If you’ve ever filled out a Census form, a college application or a patient questionnaire at the doctor’s office, you’ve probably been asked to identify your race and ethnicity. Governments, ...

If you've ever filled out a demographic form (like the US Census), you've probably been asked about your race and ethnicity. You might even wonder exactly what those terms mean and how they differ.

Race and ethnicity, defined (sort of) In US parlance, race refers to a group of people who share physical traits – such as skin color, hair texture or eye shape – based on some common ancestry. That ...