Location: To Be or Not … (Continued from Location: Who’s There?)

Abstract

Again I refer to this savagely savvy Census “instructions” guide to close out this section. The real Census is put to the test by what is happening in everyday life— namely the blurring of old ethnic categories and the deconstruction of established physical markers.

If your skin has ever been ashy and you, know what that term means, check black … If you have ever used a black eyeliner for a lip liner, check black … If when you shave, your face or neck bumps up, check black … If you have ever used a pressing comb, check black … If you have ever used a box relaxer or wave, check black … If all your pillow cases in your home have grease stains, check black … If you sleep with a bag, wave cap, or do-rag on your head at night, check black … If you have ever used grease and water to make your hair lie down and look naturally wavy, check black … If you can wear a comb or pick in the back of your head, walk around, and it doesn’t fall out, check black … If your hair is 2 or 3 inches [long] and the next day it is half way down your back, check black … If you have ever used a gel or Dax to hold your hair down or make a ponytail, check black …

—Anonymous email circulated winter-spring 2000