I went to the Dominican Republic a couple
of years ago (twice actually—I sort of fell in love with this country). They
did not believe I was from the United States. “Dominicana?” they asked? “No, Americana”
I asserted. I learned enough Spanish to get around, and I already knew how to
salsa dance and bachata. That’s why they were confused: “You dance like a
Dominican!”
I did not expect to see so many people who
looked like me in the Dominican Republic. I should’ve assumed as much since
it’s in the Caribbean, but it never crossed my mind. It made me wonder though.
Do Dominicans have the same struggles with race that we do? Are the Dominicans
with fair skin more privileged than those with dark skin?
How is the education system in this
country? I visited a small village where a junior chapter of the National
Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was run by a Peace Corps volunteer. He told
me that some days the teacher just didn’t show up. Thoughts of college never
enter these children’s minds. Most will work in tourism serving “visitors” like
me who come to their beautiful country, enjoy the festivities, and spend a few
dollars and leave.
Are Dominicans Black? I was having a
conversation with one of the vendors at my hotel and I spoke of myself as being
Black. He was confused. So am I.
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