The Minority Problem: Latino <, > or = Black

Watching CNN's "Latino in America" and experiencing other media outlets perverse fascination with the staggering growth of the Latino population in America I was prompted to analyze the seemingly simple math problem being raised by many "experts" of MINORITY DOMINANCE IN AMERICA!!! (that is to be read in a obnoxiously loud, creepy voice btw)

In analyzing this problem I thought it would be interesting to assign variables, X and Y, to the two groups represented (and by interesting I mean unnecessary). The common denominator for group X is a shared language (albeit spoken in different dialects). The common denomination for group Y is a shared ancestry (all living humans being decedents of said ancestry notwithstanding). So, the simple question is which group is larger and subsequently wields more political muscle within the U.S.? This is a question that I continue to hear answered over and over by statisticians and subject matter experts. The answer may seem obvious, but for me it posed quite the challenge. You see there is a problem of additionality or "double counting" present. In other words, it is possible for variable X to contain variable Y and vice-versa or Blacks to be Latino and Latino to be Blacks. A pictorial representation would look something like this:

So why does this matter? This matters because it is one of the more absurd ways in which divisions are created. Divisions that influence us into thinking it is US vs. THEM (the them isn't even clear as the diagram indicates). Divisions that prevent us from uniting under common interests like access to adequate healthcare, education and a functioning justice system. Aside from sharing ancestry with many Latino's we share many of the same struggles. Why not unite under this banner to move our collective interests forward (this applies not only to other races and ethnicities but also to religions, sexual orientations and backgrounds)? The consequences of not uniting is the deepening of inequality within our nation. A further widening of the gap between the "haves" and have "nots". Now this is a "US" vs. "THEM" I am more inclined to put my energy behind.

Note to Soledad O'Brien: FUCKING STOP ALREADY WITH THE "FILL IN THE BLANK" IN AMERICA" SHOWS.

Note to viewers of the "Fill in the Blank" in America Shows: If watching this gives you a better sense of the "Blank" experience promptly take your head out of your ass and enjoy the diversity this country (and others) have to offer.