Opinion: A multicultural milestone

America passed another multicultural milestone last week, as the number of people who identify themselves as Hispanic became the nation's largest minority group. While the numbers are estimates and based on differing interpretations of ethnicity, they shift the debate on race in America. They also focus the challenges for states such as Florida.

Estimates released by the Census Bureau show that 37-million people call themselves Hispanic, compared with 36.2-million people who identify as black or African-American. From 2000 to 2001, the Latino population grew nearly 5 percent, while the number of blacks increased by 1.5 percent. Hispanics represent 13 percent of the 285-million people in America; blacks, 12.7 percent. This new national makeup didn't happen overnight. The immigration, birth rate and classification trends showed for years that Hispanics would soon push ahead.

Hispanics have become part of the national fabric, with more American residents identifying with a Latino ethnicity. These new figures include those who classify themselves as Hispanics of any race, a distinction that should help break down racial stereotyping. Seeing Hispanics as a larger, diverse group makes it harder for bigots to pit minorities against one another. It also forces the public and policymakers to see concerns of minority communities in social or economic terms and in a context beyond the prism of race.

Hispanics have long been an important force in our Southern states, shaping politics, the economy and social policy. If anything, the new numbers show the need to move forward in building a multicultural living environment. Foreign-language instruction, bilingual training for emergency workers and police, economic development, health care and employment outreach, mentoring and placement programs -- these are among the immediate needs of new immigrants.

The government also needs to recognize the diversity of Hispanic political priorities. As with any identity that transcends race and class, Hispanics fall under a broad umbrella, but their needs are complex and individual. Some may focus on access to schools, health care, political office or jobs, others on historic preservation. Focusing on Hispanics as a monolith ignores the meaning of their numerical gains. Hispanics have grown because more find a home here. If anything, this surge in population should have us talking about our commonality, not our differences.

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