You know it truly hurts me when I say this yet it is awfully true. Ethnicity shouldn't be a factor; however, it is. Affirmative Action which is an action or policy favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, especially in relation to education and/or employment. This action makes it easier to become prey for those that have issues with hiring individuals that are of African American, Latina/Mexican decent. I say this because while affirmative action does require that a certain percentage of each ethnicity is to be employed within a company, it is being utilized to prove equal employment opportunity guidelines are being met. Latina, Mexican and African American individuals are indeed being hired; however, they are being employed on a lower level with less pay. Leading individuals that are college educated, trained and deserving of an equal and fair chance, up the creek without a paddle. It's time to stop upholding the wrongful acts of these individuals within these companies and stop being defensive when this subject comes about. Now is the time to discuss ways to rectify these issues as well as eliminate this situation from being constant. Many White Americans would probably disagree with what I have stated and become angered and appalled that I even mentioned these things. But it's only because there is a whole lot of truth behind my words. So to answer your question "No" placing your ethnicity on your application shouldn't matter yet it does. And heavens forbid that you are African American, Latina / Mexican with Bachelor's Degree or higher you're really not getting the job unless you are entry level. I'm sorry that it's this way but it's our reality until someone spots it, speaks on it and the Government stops it. GOD Bless You All. I hope it works out for all of us for all our sakes.

I don't answer that question because I'm white, i figure if anything it will only hurt me. I know employers have to hire a certain percentage of other ethnicities, and that works against me

I don't know why should that matter but it does some people don't like to work or hire African American or Mexicans Latinos or Chinese some have their own flavor and that SUCKS . What should matter is the performance of the job and nothing else their is a lot of racism in this world and we can not do anything about it that's why a lot of companies keep it in the family they only prefer for fam to work for them so O well it SUCKS.

You may worry that it could hurt you, but many employers are looking for employees of different ethnicities.

I understand your concern. Though the applications always indicate that this information is just for documentation, and will not be used against you, I do know that within HR, people are human and can be subjective. It can be hard to prove discrimination at the hiring phase, but companies have been investigated and sued by EEOC due to discriminatory hiring practices. So, it does happen. I agree with many of the responses, if that is the culture of the company, would you want to work there anyway? So, if you don't feel comfortable answering the questions, then I would choose the option that says "I choose not to disclose". You have the right to do that.

How do we as applicants really know? There are many eliminators that HR does internally, such as misspellings. How simple is that?

Excellent question! This is something I've always thought about, since our historical sins are still with us today. I'm sure it's advantageous for some, problematic for others. Your question deserves research.

If asked I answer, it could help, but on the other hand, if they don't want to hire me because of my race, I don't want my time , money wasted either.

This shouldn't give applicants a leg up on a job application. Companies have these questions to meet federal compliance standards.

Good question!