- Social Change in the Dominican Republic -
How many of you could effectively rebut the following statement? The Dominican Republic is a patriarchal, sexist, classist, and openly racist society.
Because that is the premise upon which the following comments are based and, in my opinion, the source of most of the ailings hampering this nation.
While, to one extent or another, the above description could be applied to any number of nations, I think you'll find that what differentiates developed nations from those that are still on their way is precisely their capacity to overcome the cultural memes that weigh them down. And it that sense, the Dominican Republic is sorely behind.
What I've found here after a ten year absence, is more of the same that I thought I'd left behind for ever. Yes, the country has made economic inroads, yes they've managed to catch up with technology, yes, on the surface, Santo Domingo has become virtually indistinguishable to many other metropolis...but dig a little deeper and not much has changed. For I posit that it is in society itself, in the way people handle themselves, that one can really appraise the development of a nation. And there, you'll find many of the same attitudes that this country has espoused for as long as I can recall -- and I go back at least thirty years of memories here.
A democracy in name only, for no matter what Government is in charge, the only salient desire seems to be to satisfy their own needs. Thus creating a complete lack of empathy for anyone not inside their corridors of power. Over and over and over again, we see parties buying the hearts and votes of the average Dominican -- only to dispose of them as lead weight once their dreams of power become a reality. There's only one constant in this game of Dominican political charades; no matter who the President and party is, the elite will not be denied. They'll get their pound of flesh no matter what. Even if that means allowing theft after theft from their 'elected' officials in the name of 'democracy.' After all, if the system works for you, where's the incentive for promoting change? In a word: nowhere.
So, it is in their best interest -- nay, their priority -- to perpetuate the status quo. Which brings us neatly back around to my original statement.
Patriarchal: Anointed chieftains in every family, group, company, and enterprise, right on up to the highest spheres of influence. These men are not to be questioned and rule over their subjects in dictator-like fashion. What they say goes. And because that is the way it is, ensuing generations are often deprived of one of the greatest benefits of education. Critical thinking, the ability to come to conclusions on your own.
Sexist: Women as objects. Objects of desire to be lusted after, conquered and displayed proudly...for as long as they are considered worthy and subject to the will of their conquerors. Rebellious women are largely frowned upon, for they obviously threaten the very core of the Patriarchal system -- men. This mentality has led to a curious interaction between men and women in this country, one largely built on gamesmanship and coyness on the part of the women, and feigned largesse and understanding on the men's side. But take away the thin veneer of politeness between the two, and the battle of the sexes is in full bloom here -- if at least thirty years late.
Classism: Almost self-descriptive. One only need step out in the street to see it -- and for those that can afford a slave (oops! maid) no need to leave the house. Again, a cultural meme perpetuated from generation to generation and hardly ever questioned. It is taken as a given by many children here that, for example, the chauffeur or the nanny, are somehow genetically inferior to them and thus non-worthy of their own, superior social status. The sad side to this open prejudice is that is implicitly -- and often explicitly -- encouraged by their own families by the way they treat their employees. Then again, let's face it, by validating class differences they are, by default, also justifying their own status. Certain things you're 'born' into and there's nothing that can be done about that. Which bring me right into...
Racism: A subject we all know too well if only through our own biases. And it is those (negative) biases that are encouraged here. The darker the skin, the lesser the value of any one individual. Simple really -- that is just how it is. Successful dark-skinned people simply the exceptions that confirm the rule. And, coincidentally, can be proudly paraded as an example of equality. But let's make sure there are not too many of them, wouldn't want to make it a trend.
So, how and why do all of these circumstances exist and persist in Dominican society? And more importantly, how do we go about changing them? I am not so sure, other than what I've already offered here. And that's where I'd like to get your input.
In closing, I'll just add once again, that these are maladies which affect most societies to one degree or another and that I've only given a very superficial description of each. Given that, I'd like to keep the focus on how each of those, in particular, affects the Dominican Republic, and in turn, what and how can be done to ameliorate the problems.
Please feel free to go into any depth you desire. Historical perspectives are most welcomed as well.
I am here to learn.
How many of you could effectively rebut the following statement? The Dominican Republic is a patriarchal, sexist, classist, and openly racist society.
Because that is the premise upon which the following comments are based and, in my opinion, the source of most of the ailings hampering this nation.
While, to one extent or another, the above description could be applied to any number of nations, I think you'll find that what differentiates developed nations from those that are still on their way is precisely their capacity to overcome the cultural memes that weigh them down. And it that sense, the Dominican Republic is sorely behind.
What I've found here after a ten year absence, is more of the same that I thought I'd left behind for ever. Yes, the country has made economic inroads, yes they've managed to catch up with technology, yes, on the surface, Santo Domingo has become virtually indistinguishable to many other metropolis...but dig a little deeper and not much has changed. For I posit that it is in society itself, in the way people handle themselves, that one can really appraise the development of a nation. And there, you'll find many of the same attitudes that this country has espoused for as long as I can recall -- and I go back at least thirty years of memories here.
A democracy in name only, for no matter what Government is in charge, the only salient desire seems to be to satisfy their own needs. Thus creating a complete lack of empathy for anyone not inside their corridors of power. Over and over and over again, we see parties buying the hearts and votes of the average Dominican -- only to dispose of them as lead weight once their dreams of power become a reality. There's only one constant in this game of Dominican political charades; no matter who the President and party is, the elite will not be denied. They'll get their pound of flesh no matter what. Even if that means allowing theft after theft from their 'elected' officials in the name of 'democracy.' After all, if the system works for you, where's the incentive for promoting change? In a word: nowhere.
So, it is in their best interest -- nay, their priority -- to perpetuate the status quo. Which brings us neatly back around to my original statement.
Patriarchal: Anointed chieftains in every family, group, company, and enterprise, right on up to the highest spheres of influence. These men are not to be questioned and rule over their subjects in dictator-like fashion. What they say goes. And because that is the way it is, ensuing generations are often deprived of one of the greatest benefits of education. Critical thinking, the ability to come to conclusions on your own.
Sexist: Women as objects. Objects of desire to be lusted after, conquered and displayed proudly...for as long as they are considered worthy and subject to the will of their conquerors. Rebellious women are largely frowned upon, for they obviously threaten the very core of the Patriarchal system -- men. This mentality has led to a curious interaction between men and women in this country, one largely built on gamesmanship and coyness on the part of the women, and feigned largesse and understanding on the men's side. But take away the thin veneer of politeness between the two, and the battle of the sexes is in full bloom here -- if at least thirty years late.
Classism: Almost self-descriptive. One only need step out in the street to see it -- and for those that can afford a slave (oops! maid) no need to leave the house. Again, a cultural meme perpetuated from generation to generation and hardly ever questioned. It is taken as a given by many children here that, for example, the chauffeur or the nanny, are somehow genetically inferior to them and thus non-worthy of their own, superior social status. The sad side to this open prejudice is that is implicitly -- and often explicitly -- encouraged by their own families by the way they treat their employees. Then again, let's face it, by validating class differences they are, by default, also justifying their own status. Certain things you're 'born' into and there's nothing that can be done about that. Which bring me right into...
Racism: A subject we all know too well if only through our own biases. And it is those (negative) biases that are encouraged here. The darker the skin, the lesser the value of any one individual. Simple really -- that is just how it is. Successful dark-skinned people simply the exceptions that confirm the rule. And, coincidentally, can be proudly paraded as an example of equality. But let's make sure there are not too many of them, wouldn't want to make it a trend.
So, how and why do all of these circumstances exist and persist in Dominican society? And more importantly, how do we go about changing them? I am not so sure, other than what I've already offered here. And that's where I'd like to get your input.
In closing, I'll just add once again, that these are maladies which affect most societies to one degree or another and that I've only given a very superficial description of each. Given that, I'd like to keep the focus on how each of those, in particular, affects the Dominican Republic, and in turn, what and how can be done to ameliorate the problems.
Please feel free to go into any depth you desire. Historical perspectives are most welcomed as well.
I am here to learn.
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