This is really simple- In DR you are viewed by literally what color your skin is not by race. It's similar in Brazil as well. The US has it wrong. Does it make sense that someone as dark as Wesley Snipes and someone as light as Colin Powell both be considered black? Doesn't make sense. I'm sure in DR Colin Powell would be considered white.
It's just the whole one drop rule that exists in the US. Personally I agree with how Domincans see color. I'm mixed but in the US I'm black. What about the white side? I'm proud of both. In DR I'm never referred to as negro. I'm either considered indio or trigueno, the literal color of my skin. But oh well it's not important, what's most important is the type of person that you are and that you give everyone a chance as opposed to judging.
...but most people are stupid or lazy or both and want a quick "rule of thumb" reference so that they can make snap judgements, place new faces in their respective categories and move on to the next snap judgement.
It actually takes time, experience and focus to determine the real value of an individual and who has time for that in a fast food world?