DNA tested to sort out some of the many possibilities she had mapped out.

(adding that my sibling always considered me either an alien changeling or a mutation)

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