We had spent the first part of the semester learning about African cultures to which the members are very proud to be a part of. In contrast the view of "blacks" in Hispaniola is night and date between the two countries that make up this island. Dominicans are proud to be multi-racial until they are forced to associate themselves with black heritage.
The qualities that we as Americans would use to distinguish someone as being black are completely different than those used in the Dominican Republic. People go out of their way to disassociate themselves with African heritage. I struggled to understand this until we continued to watch the video where I learned of the political and racial struggle that existed in the colonial days of Hispaniola. On the opposite of the island, in Haiti, African pride is clearly evident. Vodou is practiced as opposed Catholicism that dominates the eastern half of the island. The differences are literally night and day. I could never have imagined that two countries who are so closely located to one another could be different in so many ways.
I'm glad the video was enlightening for you. I went to a talk at the WCA on Bahamaian art, and in the Bahamas, they too acknowledge many stereotypes about Haitians and deep-set ambivalence towards their own racial heritage.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was surprised to see the strong separation between the 2 sides of Hispaniola. I agree with your observation of the long line of resentment that originates with oppression. I would, however, be curious to know how many African Americans disassociate themselves from their African heritage here in America. You make the inference that this disassociation happening in Hispaniola is unique. I have a feeling, sadly, it happens more than we know.
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated by how much of a rift there is between the two countries even though they are geographically isolated on an island together and far from both Africa and Spain. The rift between the two makes it seem as if there's a wall between the two and not just a river. It reminds me of how Germany was once divided into East and West with a wall separating them.
ReplyDeleteGood discussion here--just what the blogs are meant to elicit! Indeed, Karla, it is often the case, not just in the Dominican Republic or the U.S., but elsewhere too--in Ghana, for eg: lightening creams are a best-seller. Many with African heritage attempt (unconsciously or not) to suppress or are ashamed of that heritage because of internalized self-doubt resultant from centuries of oppression and racism. This is also true among homosexuals--many who may be out but still need to work through internalized pain and insecurity because for so long they have been doubted, oppressed, bullied, etc.
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