African-Americans traveling to the DR

[NALs]

Originally Posted by SafireDream

Although America wants to classify us, they really can not since the majority of us are of mixed heritage. We are a rainbow of color just like the people of the DR. We need to adopt the Dominican way of thinking in regards to race.

Tata

Finally! I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Thank you Safire Dream (and Bobo) for accepting the Dominican Republic for what it is, rather than trying to change it. This is really what I have been after, making people realize that the DR is FINE the way it is and if anything needs to change, it should come from within the DR, not from abroad.

Again, Thank You for viewing the world with a pair of "Dominican Goggles". Hopefully your discovery of my wonderful country, its people, and their way of seeing things will enhance your life into a much more fullfilling lifestyle.

[SafireDream]

Originally Posted by Nal0whs

Finally! I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Thank you Safire Dream (and Bobo) for accepting the Dominican Republic for what it is, rather than trying to change it. This is really what I have been after, making people realize that the DR is FINE the way it is and if anything needs to change, it should come from within the DR, not from abroad.

Again, Thank You for viewing the world with a pair of "Dominican Goggles". Hopefully your discovery of my wonderful country, its people, and their way of seeing things will enhance your life into a much more fullfilling lifestyle.

You are very welcome, Nal0whs! Although there are a lot of problems in the DR, who are we (outsiders) to come and tell you how to handle them. In many ways, the DR is better than many places that I have been to, including my own country. I returned to the U.S. with a better understanding of myself and how I want to live my life.

[Oche]

Safiredream, thank you for your kind words. I'm really glad and happy that you have found the DR a very comfortable and inviting place to visit and also that you feel identified with our culture. Remember this, you will always be welcome here. I really hope you have an even more wonderful stay on your future visits to the country.

[gatoazul]

Originally Posted by Bobo

My wife and I are planning a trip to the DR at the recommendation of a co-worker who recently visited. I have been researching the country--on websites such as this--and now have some concerns about going. I have read several posts that suggests that there might be some racial issues in the DR. I did not know much about the country until recently but from what I have been reading I have the impression that darker-skin people in the DR occupy the lower rungs of society and lighter-skin people typically occupy the top rungs of society and are generally more favored over darker-skin people. My concern is that (and it seems wierd to even be talking about this kind of thing) because I have dark skin I will recieve unfavorable and inhospitable treatment by Dominicans. Will the color of my skin affect how I am treated (viewed) in the DR? Is it true the lighter skin people (or white people) are treated more favorably?

Also, I read that the population of the DR is comprised of "75% mulattos", "15% white", and "10% black". I am confused by this. The term "mulatto" just describes a person of mixed parentage, typically black and white. In the US this type of person would commonly be viewed as just "black". The term mulatto is almost never even used in the US. Plus, I was always taught that the term "mulatto" was a derogatory term. So, I am somewhat surprised that Dominicans refer to themselves as "mulatto." What is the origin of the racial classifications in the DR (specifically, how did "mulattos" come to be viewed as being "different" than "black")?

I would appreciate all honest responses as I am close to booking my vacation and need to know if I should continue with my plan to visit the DR or consider another vacation destination.

Hi Bobo,

Come to the Dominican Republic and enjoy the beaches, the sun and the people hospitality. I'm dominican. Most of us are mulatoes, but here it is not a peyorative term. It's a term included on most local history books to explain the demographic constitution of the country. It's a very popular voice here the one that says "cada dominicano tiene al negro detras de la oreja" what means that every dominican has the black (as the inherited root) behind his ear. It's also a very popular expression to call "mi negra" or "mi negro" to the loved woman or loved man, even when is white skinned.

So, you are welcomed here.

[DominicanScotty]

Originally Posted by Bobo

My wife and I are planning a trip to the DR at the recommendation of a co-worker who recently visited. I have been researching the country--on websites such as this--and now have some concerns about going. I have read several posts that suggests that there might be some racial issues in the DR. I did not know much about the country until recently but from what I have been reading I have the impression that darker-skin people in the DR occupy the lower rungs of society and lighter-skin people typically occupy the top rungs of society and are generally more favored over darker-skin people. My concern is that (and it seems wierd to even be talking about this kind of thing) because I have dark skin I will recieve unfavorable and inhospitable treatment by Dominicans. Will the color of my skin affect how I am treated (viewed) in the DR? Is it true the lighter skin people (or white people) are treated more favorably?

Also, I read that the population of the DR is comprised of "75% mulattos", "15% white", and "10% black". I am confused by this. The term "mulatto" just describes a person of mixed parentage, typically black and white. In the US this type of person would commonly be viewed as just "black". The term mulatto is almost never even used in the US. Plus, I was always taught that the term "mulatto" was a derogatory term. So, I am somewhat surprised that Dominicans refer to themselves as "mulatto." What is the origin of the racial classifications in the DR (specifically, how did "mulattos" come to be viewed as being "different" than "black")?

I would appreciate all honest responses as I am close to booking my vacation and need to know if I should continue with my plan to visit the DR or consider another vacation destination.

Bobo,

You have no reason to be concerned. The Dominicans will know that you are gringos (which is not racial, all foreigners are gringos) and they will treat you with respect. There is a standard against Haitians but it isn't racial but more cultural. I am Dominican on my mother's side from Moca although I look "white". I have had (several times) African Americans refer to me as a "cracker". I laugh at this because they are visiting my country and racially disrespecting me. I correct them in my native tongue (Spanish) and they answer "huh" and then I respectfully remind them (in English) that they are not in the US anymore and welcome them to "my country". Believe me, you will have a great time down there. Have fun and leave all of that nonsense on the Brooklyn Bridge (that's where the famous racial rebel rouser Rev. Sharpton grandstands). Dominicans love that green money you got in your pockets, bring plenty and party!