Why Does The College Board Classify Middle Eastern as Caucasian? (And Why It’s More Complicated Than You Think)
Have you ever wondered why the College Board, that bastion of standardized testing and college application stress, lumps Middle Easterners into the “Caucasian” category? It’s a question that’s been swirling around the internet for ages, prompting endless debates and a fair share of eye rolls.
The answer? It’s complicated.
Let’s dive into the tangled mess of race, ethnicity, and the College Board’s (sometimes baffling) classification system.
The “Caucasian” Conundrum
The term “Caucasian” itself is a bit of a linguistic hot potato. It was originally used in the 18th century to refer to people from the Caucasus region, a mountainous area between Europe and Asia. However, it was later adopted, and often misused, to describe people of European descent.
The problem is that “Caucasian” has been used to create an artificial racial category that lumps together people from diverse backgrounds and ignores the rich tapestry of human diversity.
The Middle East: A Melting Pot, Not a Monolith
The Middle East is a vast and diverse region with a kaleidoscope of ethnicities, religions, and languages. From the Bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula to the Kurds of the Zagros Mountains, the Middle East is home to a spectrum of people with unique histories, cultures, and experiences.
So, why does the College Board categorize Middle Easterners as “Caucasian” when they clearly represent a diverse group of people?
The U.S. Census: A History of Misclassification
The truth is, the U.S. Census Bureau has a long history of lumping Middle Easterners into the “white” category. This practice stems from the Bureau’s outdated and flawed understanding of race.
Why did they do this? Well, you could say it’s a case of historical baggage and a lack of cultural sensitivity. Back in the day, the classification system primarily focused on European ancestry, and the Middle East was lumped in because of its proximity to Europe and, let’s be honest, a bit of a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
The “White” vs. “Caucasian” Debate
The terms “white” and “Caucasian” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not technically the same thing.
“White” is a broader term that encompasses people of European descent, while “Caucasian” is a more geographically specific term that refers to people from the Caucasus region.
So, while the U.S. Census classifies Middle Easterners as “white,” it doesn’t necessarily mean they should be considered “Caucasian.”
The Shifting Sands of Identity
In recent years, there has been a growing push to recognize the unique identities of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) people. This has led to increased awareness of the limitations of existing racial classifications.
The U.S. Census Bureau, finally acknowledging the reality of the situation, is now adding a separate category for MENA individuals on its forms. This is a significant step in the right direction, recognizing the diversity of the MENA population and giving individuals the option to identify themselves accurately.
The College Board: Caught in the Crossfire
The College Board, stuck between the rock of outdated classifications and the hard place of recognizing the evolving understanding of race, has been slow to adapt. While it is starting to incorporate the new MENA category on its forms, the long-standing practice of classifying Middle Easterners as “Caucasian” still persists.
The Impact of Misclassification
The misclassification of Middle Easterners as “Caucasian” has several repercussions:
- It erases the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Middle East. By lumping them into a single category, it ignores the unique histories, cultures, and experiences of different Middle Eastern groups.
- It perpetuates stereotypes and prejudices. Classifying Middle Easterners as “white” can contribute to the misconception that they are homogeneous and indistinguishable from people of European descent.
- It can affect college admissions and financial aid. Colleges often use race and ethnicity as factors in admissions and financial aid decisions. The misclassification of Middle Easterners can create an uneven playing field, potentially disadvantaging them in the admissions process.
The Way Forward: Recognizing Diversity
The College Board, along with other institutions, needs to take a more nuanced approach to race and ethnicity. This means recognizing the diversity of Middle Eastern and North African people and providing them with the option to self-identify accurately.
Furthermore, it’s vital to challenge the outdated and harmful concept of “Caucasian.” Instead of perpetuating this archaic term, we need to embrace a more inclusive and accurate way of understanding human diversity.
A Call for Change: Embracing the Tapestry of Human Diversity
The College Board’s classification of Middle Easterners as “Caucasian” is a relic of a bygone era. It’s time to move beyond these antiquated and inaccurate classifications and embrace the rich tapestry of human diversity.
Let’s recognize the unique identities of all people, regardless of their origin, culture, or ethnicity.
Need more information on this topic? Connect with us at JobLoving, where we can provide you with resources and support. We believe in a world where everyone’s voice is heard and their identity is celebrated.