First Day(s) of classes went real smooth. I was almost able to find most of the buildings with no problem.
I had an interesting experience in my Dominican-Haitian relations course. The class has a handful of Dominicans, mostly all ‘American’ students, and one Haitian. I put quotes on American for reasons that I will elaborate on after my anecdote.
Sooo…..the professor was giving an introductory discussion on the current Dominican-Haitian relations, history on the establishment of both countries and the impact of the European unwelcome take over….
For the most part, there is tension between Dominicans and Haitians. Some Dominicans bluntly discriminate Haitians…Haitians are assumed to be all dark skin and women’s hair not chemically straighten like Dominican women. At some point in his lecture the professor wanted to make us think about how dumb our assumptions of other people are and how our prejudices can affect our relations with other people. He pointed to a couple students and asked would you assume he/she was Haitian? Etc. One Dominican student stood out to all of us as being opinionated and not intimidated by discussion. The professor at some point turned to her and asked how she would identify a Haitian individual in the street. He proceeded to put her on the spot and asked by skin color? At this point, she lost some confidence and hesitated to answer as easily as she had commented before. Then she said, …….”for example they are all extranjeros”…(strangers, foreigners, aliens)…while she pointed at the light skin, mostly blonde international group...”obviously I wouldn’t consider them Haitian”….she said this with what I would interpret as passion, emotion and intensity.
On one side I felt attacked (and I know that the other study abroad students did too, at least the ones that were able to fully understand what was going on) and on the other I empathize with her because I too have been there.<<feeling such electricity, anger and frustration while talking about a topic in class>> the way she pointed at us and expressed herself made me feel as if I was invading her space, her territory. And I by no means blame this young woman. In fact I support her.
Anywho, the reason why I quoted “Americans” is because eventhough citizenship wise I am “American” sometimes I reject that title for the negative associations of being an American woman. Some perceptions of American women here in the DR and in a lot of countries, are that American women are easy, fast and loose. Who wants to be associated with that? Not me. Hell no, no me.
Additionally, so far!! I have not been called “American”. To Dominicans I am Mexican. Simply Mexican.
I know this through my daily conversations with friends, family and the people I meet in the street/stores/clubs
It’s interesting to me how fast Dominicans quickly identify my accent, and ask “eres Mexicana, verdad?” (you are Mexican, right?) Of course, I don’t deny my ethnic origins. I do clarify (sometimes) that I was born in Los Angeles and that my parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico, therefore I AM Mexican.
I want to add that, even if I don’t always identify solely as American, sometimes I use Mexican-American, (depending on the context) being American is and always will be a privilege. There is always an advantage to be discovered and abused from being American, and that must never be overlooked or taken for granted. I am grateful for this.
I just hate what America symbolizes sometimes, and who America has stepped on in order to be America. U know? I hate how America was build and all the innocent people who have died, been displaced and suffer because of the early Americans. Ffjkffkfkfkfkfkfk that shit
In terms of how Dominicans perceive me…I have been called “rubia” “india clara” and “blanca” (all of them meaning ‘white’ ‘light-skin’)…..Dominicans pay attention to facial features and the texture of the hair….I have been complimented a lot on my hair and my ‘captivating’ eyes
So far I loooove love looooovee the Dominican Republic!! I cannot believe I am here yet. For reals! I have been asked why did I decide to come to the DR when I could have studied abroad somewhere else….but to me it’s like why NOT the DR?
Growing up, I have ALWAYS admired the Dominican Republic! ALWAYS! Because of the culture and music/dance. To me visiting the DR was always a dream and now it’s a reality!
I know I have expressed this before but I will say it again, I am TRULY BLESSED to be here!
I am grateful for this opportunity and want to make the best of it!
I am learning soooo much about Dominican way of life, cuisine, culture, dance, music everything!! …..and finding many similarities between my Mexican heritage and the DR…its very interesting….I am more amazed at the similarities than the differences.
I find differences in diction and ways of expression, but that is normal (to me at least)
I am always surprised at Dominicans grasp of the term Latina/o.
I have heard the term very frequently. I guess I just didn’t expect for the term to be used anywhere else but in the U.S. But I am actually glad that it’s this way because it makes me feel more closely related to Dominicans than different….and to me! I want Dominicans to know that we ARE more alike than different….we have more things in common that u could imagine....
Being a fluent Spanish speaker has helped me immensely integrate myself to Dominican culture/society because I am able to fully communicate with everyone I meet and understand what they say to me (compared to the non-Spanish speakers).
It’s also helps me not be intimidated or shy to interact with the people I encounter.
For the homies and friends going abroad….Frances, Rosa, Asia, Asha, Francisco, Alma, Ally (brown), Kanika, Cecilie…I wish u the very very best! I hope u fall in love with ur host country/family like I have….dont dwell on being homesick because remember that at some point this is what u really wanted…don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new food and just be totally immersed in the host culture. Take mosquito repellent lol it comes in very handy…cuz fresh meat is attractive to the little creatures. From the bottom of my heart, I wish yall all the best on ur adventure.
Blessings to everyone!! From the Dominican Republic!!!
-Sazon