...In the Dominican culture, there is a positive correlation between masculinity and machismo, and one begins to see the potentially harmful side effect that comes with men having these such high ideals of masculinity. The exaggeration of masculinity makes men feel powerful and often causes them to feel superior to women and other men in society. Across different cultures, masculinity is socially constructed; people in such societies are the ones that tell men how to act according to societal norms. Society sets attributes and roles for men to follow, and a person is judged depending on how far they deviate from the typical definition of masculinity. One of the traits that comes with masculinity is being independent, and having the ability to exercise power. Males believe that they are able to “assert their masculinity through work” (Nancy Lopez 189). Since men grow up...
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..."Family" plays a significant role in Hispanic culture. It helps us spread and maintain our Spanish heritage through each generation. The importance of the unique language and deep love towards each other, makes the Latino culture such a caring and vibrant background. Nevertheless, when my parents got divorced, these traditional ideas became ironic. I am Puerto Rican and Dominican, my moms’ side is Puerto Rican and my dads’ side is Dominican. Therefore being and growing up Hispanic was inevitable. In 6th grade, though, when my mom told me that her and my dad were getting a divorce; being Hispanic and tying in the concept of "family" was separated as well. Ever since then, I have watched my single mom struggle through jobs, whether she likes...
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...The Dominican Republic is unique from all other Latin American nations in part because its heritage relates to Haitian cultural traditions rather than solely Spanish ones much like the rest of Latin America (Brown & Standish, 1999). In fact, the Dominican Republic received its independence from Haiti not Spain (Brown & Standish, 1999). This is not to say that Spanish colonial influences are not evident in the country; in fact they are widespread, particularly within the realm of architectural structures and art. The official religion of the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholicism (Brown & Standish, 1999:69). More than 90% of the citizens living in this country are Roman Catholic. There are other religions prevalent in the country however including Protestantism and the traditional religious system of native Taino Indians, who practice cohoba religious ceremonies and also Gaga, which is the Dominican version of voodooism (Brown & Standish, 1999). For this reason some cultural aspects of the religion are seen by outsiders as ‘evil' or foreign, because they are largely misunderstood. Customs in the Dominican Republic are tough to originate in part from the Cibao area, settled back in colonial times (Brown & Standish, 1999). This area brings with it many native traditions including traditional foods consumed within the Dominican Republic, discussed below. Common foods include coffee, hot cocoa, ham and cheese, fruit, papaya and friend eggs (Brown & Standish...
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...Not So Wondrous: The effects of a brutal dictatorial regime illustrated by Junot Diaz The brutality of the Trujillo Regime lasted for thirty years. Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina was named the ruler of the Dominican Republic in 1930, and continued his tyranny until his assassination in 1961. El Jefe, as he was often referred to, (meaning “the boss”) was originally an army general, and took power as a dictator following the rule and overthrow of Horacio Vasquez. Under Trujillo’s rule, the intense violence in the country became overwhelming. Though he officially stepped down as president almost ten years before his assassination, he continued his command as an unelected military dictator (“History of the Dominican Republic”). Trujillo, in true dictator form, preformed horrible acts of violence. In the 1930’s, he developed a term of racial discrimination against dark-skinned Haitians called “Antihaitianismo,” and in 1937, he was responsible for the slaughter of thousands of Haitian cane-workers. He also abused his position by taking unfair advantage over Dominican citizens. “El Jefe” had the right to any woman of his choice, regardless of their age or marital status. These women were taken without consent, abused, and raped. In order to keep his people under control, Trujillo had a way of taking care of anyone who opposed these horrible acts. Torture and murder of all who opposed was very common, and always kept quiet. One of the only truly publicized cases...
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...queerness, shamelessness, and familial relations within this selection, it is his use of language that proves most intriguing. Rather than simply describing the struggles of adapting to a new language or customs, Diaz portrays how, at an early age, he manipulated language as a tool to makes sense of his new hybrid identity. The use of language in Junot Diaz’s Drown is spare and unadorned, often rendered in "Spanglish," an unpredictable mixture of both English and Spanish. Diaz uses Spanish words in the midst of standard English sentences to fortify the differences between Dominican and American cultures. Although, the integration of street slang with Spanish may confound the typical reader, it accurately depicts the taxing experience of new immigrants struggling to make sense of new phenomena in the United States and engages the harsh reality of the multilingualism. The difference in language between the Dominican and...
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...delighted in my motherland such as the beautiful smell of my island.” The decision to leave my country was the hardest decision for me because I didn't want to leave my cultural background, friends and family. However, I had to leave because my parents wanted me to study in the United States. It was a hard choice to leave my beautiful island in the Dominican Republic. I left when I was just 16 years old. I was taken to study in the United States because my grandmother was living here. My parents wanted the best for me, but I was very scared. Moving overseas to a new culture that you know almost nothing was hard for me. I had already my identity as Dominican and I didn’t want to lose that. I knew I was going to miss my favorite food the” mangu”, and my dear music “el merengue”. When I first got here I felt strange. The language that I’ve always spoken was gone” My lindo español”. Some people say that go to another school is simple however it isn't on account of it is not the same thing that is in your nation. There are new classes, another language and that is another hard step. I had a lot of friends in the Dominican Republic, however throughout my entire life, I have had only one best friend, Maria Elena. We have experienced a lot together. We have been friends since 3rd grade. She has been very supportive to me, especially when I lost my father. I have made new friends now, but I still miss her. I think the choice of my parents was great because now I have new...
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...The term Floribbean arrived in culinary lingo within the last 10 years. The word Floribbean comes from the combination of Florida, Caribbean, and South American cultures (Chef Jon, 2013). Floribbean cuisine roots go back to when the Spanish were exploring the New World (Nemes, 2007). Ponce de Leon and De Soto introduced cattle and pig to an area that was mainly fish and wild game. The Native Americans taught the Spaniards about the fruits and vegetables in the area. These include plantains, hearts of palm, and yucca fruit. The Native Americans also taught the Spaniards how to fish and prepare seafood. The blended cooking style of the Spanish and French is the base of Floribbean (Chef Jon, 2013).. Floribbean cuisine influence comes from the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica. Floribbean variety of taste stems from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Floribbean cuisine is called “New World Cuisine”. The food is infused with mango, citrus flavors, and Florida's exotic fruits. The use of local produce, fish, and seafood with traditional uncommon spices make the food one of a kind (Chef Jon, 2013). In the 1950’s, when Cubans came to Florida is when the most influence of Floribbean Cuisine came about (Nemes, 2007). Cubans mixed Spanish flavors with Caribbean ingredients. More influences came from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, and other South American countries. There is a huge emphasis on using fresh food in Floribbean cooking (Nemes, 2007). There is a large...
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...The Culture of Daily Life Similarities and Differences Paper Conversational Spanish 1 July 21, 2014 Differences in Familial Structures, Religious Practices, and Traditions Dominican and Mexican cultures are very distinct and have different characteristics. These are apparent in the familial structures, religious practices, and traditions of each country. Familial structure in the Dominican Republic proved as the fundamental social unit. The solidarity that kin owed to one another, as well as trust, and assistance was emphasized. Family loyalty was something engrained from early childhood and is an unquestioned virtue ("Family And Kin", n.d.). Meanwhile in the Mexican familial structure, unity is where they build a strong foundation. Their dedication to supporting family and displaying loyalty no matter what happens reflects in the fact that Mexico’s divorce rate is one of the lowest in the world, and also that generations of families typically live in the same house or neighborhood (Damewood, 2006-2014). Religion in the Dominican Republic is primarily Roman Catholicism, for the most part their religious practices have been formalistic and limited; only a few actually attended mass regularly. Religion influences Dominicans as a governing aspect of their culture and way of life. Popular religious practices were frequently far removed because many people felt the best way to approach God was through intermediaries. These included the...
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...In the Dominican Republic race the analysis of race is complex as is differs from region and economical background. Initially the Dominican Republic identified early identified as Hispanic instead of black as the result of their connection with their former colonial ruler Spain. Haitians who migrants to the Dominican Republic for labor often experience discrimination due to their skin color. In addition, Dominicans do not refer themselves as black but as an array of color terms that consist of coffee, rosy, dark, etc. Although skin color plays a significant part as a racial identifier, economical class is also used to organizes differences in Dominican Republic. For instance, individuals of lower class refer themselves as ‘black’ through their...
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...Black in Latin America: Haiti and the dominican Republic 1) How did Haiti and the Dominican Republic begin? What European countries influenced the development of these nations? - Haiti and the Dominican Republic is an island with two countries of Hispaniola. Haiti makes up 1/3 of the island while the Dominican Republic makes up the rest of the 2/3 of the island. The Dominican Republic contains a mix blood of Afro-European population with the history of Spanish colonialism, while Haiti has African-caribbean population with the background of french colonialism. 2) What role did colonization have in the development of the concept of race in the Dominican Republic? What are the differences between the concept of race in Haiti and the Domincan Republic? What is the meaning of the term "Indio" in the Domincan Republic? How do Indios see the Haitians? - In 1492, Christopher Columbus was a huge influence in the colonization of the Dominican Republic. The hispaniola island originally had the majority of the population of african americans. The colonization had a diversity of european and african mix. The Dominican Republic has more of a lighter skinned population whereas Haiti has more of a darker skinned population. People in the Dominican Republic describe individual races by blanco which means white and indio which means darker skinned. Indios reject Haiti and are in denial of african ancestry. 3) What is the role of the sugar cane industry in both countries? How did...
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...Black on Black racism : The Dominican republic ethnic cleansing What is the difference between an Haitian and a Dominican? People usually respond to race-related discussion in various emotional ways that range from deep culpability and embarrassment to extreme pride and hatred toward another group. Recently several stories reported in national or international news seem to add more focus to the ongoing debate about racial discrimination between black and white. But my concern is how to deal with racial discrimination when it comes from people of the same race. Currently in the Dominican Republic there is a flagrant case of human right violation regarding to Haitian immigrants and Dominican of Haitian decent. Being dark skinned in the Dominican Republic is a flaw associated with all that is negative. The discomfort related with these facts may lead to this fundamental question is racism only a matter of skin color difference or bias that take root in political and social fragmentation of a population? Haiti and Dominican Republic not only share the same island but they also have common roots. The apparent differentiation between Haitians and Dominicans can be established on difference of their colonial heritage. Prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the whole island, was inhabited by the Tainos. After the Spaniards settled, enslaved and decimated the indigenous population, in 1503, they started to import black labor force from Africa. In 1697, after...
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...this decade have not traveled from the European nations; they are from Mexico and islands South of Florida. The inhabitants of Mexico, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and The Dominican Republic have entered the United States both legally and illegally in search of a better life. The largest group of Hispanic immigrants is the Mexicans. The Mexicans represented 66.9% of the Hispanic population of the United States in 2002 (Schaefer, 2006, p. 236). Census figures confirm that 69% of illegal aliens inhabiting America in 2009 entered from Mexico. If fact, nearly one out of ten Mexicans currently resides in the United States (Terrazas, 2010). The linguistic choices of Mexican immigrants are 23% English dominant, 26% English and Spanis- speaking, and 51% Spanish (Schaefer, 2006, p. 241) The language barriers lead to inadequate schooling and less chance for economic advancement. Over half of Mexican immigrants entering America have not graduated high school or obtained proper documentation for employment; this leads to employment of most in unskilled fields. With less than 6% of immigrants earning a college degree, few immigrants qualify for professional positions (Buffington, 2011). Most Mexican immigrant males find employment as factory or construction workers (Terrazas, 2010). The Roman Catholic religion largely defines Mexican culture and holidays; they continue these traditions in the United States (Englecook & Marín, 2011). The Mexican Americans show a strong reliance on family with extended...
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...choose is the amazing and beautiful island of the Dominican Republican. The reason I have chosen this country is because I plan on vacationing here over summer break. My significant other and I have been trying to find different places to vacation and this project was a perfect opportunity for me to explore one of our favorite options. The beautiful island of the Dominican Republic is positioned in the Caribbean Sea, and it is a portion of the West Indies. Its region equals that of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. The Dominican Republic shares the land with Haiti and the whole island is known as Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic lies on the east side of the island and Haiti is on the west. Hispaniola was the name given when Christopher Columbus discovered it when he revealed it on his formerly voyage in 1492. The establishing of this island was very significant to European settlers and it played a main part in the economic growth that Europe had when the new world was discovered. The cultivation that is part of this island has help establish an economic structure that has led the Dominican Republic become what it has today. The population of the Dominican Republic today is around 10.5 million. The nationality of the people living in this country are Dominicans. There is some mixed ethic groups including blacks and whites. The Dominican Republic Close to 46% of that population is under the age of 25. More and more Dominicans are migrating to the cities for a better chance...
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...The two countries I chose to write about are Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Argentina is a country located in South America whereas; the Dominican Republic is located in North America. These two countries seem to be the most interesting and I hear about them quite often. Business ethics are a lot different in these two countries than they are in the United States. It is very interesting to see how much different the jobs are in Argentina and the Dominican Republic when comparing to the United States. Every country conducts business according to their laws and regulations which can also be very different. Argentina is a relationship driven culture, so it is important to build networks and use them. The people of Argentina like to do favors for each other, but if a favor is done for you than you will eventually be called upon. When it comes to business, Argentines only like to do business with people they know. This seems a little close-minded and could have a negative effect on their business relations. In the United States, we do a lot of our business over the phone and face-to-face, but Argentina prefers face-to-face meetings only. Once a relationship is built, Argentines will be loyal to you rather than the company you work for. Argentines focus most on looking good to others and are very judgmental. They do not only judge the way you speak, but the way you present yourself is more important. When dealing with Argentines, one should watch what they say and how...
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...Dominican Republic Has It All Coca Cola is an internationally renowned brand. Coca Cola is a beverage company and the world leader in soft drink sales. Coca-Cola produces and distributes several brands in the United States and internationally. The company also produces and markets many fruit juices and other non-soda beverages. The Coca-Cola Company is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Coca-Cola’s soft drinks include its flagship product Coca-Cola which is popularly known as Coke. Coca Cola has globalized its product and has done tremendously well in world markets. The soft drink industry in the Dominican Republic has seen steady growth over the past few decades. As the economy of the Dominican Republic continues to grow, so will the needs and wants of consumers. Coca Cola already has a step in the Dominican Republic market. However, Coca Cola has continued to elevate their promotional strategies in order to obtain a larger market share and fair well in the Dominican Republic. The target market for Coca Cola is the entire population. Coca Cola has a very strong brand name. The strong brand name is what makes the company and its products popular. It brings the company huge amounts of profit and worldwide recognition. Due to its reputation, Coca Cola has the ability to target the entire population of the Dominican Republic. Its product has been around for almost a century. Coca Cola is a globalized product, meaning that Coca Cola is basically the same throughout the...
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