MICHAEL MEDVED

The myth of a “Minority-Majority” future

May 19, 2017, 11:15 AM | Updated: 11:15 am

minority-majority...

(AP file image)

(AP file image)

The Census Bureau suggests that the population of blacks, Latinos, Asians and mixed-race Americans will soon combine to outnumber non-Hispanic whites, making America for the first time a minority-majority nation.

But two prominent sociologists–Herbert Gans and Richard Alba–recently argued that such predictions are probably wrong and any anxiety concerning the nation’s changing demographics is surely wrong-headed. For instance, heavy intermarriage rates among both Latinos and Asians won’t necessarily swell the non-white population, since many children of such mixed unions choose to identify as white, or simply as multi-ethnic Americans.

Already, half of Hispanics list their race as “white.” Prominent Latinos like Marco Rubio or Eva Longoria are no more “non-white” than children of Italian, Greek or Jewish immigrants of prior generations who were initially stigmatized as inescapably alien.

Affirming a unifying American identity won’t necessarily end cultural, economic or religious differences, but it should help move us past our insane over-emphasis on increasingly misleading characterizations by race.

Michael Medved on AM 770 KTTH
  • listen to michael medvedTune in to AM 770 KTTH weekdays at 12pm for The Michael Medved Show.

Michael Medved

Gaza attacks...

Michael Medved

Medved: The sad, ‘crazy’ tale of a Gaza water park, and Hamas’ war against fun

After barely three months of operation in 2010, the dream of a fanciful facility to attract tourists and delight locals lay in ruins.

6 months ago

2024 presidential debate...

Michael Medved

Medved: Will 2024 be the year of crucial political debates on TV?

It’s not difficult to imagine either Biden or Trump uttering some inaccurate or incoherent combinations of words that could undercut any momentum.

6 months ago

medved populism...

Michael Medved

Medved: GOP heading to irrelevance as party fails to embrace demographic changes

The spreading speculation about a new civil war isn't based on regionalism this time, but on distinctions in education and identity.

7 months ago

biden...

Michael Medved

Medved: How Biden learned money misdeeds can hurt most of all

The doomed example of "Tricky Dick" demonstrates the way that financial wrongdoing and personal enrichment can upset the public more than sex scandals.

7 months ago

Trump...

Michael Medved

Picking the right running mate could powerfully boost Trump’s prospects

It’s impossible to forecast who Donald Trump will pick as his running mate for the upcoming election of 2024, but it’s safe to say who he won’t select.

8 months ago

trump campaign...

Michael Medved

Medved: Can a new Trump victimhood campaign win back the White House?

Facing more than a half-dozen hostile legal proceedings before next year’s presidential election, can Donald Trump mount an effective campaign?

8 months ago

The myth of a “Minority-Majority” future