You might think that, but most Dominicans don't. They will have more shared points of reference with someone from another Spanish-speaking country, but even so. You only have to hear the way some black Dominicans refer to American blacks to realise that they do not see themselves as members of the same race.
Ha! Sad, but true. But hey. If you think that's something, you should hear some of the things I've heard them say about caucasians. My point is, as someone said earlier, either you're dominican or you're not in their eyes.
Paradise:
As an Afro-American male, who speaks spanish well enough to have often been confused for dominican on many occasions, I've experienced the aforementioned doctrine too many times to count.
For example, let me tell you what happened on my last trip to Santiago. I was at a restaurant with a friend when I decided to introduce myself to a beautiful young lady sitting at another table. Five minutes into the conversation, and after listening to my spanish, she asked me " so, you are not dominican?" That's when things changed. She was still friendly. In fact, she became even more engaging, asking about my age, marital status, occupation, etc. We exchanged numbers and started seeing each other shortly after.
To make a long story short, after about two intense (and very pleasurable) weeks, I had to let her go because she became convinced that i was rich and had money to burn. Even though the only money I spent was taking her to dinner and dancing, she was positive that I was withholding a lot more. And she decided that it was time to start shelling it out. Now this was not a "working girl." This was just a regular dominican girl who worked in a salon during the day and took evening classes at one of the universities. It's just that anyone , black or white, who has the money and leisure time to vacation in another country, is considered very wealthy by the average dominican.
I'm not telling you this to discourage you from spending time with your new friend. By all means have at it. I, along with the other members on this board, are just trying to disabuse you of any false notions of solidarity that you may feel towards this gentleman. You are still a gringo in his eyes. And a wealthy one at that.
One of the brothers who travels with me to the DR on occasion is Jamaican. He tells me that his experience there has been no different than my own.
Just knowing the game can be the difference in having a good time, and leaving with hurt feelings and lighter pockets.
Nos vemos despues.
Vince.
