Any term leads to trouble.
One radio call in show locally had a guy call in who claimed he'd nearly been arrested over filling out a form as "african american" the problem? He's white. He also was born in South Africa and has become an American citizen, so in his mind there was no more logical choice.
I view such things as an identifier, something my wife and I have discussed a few times as she doesn't agree. The example I use is that it's no different from saying other stuff that isn't seen as being wrong. Lets say you're sending someone to an auto parts store, and there are 3 employees, all roughly similar physically, size weight etc. One is a kid, one an older guy and the third black. The black guy knows more, so you want him helping pick a part. So how do you quickly describe who to talk to? I see no issues saying talk to the black guy he's the smartest one.
Perhaps someday we'll find a way to avoid needing such terms, but if it's the simplest way of differentiating among similar people I don't see any easy way around it.
Steve B
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