The Census

I really wanted to make this census a "family event". My kids are old enough to understand now, and Isaiah kept asking me what the census was, so everytime the commercial came on I'd yell, "Isaiah hurry come watch this." They get it...they understand. So one evening when we have not much to do, I pull out the census...we all gather around our coffee table, and I start going through the questions. I'm first, since I'm the QUEEN of the household. So I start answering the questions. How many people live in your household? 3. etc. etc. etc. Is person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish decent? Yes. Pick one: Mexican American. They also had like Cuban, Puerto Rican, Etc. Ok, so this next questions is where I'm kinda thrown off...and I can't belive I never noticed this in past census's (is that a word?)...anyway next question. What is your race? White, Black, Indian etc. etc. Well I don't see "Latino"...so I search it again?? I look on all the pages...and there is no Latino race?? Seriously?? All these years and I thought Latino was a race, but I guess not! WTF?? So does that mean I'm white?? I decide to take this question to people who really know...I post it on Facebook. :-) One of my friends said that since our ancestors are from Europe (i.e.Spain) we are white. But didn't the Spaniards come and pro-create with the Indians?? Hence, the Mexican race?? So wouldn't I be Mexican Indian. But on the census it asked, after you marked Indian, what tribe you are registered with. Well I know my great great grandma was Indian, but I'm not registered for a tribe. I wonder what a Black Latino would be...like a Cubano maybe?? How about Puerto Ricans...are they white Latinos...or black Latinos??? The best explanation I got on facebook was this. There are 4 races...white, black, red & yellow. But I still don't get it?? So I left it blank...because honestly, I don't know. I'll probably get a phone call, or one of those people will come to my door, since my census was filled out incorrectly. Maybe they will clarify for me. My kids were easy, they are BBC's (beautiful biracial children). So I marked Mexican American...then in race I marked Black. They are Blackxicans. LOL!! New word for ya, right there. That was our census experience. Leaving me all confused.