<p> <i>50.4 -- </i>That was the percentage of babies born in 2011 in the United States who were minorities -- the first time, the <a href="/topics/Census_Bureau">Census Bureau</a> says, that they outnumbered white newborns. Demographers call this a big deal, but the American population has always been a melting pot; consider it a source of hybrid vigor. Even the definition of "white" has evolved over time. Absent higher minority birthrates, moreover, we'd be short of young workers. Rather than an "aha!" moment, this news is more ho hum.</p>

50.4 -- That was the percentage of babies born in 2011 in the United States who were minorities -- the first time, the Census Bureau says, that they outnumbered white newborns. Demographers call this a big deal, but the American population has always been a melting pot; consider it a source of hybrid vigor. Even the definition of "white" has evolved over time. Absent higher minority birthrates, moreover, we'd be short of young workers. Rather than an "aha!" moment, this news is more ho hum.

Opinion

VPBOX20

Editorial: Merely a blip in the population

Newsday

babys

Opinion Columns

Opinion Rail Module

From the Yankees' young ace to scientific advances, there's rarely any overnight element to success.

Great achievements take time, persistence

While a Missouri senator's amateurish abandon was laughable, the ugliness was serious.

Who was the real 'dirtbag' here?

In Lawrence, a story of dysfunctional governance, power struggles and disregard for state rules.

A library must open the doors to all

From natural splendor to dangerous drivers to lifelong bonds to all the taxes, life here is one giant balancing act.

This place pulls and pushes like the tide

The national Republican boss undermined he who wants to be the state's Republican boss.

State GOP stung by Trump-Mamdani timing

Opinion Article Bottom Module

There are signs that constraints are taking a toll on project timelines.

The AI giants are facing a severe case of financial indigestion

They are often tucked out of sight, but that doesn't mean out of our lungs.

Warehouse boom costly for communities

Senate's Jack Smith hearing, National Grid

Newsday Opinion's endorsements in the 2026 elections.

Newsday Opinion endorses DiNapoli for New York State comptroller

The Point is Newsday Opinion's daily newsletter inside the local, city and state political scenes.

Assembly races bursting with public cash

Dengue didn't return to Florida until 2009, when some caught it in Key West.

Florida's dengue fever outbreak is a national warning

Sign up for the Viewpoints newsletter

Viewpoints Newsletter Widget

All nine employees we were forced to terminate were an integral part of the daily lives of people we serve.

Ending Haitians' TPS meant loss, disruption

Opinion Video Playlist

Hospitals' tax status, Propel NY

Newsday Opinion endorses Losquadro for Suffolk County comptroller

Blakeman backer still a player after Dem faction fight

NUMC, technical trades, honor guard for Xi, Nassau red-light camera fees, Mets' woes

Lowering the cost of cancer drugs is important, but that should not undermine how they are delivered.

Law's side effect could harm community cancer care

The Newsday editorial board will be endorsing in 63 races for elected offices across Long Island.

Endorsements reflect mission to inform

Peninsula Public Library fight set to escalate

Musings: Seven decades in, I saw what nurses really do

Musings: Catching frogs and confidence

Musings: Convene before AI runs amok

We're good at handling emergencies. What we don't do well is long-term planning.

Long Island keeps flooding. What's the plan?

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Opinion - megaslot

Nassau County and Suffolk County editorials, columns, guest essays, cartoons, letters and more.

Stay logged in.