As I walked to work this morning I overheard a very interesting conversation by two young Dominicans. Disgusted with recent news of energy collapses, Metro inefficiencies, Fernandez's lack of leadership, nepotism and theft in government, one of the men yelled out:
"We call Arabs crazy. We call them crazy because they run into buildings and blow themselves up. If there is a corrupt politician or something they don't like or their religion, they strap the bomb on and go, boom!"
I was astounded by his defense of suicide bombers. His friend interjected disapprovingly, and he then continued to explain himself.
"It is not about the bombing. But they don't take crap. We Dominicans take crap. Nosotros somos aguantadores. For as bad as it is with the bombings at least they do what THEY think is right to make a change. We just sit here and take it all."
I was surprised with such in depth conversation, from two young Dominicans, at 7am. But it got me thinking about the general levels of apathy within the DR. How in fact, no one really cares. For as much flag waving and t-shirt wearing and award speeches thanking the love of the DR, no one really cares what happens here.
A stern defense "for love and country" when a foolish gringo points out an opposing view point and Facebook comments aside, apathy has become this generation's worst enemy.
And I know many of the Dominicans on the board will yell out, "But I love the DR and so does my neighbor." Or begin to negate my argument by spouting references and insults of "self-hate," ignorance, hate for the DR or play the victim card. But these "enablers," are as much at fault for many of the issues that are plaguing this country.
The DR is a great country. It is a fascinating place, who's best resource is its people. Beyond the struggles and hurdles faced by Dominicans, I am amazed, on a daily basis, that it's people have done so much, in so little time, with "no help." I see the successes of Dominicans in all fields, from all social classes, all around the world, and I marvel at the successes, but also expect the outcomes. It leads me to believe that the sky is the limit, once everyone gets on board and gets with the plan.
But the problem, in the most general sense, beyond the great stories and the limitless possibilities, is that "no one" cares. But I guess it is hard to "care" about more than yourself when you have no money to eat.
Note:
When I refer to "nobody," understand this is a general blanket statement. I know there are people that care and people who are working hard to make change. But that core of people, who need to care, don't, and that is who I am referring to.
Mr. Lu
"We call Arabs crazy. We call them crazy because they run into buildings and blow themselves up. If there is a corrupt politician or something they don't like or their religion, they strap the bomb on and go, boom!"
I was astounded by his defense of suicide bombers. His friend interjected disapprovingly, and he then continued to explain himself.
"It is not about the bombing. But they don't take crap. We Dominicans take crap. Nosotros somos aguantadores. For as bad as it is with the bombings at least they do what THEY think is right to make a change. We just sit here and take it all."
I was surprised with such in depth conversation, from two young Dominicans, at 7am. But it got me thinking about the general levels of apathy within the DR. How in fact, no one really cares. For as much flag waving and t-shirt wearing and award speeches thanking the love of the DR, no one really cares what happens here.
A stern defense "for love and country" when a foolish gringo points out an opposing view point and Facebook comments aside, apathy has become this generation's worst enemy.
And I know many of the Dominicans on the board will yell out, "But I love the DR and so does my neighbor." Or begin to negate my argument by spouting references and insults of "self-hate," ignorance, hate for the DR or play the victim card. But these "enablers," are as much at fault for many of the issues that are plaguing this country.
The DR is a great country. It is a fascinating place, who's best resource is its people. Beyond the struggles and hurdles faced by Dominicans, I am amazed, on a daily basis, that it's people have done so much, in so little time, with "no help." I see the successes of Dominicans in all fields, from all social classes, all around the world, and I marvel at the successes, but also expect the outcomes. It leads me to believe that the sky is the limit, once everyone gets on board and gets with the plan.
But the problem, in the most general sense, beyond the great stories and the limitless possibilities, is that "no one" cares. But I guess it is hard to "care" about more than yourself when you have no money to eat.
Note:
When I refer to "nobody," understand this is a general blanket statement. I know there are people that care and people who are working hard to make change. But that core of people, who need to care, don't, and that is who I am referring to.
Mr. Lu