HOW COME...

[Leticia_g]

I think that is uncalled for. Por favor no trates las gentes especialmente las damas asi.

Gracias!

[Leticia_g]

Race is at times covered as a topic and it could become heated but only by those that feel that we as Puerto Ricans are not of all colors. In most Puerto Ricans families, you will notice that they are raised to accpet any color among their people. I say their people because even though we accept the fact that we are a rich blend of many races we still consider ourselves as one. It is very common, to see a white or fair skin Puerto Rican make a comment like, "that white person" just as much it is common for a black Puerto Rican to say "that black person" Many times we identify ourselves as a cultures and not as a color.

[salseros]

I'm Sorry if is a lady. I should sound like a girl. Not Sorry if its a Man.

[Truthangel]

Originally posted by conciencia
TruthAngel,

I am one of those whom always claim all my blood, Black, white, indian and even Arab. But I am Puertorican first. my skin color may throw off certain american groups but when I tend to eat Rice and bean in a daily basis....hey I am a Puerto Rican....when I tend to listen to Salsa or other caribbean music...hey I am a Rican....when I play volleyball and baseball...hey I am a Rican...when I see and greet my father, brother and families regardless of gender I kiss on the cheek...hey I am a Rican. When I cheer for Tito Trinidad and Ruiz on a Boxing match, regardless of skin color...I am a Rican...When ever I go Europe, Asia, Saudia or USA I have my Puerto Rican Flag....Hey I am Puerto Rican...enough said.

[Edited by conciencia on 12th December 2001 at 23:51]

Conciencia-VIVA to your love of culture, however, I'm also proud of my heritage and I am an African American woman no matter where I go; even though I am 2/4 Indian. My maternal, great great grandfather was Cherokee and my father also has Indian heritage. So I feel you on "REPRESENTING" as we say in the black community.

The reason why race is questioned by blacks is mainly due to the lack of knowledge blacks have of latins and most of what is articulated about your group is innocently, but most ignorantly based on assumption of who your people are and how you define yourselves.

From what has been articulated by several Latin people is that there is a denial of the strong African blood which is highly present in those from the Carribean islands. Many African Americans would and do find this point offensive about certain Latin groups and somewhat cowardly.

Personally, I don't understand it and frankly, from my perspective, it's not my place to dictate how someone should feel on an issue, but what is necessary is for those in my culture to understand who we are dealing with in order to assess how we should interact with you.

That can only be done with candor and honesty.

You feel me?

[Truthangel]

Originally posted by Leticia_g
Race is at times covered as a topic and it could become heated but only by those that feel that we as Puerto Ricans are not of all colors. In most Puerto Ricans families, you will notice that they are raised to accpet any color among their people. I say their people because even though we accept the fact that we are a rich blend of many races we still consider ourselves as one. It is very common, to see a white or fair skin Puerto Rican make a comment like, "that white person" just as much it is common for a black Puerto Rican to say "that black person" Many times we identify ourselves as a cultures and not as a color.

Leticia, that may be true holistically, but realistically, I know for a fact that many Puerto Ricans, as do other Latin groups, do discriminate by color and it's my opinion that many Latins are in gross denial of what is called in my culture as being "color struck" i.e., having a preference for someone of a certain skin tone, even though you are one culturally.

[Truthangel]

But was does: Tu eres Marica coje vuelo mean?

If it's worth saying than the person directing it should have the balls to say it in a manner in which it can be understood.

[conciencia]

We just let them be one....it is not worth dirting the sole of your shoe.

Truth Angel...Caribbean culture is a nation on its own. Haitians, Jamaicans, Dominicans and others have their African roots and particular evolve culture and yet they will merge that much with Black Americans.

Even within the Black Americans tone color preferences can be seen miles away. I remember when hanging with the Brothers from the bronx and Spanish Harlem they had a particular taste for a "RedBone" lady...I recall many other racial slurs among themselves, Hey I felt comfortable around my "hommies" they love "Bomba and Plena" and of course Latin Jazz. We use to start "trovadores competition" with congas on the corners while summer was at its peak and we started to rap [same as trovador] but in spanish.

You will have the same quite a different reaction with native Ricans, although we suggest togetherness within the Island the preference is there (prejudism). We Puertorrican are a diverse Nation by "default" what I mean is that if you look at our history in the last 500 years you will understand they HOW, WHY, WHERE of us.