Free Shipping Fridays: My Main Self Descriptors

Dear Readers,

While on the one hand, I think descriptors about race, gender, vocation, etc. can be stereotyping and limiting, on the other hand, I appreciate identifying myself with certain characteristics. And I think the problem with telling our stories via descriptors is not when we start there, but when we end there. I want the fact that I'm a multi-ethnic Christian woman in graduate school (etc. etc.) to start conversations, not end them.

So in your virtual mailbox today is a Census Bureau pamphlet, expanded. In this particular mailing, "check all that apply" is standard, and filling in little multiple-choice bubbles is just the beginning. I'd love to hear--do you identify with any of this? What descriptors do you claim? We are more than the sum of our parts--more than just data points--yet, those survey questions matter.


What is your ethnic identity? (check all that apply)
http://reformedmargins.com/but-you-were-raised-white/


What is your religious affiliation? (check all that apply)
http://www.russellmoore.com/2015/10/27/why-i-am-a-christian-2/
http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2015/october/exploring-evangelicalism-presbyterian-church-in-america.html


What is your gender identity? (check all that apply)
http://www.thegoodbookblog.com/2016/mar/17/neither-complementarian-nor-egalitarian-an-intervi/
http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2016/march/gender-conversation-we-arent-having.html


What is your current career/educational status? (check all that apply)
http://blog.emergingscholars.org/2016/04/dear-no-longer-new-graduate-student/
http://thewell.intervarsity.org/in-focus/no-happy-harmony


What is your political affiliation? (check all that apply)
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ellenpainterdollar/2012/10/why-i-am-a-christian-democrat/


What is your marital status? Do you have children in the home? (check all that apply)
http://www.scarymommy.com/teach-son-about-marriage/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/parenting/wp/2015/12/30/i-guess-im-raising-a-tomboy/


What is your favorite color? (check all that apply)
http://www.dreamhomedecorating.com/psychological-effects-color-blue.html