Yes there are many polite Dominicans and even more so Haitians. They are the ones raised mainly away from the streets and who receive education.I raised my sons the same way my parents raised me. Open doors for other people, help older people....etc. All this is automatic reflex as you same for most of us Canadians, at least of my generation. My sons both tell that people often comment and thank them for helping them or opening doors. My younger son does it for almost everyone, regardless of age or sex. Neither of them likes to use the word sorry unless they really mean it though. There are lots of polite Dominicans.
But so many are raised Tigre-Style in the barrio and their old bad habits will never be broken, cutting in line, theft on convenience, loud crappy music, cars with all the flashy attachments.
Speaking of cars: One cultural habit here I find hilarious is the strap that is supposed to be tied to a tow hook location dangling from cars.
Some are even tied to moto license plates (those who can afford a car). The straps they use are not tow rated obviously - but it seems uncle Tito had one so the whole barrio just had to do it to keep up. Maybe we should coin the phrase: "Keeping up with Tito".
I guarantee anyone with one of those straps received a sub-standard public education and is likely uninteresting to talk to.
Raise your hand if you have a friend with a 'tow strap'