To the mods, I posted it here, as I felt it is important everybody can participate.
First of all, what is the official definition of racism? According to the Webster dictionary it is the following:
- a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
- racial prejudice or discrimination
The second question is. What causes racism?
The third question is. What makes one a racist?
So, to get back to my question in the title. Yes, according to me, there is racism in the DR, and on multiple levels.
According to me, racism in the modern world, is primarily caused by insecurity. People who do not feel themselves secure in their jobs, the area they live in, or are weak of character, have a tendency to show racist traits.
As far as the DR is concerned, this is easily translated:
- racism by Dominicans towards Haitians. The economy is real bad, and a lot of Dominicans are out of jobs. They feel that Haitians are stealing their jobs, or are willing to work for less.
- racism by rich Dominicans towards poorer Dominicans. This is especially true with the "nouveau riche" Dominicans, who feel themselves far superior over their poorer countrymen. "I managed to get up in society (read bank account), so maybe they will take my place". In defense of the older rich Dominican families I have to say I have always seen that they treated their employees with respect. They have nothing to fear.
- racism by expats towards the locals. Not by all of us, of course. But certainly a number of expats feel themselves far superior.
Let me explain the last point.
- Some expats come here with a lot of dough, wanting or having to live in the DR, but damn those locals. If it was up to them, they should be deported.
- Other expats come here, find themselves a woman or a man, and as they have the dough, they have the power.
- Some expat men come here to find themselves a woman, because they could not find one in their own country who would obey their every command. Because of the culture they think they found it here. They are wrong, but hey...
- etc...
All of the above are racists. This is not an exclusivity of the DR, this goes on all over the world.
Luckily enough, these are the exceptions.
My personal view. I come from a country where the ultra right parties are very strong. In my country there is a lot of hatred, and there are a lot of racists towards Moroccans. I have, and always will judge someone by his character. I do not care about color, race, origin or belief.
I only care about the person and his character!
First of all, what is the official definition of racism? According to the Webster dictionary it is the following:
- a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
- racial prejudice or discrimination
The second question is. What causes racism?
The third question is. What makes one a racist?
So, to get back to my question in the title. Yes, according to me, there is racism in the DR, and on multiple levels.
According to me, racism in the modern world, is primarily caused by insecurity. People who do not feel themselves secure in their jobs, the area they live in, or are weak of character, have a tendency to show racist traits.
As far as the DR is concerned, this is easily translated:
- racism by Dominicans towards Haitians. The economy is real bad, and a lot of Dominicans are out of jobs. They feel that Haitians are stealing their jobs, or are willing to work for less.
- racism by rich Dominicans towards poorer Dominicans. This is especially true with the "nouveau riche" Dominicans, who feel themselves far superior over their poorer countrymen. "I managed to get up in society (read bank account), so maybe they will take my place". In defense of the older rich Dominican families I have to say I have always seen that they treated their employees with respect. They have nothing to fear.
- racism by expats towards the locals. Not by all of us, of course. But certainly a number of expats feel themselves far superior.
Let me explain the last point.
- Some expats come here with a lot of dough, wanting or having to live in the DR, but damn those locals. If it was up to them, they should be deported.
- Other expats come here, find themselves a woman or a man, and as they have the dough, they have the power.
- Some expat men come here to find themselves a woman, because they could not find one in their own country who would obey their every command. Because of the culture they think they found it here. They are wrong, but hey...
- etc...
All of the above are racists. This is not an exclusivity of the DR, this goes on all over the world.
Luckily enough, these are the exceptions.
My personal view. I come from a country where the ultra right parties are very strong. In my country there is a lot of hatred, and there are a lot of racists towards Moroccans. I have, and always will judge someone by his character. I do not care about color, race, origin or belief.
I only care about the person and his character!
