Hispanics, Latinos face confusion in the 'race box' February 24, 2021 at 1:35 PM EST - Updated February 24 at 1:36 PM If you've ever had to fill out a job application form or a form at your doctor’s office, you've likely come across a box asking you to pick a "race." Most people don't think twice about how they identify, but it's not black and white for certain groups of people who fit somewhere in between. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word "race" as a "category of humankind that shares certain distinctive physical traits." If you ask young podcaster Cristina Areu, 9, her race, she won't say white, Black, Asian or Pacific Islander.