What's Race Got To Do With It?

Until 1960, census takers categorized people into certain races by their physical appearance. In 1970, that changed, and people were given the freedom of self-identification, as on job applications where one checks what race he considers himself to be. Everyone in the U.S. has the right to refuse to answer such questions about race and gender on certain documentation. Are there any instances when it is not optional? In what other instances are we asked to identify ourselves according to race and how is that information used? And does it benefit us or put us in harm? Is this type of classification vital to the maintenance of our society?