Very well written entry.

I think we all just have to live above the negativity. Call out ignorance when we see it, and try not to let it affect you. History tells us the facts, those who are unaware of their history or deny their history will continue to be ignorant. Not only do many people not know their own history, but many do not know the history of the country they are relocating to. I think this is one of the reasons why the INS enacted a more stringent citizenship test, more focused on US history etc. (although studying for the test does not really teach you much about US history)

I think people are also a product of their communities. We tend stick to what is comfortable and formulate perceptions of the unknown. I think traveling outside the tri-state area, to the west coast, the south, mid west, truly interacting and discovering America can change ones perception on life and themselves. I think if all you know is inwood/wahi, the Bronx and DR, your perception and outlook is pretty limited. One of the reasons why NYC politicians often have a hard time on the national political stage is because NYC does not wholly representation the mood/views of America.

I think traveling the US would be an eye opener for many inner city NYC residents, especially NYC latinos. Travel to the west coast and the sunbelt where Mexicans are the majority latino group. Take a city like LA where Mexicans are over 50% of the population . Where many are 3 and 4th generation Mexican Americans, who are successful and are a part of mainstream society and the political process. A contrast from the day laborers we see here on the East Coast and in the media. The latino experience is completely different outside of NYC and the East Coast. What strikes me as well is the negative tone I hear from many caribbean latinos (specifically Dominicans) in regards to Mexicans. The truth is on the national scale Mexicans represent the largest percentage of latinos in the US. Hard to imagine based on what we see here in NYC.

I think travel to other latin countries as well can shape ones perception. I’m not sure how many Caribbean latinos travel to other latin countries other than their native country. But from my own travels in central and south america, the racial experince is different. Take for example Panama, which was a fusion of cultures. I found the people i interacted with proud of who they are, brown, light and dark skin people proudly identified as black or mixed. Native indigenous indians proudly identified as native amerindians, and so on. Although I didn’t see it first hand, i’m sure underlying racial issues exists. But I found it interesting how people described and labeled themselves. In Chile everyone thought I was Brazilian. In a country that is majority European descendants, everyone was fascinated and loved my brown skin.

So i think what I was getting at with this long post, is that too often we get so consumed with what’s right infront of us, and we forget the world is a dynamic place, with beautiful and dynamic people. And sometimes we have to take some refuge from whatever ignorance that surrounds us, to realize that not everyone is ignorant, and that life is beautiful. Yes, in a perfect world we would experience this every day; but the world is not perfect.

I leave with one question. Understanding that many Dominicans do not like to be called black by american blacks or americans (of any race/ethnicty) what are the feelings when other latinos call you black? say you travel to mexico, cuba, columbia, etc and are referred to as black? is it a different experience given you are not in the US and black doesn’t have the same connotations?

love you Aug 17 post. Very very on point and true.

Peace