For as long as I can remember I’ve been required to complete some sort of form before my entrance into a school, hospital or doctors office. So why is this practice suddenly considered a personal attack on freedom? I have a few ideas.
Well, for whatever reason, people seem to be relating this procedure as a personal infringement on their rights as an American citizen. Hmm, I wonder where they could have gotten that idea?
As some of you may already know, I work in the healthcare system where I am in the presence of the public on a daily basis. Feel free to send words of encouragement.
So, as you can imagine, my days have been a real joy ever since people decided that every question presented, including NAME, has a hidden agenda. Items that have been routinely asked for DECADES I might add!
There seem to be (2) questions that set people off on a personal protest, lecture or 
comments on everything unfair. Let me introduce you to race and ethnicity. Again, why?
Um, first of all, it’s evident to anyone with eyes if you’re black, white, orange or blue and secondly, you do have the FREEDOM to not answer the questions. Places do exist where options are not a thing, and this isn’t one of them.
Recently a new patient completed his form and vigorously crossed out ALL of the race selections to write A M E R I C A N across the page. Where does one begin?
Do I ….
a) Inform him that “AMERICAN” is not a race or an ethnicity unless you are in fact a NATIVE. Based on his white hair, blue eyes and Fighting Irish jacket, I’m going to risk stating that his ancestors were not the hot guys in loincloths at the first Thanksgiving.
b) Ask WTF does that mean? Outloud!
c) Earn an Oscar nomination for exhibiting an extreme level of control while in the presence of an ass. Is there a category for “best poker face?”
See you on the red carpet folks! I have bills to pay ya know.
Next up are the folks who REFUSE to complete the ethnicity portion of the form, which is fine, and again, you have that right. In fact, there is even a little box that says DECLINES TO PROVIDE.
NO ONE, especially me is forcing you to reveal your heritage. However, one does not have to be Nancy Drew to solve that mystery or at least come close. I don’t think I’ll ever understand what makes people tick.
My faith in humanity weakens when I think about the passion associated with these “protests” and how that energy is wasted on something so senseless. Ugh!
Do they realize that their name, address, social security number, phone numbers, employer information, marital status and the name of a family member for an emergency contact have just been delivered on a silver platter, which dramatically weakens their argument and provides enough evidence to trace their roots back to a cave? Dear Lord!
Use your energy wisely and as always, Enjoy the Ride!
Life With The Top Down 
Oy. Don’t people realize that one’s ethnicity reveals different risk factors. No of course they don’t–they are too busy bein’ ‘Mericans …
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First my condolences on your job! When I worked (in Human Resources!) people occasionally refused to answer and yes there was that decline block. However, we were required by law to file affirmative action reports on the ethnicity of our work group to ensure it was similar to the area (or else there would be a government investigation on our hiring practices). When people declined, we would include them in a group by their skin color. I’m not sure what people think (or if they really do think) when they do these forms of protest. I would much rather see them with picket signs on the streets if they feel strongly about race or ethnicity issues.
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Amen Sister!!
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The job I took this year has me working in a closer capacity with the public, or at least clients who believe they are the ONLY clients the bosses have (in spite of the 1000+ client files I have possession over). While no longer in health care in any capacity, what people will tell me (stuff I don’t need to know) versus what they won’t tell me (the reason they are calling to talk to one of the bosses) tickles me… in the way that Tickle Me Elmo does. Which is not at all.
I feel for you, Lisa! I am glad to see, however, that you’ve kept your sense of humor!
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I am grateful every day for my sense of humor. Happy New Year to you!
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People in this country continue to amaze me! Happy New Year!
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Every damn day!
Happy New Year Phil!!
Think of me today as I run a 5k while freezing my ass off. I know you can relate…lol
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Lisa, too funny. I saw a comedian the other day say she was mad that she had to give the bank all this background information. She said “I am giving you my money. I want to know background on the CEO!”
Have a great new year. We could use some of that sunshine to ride more with the top down. Keith
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Oh godness, I can imagine that this would in fact be happen even though like you stated, it’s a question based on ethnicity not citizenship, and has been on documents since we can imagine and therefore should not be taking personally especially when everyone receives the same exact forms no different from one another
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Last week I had a middle-aged educated womanwrite WASP under white. Ignorance does not descriminate.
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