Still Waters Run Deep

OwnRules

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- 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.
 
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Pib

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In reading your post all I can think of is that your post is akin to discovering the formula of hot water.

Yes, it is all true, it would be very disingineous or just plain stupid to deny it. If there is one thing I have to disagree with you is in the extent of changes. And those you shouldn't look for in the higher classes nor in the lower ones for they are by nature static. The first is too comfortable to wish for change the second too hungry and lacking to promote change. Like in any other country, here the middle class is the nest of progress. And although I haven't lived long enough to see what you've seen I do notice change happening.

If the government, this and the next, do not succeed in obliterating our middle class I can see how my children, will have a more advanced mentality than, say, my parents and of course myself. I see the next generation as another step above.

What else can we do (besides breeding of course :)), well, we can keep preaching, with our words and our example. There's much to learn and much to teach. Go out, show people how it's done.
 
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Chirimoya

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All true to some extent, in my opinion. There is encouraging progress in some of the areas more than in others, a slow process that will evolve through the generations. Just by observing families I know here it is possible to see changes in attitudes and practices from one generation to the other.

Pib, there is change under way in the poorer sectors (though perhaps not the very poorest) as well as the middle classes, as people become more organised and empowered. I have seen impressive and inspirational examples of this in urban and rural settings. But it is a very slow process with so many obstacles to overcome. You are right about the very poorest and very richest though: no change for very different reasons.

OwnRules: you being from Spain - do you ever wonder how Spain managed to shake off the legacy of the dictatorship so quickly while in the DR it still lingers on 40+ years later? I know most of the reasons are obvious but what's your take on it?

Chiri
 

Amber

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WE do have a long way to go, there is no denying that, but I also see the changes Pib has described.
First, you see a young black Dominican in an expensive sports car and most people will immediately label him as a smuggler. Same car, white driver, a member of the so-called elite class. Same with women. I know some women who are afraid to wear what they will for fear of being labeled. But that is a whole other category in itself.
Getting back to the main subject; since I work with young adults as well as professionals, I perceive first hand the various degrees of the social changes occurring. Let me state as an example the girl who lives with me. She does take care of the house while I am at work, but she does so as a part of the family (my husband?s family has a hard time over the fact that she does whatever she can when she can and this is fine with me). To her credit, I must say that she would rather be hung by her toenails before she sees any dust all the while getting straight A?s. She is currently in her third year in college and has gotten many of her friends to follow her steps. This caused some of my acquaintances to complain about their ?help? having to take time off to go to college. In some cases, a few of the girls even got fired, but then most were able to get better jobs, having become more aware of their own potentials.
Another example is how the new generation is openly intolerant of the traditional male/female roles presented by the parents. Most of my students openly defy society, sometimes going a little overboard, launching themselves in the self-quests reminiscent of the sixties and seventies in the US. A little behind, yes, but getting there.
If you check the enrollments at UASD University throughout the country, you will find that women outnumber men two to one in most cities/towns.
Another phenomena is that there is a growing number of older women seeking higher education, something unheard of twenty years ago.
These tiny little changes, among others, are what will make the difference in the coming generations. Think about this, you have more women becoming less dependant of men, thereby teaching their offspring to be even more independent. Self-empowerment does not eliminate all the ailments of society, but becoming aware of the choices and potential one has makes a world of difference in attitudes. If you take other developed countries as examples, you will see that there is a direct relevancy between significant changes in society and the awareness/education of women.
 

Larry

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As an outsider looking in...

I would suspect that many of the changes that Amber is speaking of are the result of exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking via the media(especially television).Not that long ago that most people would never have the opportunity to watch a TV (25 years ago in nyc we only had a small black and white tv with a few fuzzy channels for Christ sake).Being able to see other cultures intolerance of racism and seeing women in high positions in society among other things must be a positive influence to new generations of Dominicans and should help accelorate change.Am I correct?Imagine how difficult it was to experience these things prior to television except of course if you had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling.
Larry
 
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OwnRules

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Thanks for the thoughtful responses, ladies.

I'm more than a bit on the tired side so I just wanted to quickly comment on a couple of points that caught my eye:

Pib said:
If there is one thing I have to disagree with you is in the extent of changes. And those you shouldn't look for in the higher classes nor in the lower ones for they are by nature static. The first is too comfortable to wish for change the second too hungry and lacking to promote change. Like in any other country, here the middle class is the nest of progress.

What else can we do (besides breeding of course ), well, we can keep preaching, with our words and our example. There's much to learn and much to teach. Go out, show people how it's done.

Pib, I've had the pleasure -- and the pain ;) -- of discussing some of these issues with you F2F. And believe me, I am not trying to put a damper on your views, but the longer I am here the less I see the fundamental changes I am talking about. Then again, maybe it's my impatience or the simple fact that I expected more in that sense. I will say that you make a fine example of what I think social progress should be about vis-a-vis the Dom Rep.

Breeding? Might be the most enjoyable way of countering the problem, but heck, I am all for cloning in this case -- or, at the very least, a massive in-vitro and/or neutering campaign.

Wow! I actually just scared myself with that idea. Methinks I'll just go out and teach people how to boil water instead :nervous:

Chirimoya said:
<snip>
...do you ever wonder how Spain managed to shake off the legacy of the dictatorship so quickly while in the DR it still lingers on 40+ years later? I know most of the reasons are obvious but what's your take on it?

Thanks for bringing up the comparison, Chimi. For a multitude of reasons, I think it is quite apt

I also think part of my prejudice/frustration with seeing how slow the DR is to evolve is precisely becuase I saw how quickly Spain snapped out of their social/moral quagmire. However, instead of giving you a "straight answer," I am going to counter with a question of my own.

Given the similarities, up to and including the long years of dictatorships (which is what we can call "obvious" with regards to the changes in Spain), why is it that socially speaking one of those two countries has been left in the dust? What is it about the DR that makes one feel as if travelling through a time-warp?

Think it might help if we attached humongous outboard engines to the island? ;)

Amber said:
If you take other developed countries as examples, you will see that there is a direct relevancy between significant changes in society and the awareness/education of women.

Another slam dunk in my mind. As a man, I totally and completely agree with the above sentiment. It just puzzles me why seemingly cultured and otherwise intelligent men can't see it as well. Yes, I know, it's that "memetic thing" and we end up going around in circles, but still...it is rather obvious that if you don't limit the roles of the other half of your population the upside is tremendous -- and besides breaking tradition and/or conquering insecurities, what's the downside?

Night kids! Thanks again.
 
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OwnRules

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PS-Just saw your reply upon posting, Larry. I'm out for 2nite, but I just wanted you to know that I am not confusing you with a "lady" ;)
 

Criss Colon

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How long have you been back,"Rule" ?

Is it 6 months yet? To all you have said,I say,"Amen!", and to "paraphrase Pib,"Duh!"....You are now experiencing a strong case of,"I can't believe how these people tolerate their living conditions,and don't seem to want to change anything!" It happens to any "Foreigner" who lives here for 6 months or more!
Dominicans are "Apathetic"! How would you feel after more than 500 years of eating shit!??? They have lost hope! Why "TRY",it never makes any difference anyway! People circle the wagons of their social,economic,geografical,and racial groups,and "get by"! The "Rich" help each other,the "Poor",defend their "Barrios",and nothing changes.Get up,get food,play music,get drunk,get laid,go to sleep,start over again!!! The "Cycle-of-Life" in the DR continues.I have done the same thing! I have my family,and "Circle of Friends",and everyone else can "Go To Hell!"...I used to volunteer ,and get food and supplies from the US Embassy store for an orphanage in Sabana Perdida,The Nuns told me they prefered "Money"! Guess their "Jepetta" burns alot of "gas"! Not to "pin" this on Dominican Nuns,they are from SPAIN! Point is,welcome to the "CLUB"! It only gets worse! You have to become like a "Rich" Dominican,look straight ahead,and say,"What problems,I don't SEE any problems!!" CCCCCCC
 

Chirimoya

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Re: How long have you been back,"Rule" ?

Criss Colon said:
I used to volunteer ,and get food and supplies from the US Embassy store for an orphanage in Sabana Perdida,The Nuns told me they prefered "Money"! Guess their "Jepetta" burns alot of "gas"! Not to "pin" this on Dominican Nuns,they are from SPAIN!

Criss, why base your judgement on one sole experience? I have also seen examples like you describe, where the sole motivation was to get the jeepeta or whatever BUT for every example of this sort of practice there are numerous excellent projects in poor barrios and campos. Without wanting to tar all religious-based charities with the same brush - some are doing good work too - I would say steer clear of many of them who have their own agenda. The real development happens when the projects genuinely 'help people to help themselves' and get them out of the stranglehold of dependency that keeps them in the quagmire of poverty.

In my earlier post I mentioned impressive and inspirational projects I have had contact with. Just two examples:

The coffee growing federation that has had funding and marketing advice from European NGOs and the European Union. Over the years they have got their product into the world market, especially the 'fair trade' market, bypassing the intermediaries who used to buy at a very low price. Despite the wider problems in the world coffee market the small producers have prospered. They have also concentrated efforts on diversifying their crops in order to feed themselves and explore other markets so that they are not solely dependent on coffee for their income. The fact that they are organised into a federation has had many positive effects: training courses for all members of the community, reduction in migration to the cities and overseas, and a sense of pride and responsibility for their own communities. The test came when Hurricane Georges wiped out all their crops just before the harvest. Nonetheless the communities rallied together to clear the damage and help the worst-affected. They were also able to recover quickly and get back to business as usual. This would not have happened before.

The other example is one of many projects in a Santo Domingo barrio. A local NGO has helped people organise to improve the environment, concentrating on hands-on clean-ups and lobbying the authorities for rubbish collections and other sanitation services. The work is being done by the people themselves, not for them by external do-gooders. The result is a cleaner barrio and a sense of confidence and ownership in the people who live there.

These are real examples. When development work is done the right way, involving the people and handing over responsibility to them, the results almost always speak for themselves. People realise that change is possible, and that they are able to bring it about. No one expects miracles though.

Where it is done in the old fashioned, charitable way, it just perpetuates the paternalistic, passive dependency culture.

Chiri
 
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Chirimoya

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OwnRules said:
It just puzzles me why seemingly cultured and otherwise intelligent men can't see it as well. Yes, I know, it's that "memetic thing" and we end up going around in circles, but still...it is rather obvious that if you don't limit the roles of the other half of your population the upside is tremendous -- and besides breaking tradition and/or conquering insecurities, what's the downside?


I can think of many downsides for men: so many are simply scared of independent, educated women. You can't keep your little wifey under your thumb if she has an education and skills i.e. choices and the ability to exercise them. The benefits to society as a whole... who cares!

Part of the answer lies in changing the way boys and girls are socialised. And yes, I know, the mothers are to blame as much as the fathers, especially in Latin societies.

BTW thanks for enriching my vocabulary: memetic.

Chiri
 

OwnRules

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Chiri,

What you say, of course, makes sense. I think there's quite a bit of insecurity tied into machismo. But as I said before, what totally eludes is why educated men keep perpetuating this particular gender-bias. I've always thought that confidence was almost always connected to knowledge -- but seeing how many of these men act, and there are plenty of examples right on this board, I am no longer sure.

Having said that, yes, there's no doubt that women need to shoulder a part of the blame. Seems to me too many of them are still willing to trade their principles for a confortable lifestyle. And that's the easy way out.

Cris,

My Dad used to say that the general apathy you see in many layers of Dominican society had a lot to do with the weather. Not sure if that theory is ever been tested, but I think there might be something to it -- on a personal note, I know that the brutal climate here slows me down quite a bit.

But surely there's more to it -- and I can't seem to put my finger on it. As I said, education (or lack thereof) doesn't seem to explain it either.
 

rafael

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Ok, first of all, who woulda thunk that Own Rules, Amber and Pib would be having such an "intellectual" conversation. This is far from the subject matter at Mommcs;-) Actually, I could see Pib having such a conversation;-)

Seriously, I've only been coming here for about 4-5 years and lived here 6 months. I see some change, but it is very incremental. I doubt there will be major change unless the entire popluation gets fed up. Unfortunately I think only a disasterous collapse has the potential for getting people to that point.

I do see, many more women caring about education etc than men. That could be a good sign. Unfortunately in some parts of the world where women in university far outnumber the men,the women find very few eligible men to marry.

Women, in some ways are pre programmed to "Marry Up". That is why, many times they are willing to put up with very bad behavior on the part of their spouse or significant others.

I am constantly amazed at how my novia and her friends can complain about all Dominican men being machisto and unfaithful. They then go on to say how they stay with the guy for months and years after knowing for a fact he is a loser.

After my novia described how many second chances she had given her last boyfriend, who she describes as an a hole, (in nicer terms of course), I asked how many chances I get? ;-) She said NONE. I said, I'm such a great guy, and you gave the a hole so many chances, why don't I get any?

She was actually silent for a while. I kind of caught her off guard with my whacky logic. It took her a while to figure out her response. She wasn't sure why she would treat a "nice guy" like me worse than she treated a machisto a hole. Then it dawned on her. . . . . . .she already did that once, and she LEARNED her lesson!

That, I was happy to hear! Many of her friends have sworn off ever dating Dominican Men. If enough women take that stance, or become educated enough that they don't need to "Marry Up" to improve their lives, the men will have to learn a lesson as well.

It makes me feel better when I see my novia wising up and women like Pib and Amber that are intelligent enough to not accept second class treatment.

It will take a while, but I see Dominican men have a rocky road ahead of them. If enough people get fed up with politicians, horrible service from companies and government agencies etc. there will be progress.

Unfortunately, by that time, Amber will be dating a grand nephew long distance and Own Rules and I will be on divorces in double digits;-)

And. .. . .Pib? She'll of course be the first female president of the DR! She has my vote;-)
 

OwnRules

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rafael said:
Ok, first of all, who woulda thunk that Own Rules, Amber and Pib would be having such an "intellectual" conversation. This is far from the subject matter at Mommcs;-)

What's even more amazing is that you have something to add to it! ;)

Kidding aside, you make yet another good point -- that women need to de-programme themselves from the "marrying up" bit. I guess, to some degree, that's something that happens all over the world as well. But it is more prevalent here due to the dominant patriarchal upbringing.

At what price are people willing to marry wealth? Seems to me most end up paying far more than they recieve.

But yeah, I am all for voting Pib into the Presidency -- damn it that won't bring about some rapid change here!
 

MommC

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Now all we gotta' do is get the constitution changed

so us foreigners can vote and Pib would be a shoe-in!!!
She's got my vote too and man would we see change!!

My take on the situation is this: If people feel no hope they just don't care who runs the country!! Those I've spoken too all say the same thing - "It doesn't matter who runs the gov't, I still have to eat every day"! When your main worry is putting food on the table you don't have time for much else!!