The Black People At Taco Bell Aren’t The Only Ones Making Arroz Con Frijoles…
It’s not just in Cuba, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic- but Black people are everywhere! I’m very optimistic to bring to your attention that every “Latina mami” doesn’t look like Jennifer Lopez or Penelope Cruz. Some “mami’s” look like Condoleezza Rice and Jill Scott, too- hair and all. Every man who lives south of the border or east of the Atlantic, isn’t the color of white washed sea shells, listening to Tito Puente, dancing Salsa steps 24/7 and looking like an Antonio Banderas replica. Some of our brown brothas and sisters look like they marched, front and center, with the Black Panther Party or next to Chuck D in the “Fight the Power” video. The truth is: some of our Latino friends and family could look like anyone from Justin Timberlake to Samuel L. Jackson.
Central and South America is just like the United States of America, in the sense that racial profiling, discrimination, hoods and the problem of inequality still persist. For the most part, the darker the harder, the louder the beat drums, the sadder the song. The level of segregation is shocking, yet expected. Spain and it’s illusions are embraced the most, while Africa is solely used for musical and cultural treats.
I find it easy to say that, my experiences in Central America (including Costa Rica and Honduras) bring me to the conclusion that there is not only racial segregation and a huge issue with Black or “Afro-Latino” faces in different media outlets, but the struggle and level of poverty is equivalent or worse than that of Shawn Carter’s Marcy Projects or Percy Miller’s New Orleans. Please don’t watch Telemundo and come to a conclusion about Central or South American… or about life in the Caribbean.
Outside of Miami, New York City and a couple of other dense metropolitan areas- you’re probably not exposed to someone who is Latino, who isn’t Puerto Rican or Mexican. Your only source of information is the local burrito spot, Reggaton, Terror Squad or your childhood memories of Gloria Estaban’s “Get on your Feet.”
My point? Travel, learn your history and don’t let the media determine who, what or why situations are the way they are or allow them to create false images in your mind about a certain people, their history or their potential future. The only thing worse than being a liberal Muslim in America right now, is being an illegal Mexican. Get your mind right and do the math.
Provided by Wikipedia.org
Even though the equation didn’t include you- you are the solution. Never forget it. The African struggle is global. Oh yeah and the track of the day is: Bob Marley’s “War.”
Blessings,
A.H.L.O.T.
P.S. Check out this Afro-Latino Panel at UDC:
-All photos provided by Costa Rican Radio host
Tags: afro-latino, costa rica, limon
Altering Popular Perception, Videos | AHLOT February 11, 2009
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By Renae, February 11, 2009 @ 12:15 PM
love this! good stuff, dominque!
By AHLOT, February 12, 2009 @ 9:31 AM
No doubt. Thanks.
By Natasha, February 12, 2009 @ 6:57 PM
Nice work! It’s really good and so true…
I enjoy reading your stuff, keep it up!
By Jonathan Norman, February 12, 2009 @ 10:55 PM
This article really has a lot of meaning.
This is definitely true what you are saying, it also applies to us(central americans) that we shouldn’t be dominated by the media, but to look for our own truth. To not draw up images of people and places without going there and searching the truth.
By Jonathan Norman, February 12, 2009 @ 11:45 PM
Racism degrades humanity to the lowest level. Racism is like hating yourself. we all have to realize how important the black struglle is and simply get over racism.
By Elissa, February 14, 2009 @ 8:06 PM
Racism should have never been created. It’s just wrong. You should treat others the way you want to be treated…
By Marissa Dixon, February 16, 2009 @ 4:57 PM
I hope other people read what you have written. Many people judge for what they see on the media and they dont know the real beauty of that place.. Nice writtin Dominque!!! Keep it up and the world might just know what it really look like!!
By Marissa Dixon, February 16, 2009 @ 5:04 PM
People perspective towards black people is bad, but if they would only realize that they’re the same flesh that the black people are. Lots of people have to realize the importance of eachother!!
By Paige Dixon, February 18, 2009 @ 10:31 PM
They should have never created racism…its just wrong and I agree with you Elissa you should treat
others the way u want to be treated (Golden Rule)
By Paige Dixon, February 18, 2009 @ 10:37 PM
We should all ask our self this question “why was racism created? who created racism?” I personally think that all people are alike wether your black, white, asian, african etc…because we are all the same in God’s eyes!!!
By cleve, February 19, 2009 @ 12:46 AM
racism is here to stay the cacuasian man is still in power.the history of our nubian african people has been eradicated and obliterated its time to give the pale creature the scums who we once call masa.a rude awakening no more apology these peole was not born with a souls they are the devil kids living amoung us you can’t change the devil..
By Amber, February 19, 2009 @ 12:47 AM
We all should look at each other as equals. No matter what color skin you are or where you come from your all the same in God’s sight. Racism is still here today and it maybe would never end. We have to realize that its life. We dont want to live with it but sometimes you just have to put up with it. No matter what happens we are all equal and we should deserve to be treat as equals.
By Takashi McNab, February 19, 2009 @ 1:02 AM
We don’t have to look at someone’s outward appearance, but rather see what really exists in the inside. The inside of a person is what really tells who or what they are..
By Kamille McNab, February 19, 2009 @ 1:04 AM
the color of your skin doesn’t matter, what counts is the inside of a person.
By Shamantha Bodden, February 19, 2009 @ 1:05 AM
only God can judge us!
By Gigi Hyde, February 19, 2009 @ 1:06 AM
God bless us all, both white and black..
By K.G.A.S., February 20, 2009 @ 4:56 PM
it is so crazy when people judge you for the color of your skin or by your apperance and its not like anyone is perfect. i think it is really cool that colored people fought for their rights and are no longer treated like if they are not important because every one is important no matter what they look like.
By De'Jah, December 21, 2009 @ 12:05 PM
Well this was a good way to let people be known how D.R. is. I am 25% black and 75% dominican. My skin is the color of caramel. To be black and dominican is a beautiful mixture. There is one girl that i am not cool with because it has been told to me that she doesnt like dominicans. But it is ok, because when people say uneeded things to you, its just to be spiteful. Jus to say to everybody, Dont pay ANY attention to ignorant people. No matter what people say, we got it goin on.
By DRTech, October 12, 2010 @ 3:48 PM
Love this site. Just started my journey to find my kind around the globe and its quite an experience.
One Love.