Contemplation
Puerto Ricans & Dominicans experienced discrimination & prejudice after settling in Chicago, Pennsylvania & Florida. Both ethnic enclaves were created to preserve the culture of their respective cultures. The two immigrants struggled to adapt to American culture, especially the language.
Ramos Zayas argues in Implicit Social Knowledge that Latin American and Caribbean immigrants were cultural impurities who tainted the culture. Chicago residents encouraged Puerto Ricans to become Americanized. The media created stereotypical images of their culture and questioned it.
Their authenticity was called into question because they could not speak “proper Spanish”. They even had their birthplace questioned to compare them with other Puerto Ricans. Puerto Ricans’ Spanish proficiency was questioned unfairly. Puerto Ricans should not be generalized by questioning their birthplace.
Chicago Puerto Ricans’ Story shows the treatment of Puerto Ricans and their struggles to gain political representation. Puerto Ricans were not treated well in Chicago. They faced rising rents, gentrification and poor living conditions. Puerto Ricans were never concentrated in an area to create a distinct ethnic community.
The lack of bilingual programs caused Puerto Ricans to be held back from the 1st Grade. Their social capital was not valued by the mainstream and schools. Police were always provoking Puerto Ricans youths through violence and discrimination. This brought to light the plight of the Puerto Ricans.
In Reading, Pennsylvania, Dominican migrants also experienced discrimination due to their inability to speak English. R.S Opresa discusses the difficulty of adjusting when moving to a new place, and how it is often met with hostility.
Before the Dominicans came to Reading, PA, racial tensions made it difficult for individuals assimilate in the culture. The former Reading Mayor even stated that immigrants must learn English if they want to achieve social mobility. This is a sign of ignorance, especially in a region that has never had migrant history.
Puerto Ricans & Dominicans had to face discrimination & communities that didn’t appreciate diversity – they preferred the status quo. Puerto Ricans’ children were intentionally neglected by teachers and school administrators. Both groups have been exploited in jobs which provide no job security for immigrants. Dominicans are treated like blacks and are discriminated against, despite the fact that they speak Spanish.
Reading, Pennsylvania displayed linguistic bias in a public area, which limited Dominicans’ ability to maintain their native language and survive hostile circumstances. The Dominican youth began to try to cross boundaries and either pretend not to understand Spanish or speak English.
Florida treated Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Dominicans in a completely different way than Chicago or Pennsylvania. Aranda states that Puerto Ricans live mainly in Orlando and Tampa.
Miami was a refuge for Hispanics because Spanish was openly spoken and Latino culture wasn’t stigmatized. A second reason to live in these Puerto Ricans and Dominicans communities was the ease of integration, thanks to a strong support system that made economic opportunities more accessible. Puerto Ricans benefited from their transnational family links, which connected them to networks, education opportunities, and cultural assets.
The Puerto Ricans of the Dominicans were persistent, but their children assimilate well and start to achieve. It was the story, history, culture of their native culture that was missing. Rivera’s New York Afro Puerto Rican Roots Music explains the diasporas and liberation mythologies that are taught to Latin American and Caribbean children instead of the glorified version of America. Rivera begins her ethnography by presenting a liberation story that depicts Mama Africa storing away her real treasures, while Mister E is demanding her resources.
The diasporas of African-descendant Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and others tell the story that is often not told. Puerto Ricans are resilient and can survive discrimination and harsh conditions to achieve success and happiness. Moving to new places was difficult, especially if the towns weren’t welcoming.
Florida was best because of the diversity of the immigrants and their assimilation. I do believe that diversity brings about change and liberation is one way of achieving that.
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