What a way to start a day--a delicious cup of Puerto Rican coffee! And then we were all off to our first class. Elena Lazaro, our professor, had a lot to say about the geography and history of the island. I was especially interested in the fate of the Taino people who were indigenous to the area. Although many disappeared through disease, slavery, or migration, the Puerto Rican culture respects and holds dear this ancestry. Somehow, their identity seems linked to this indigenous culture much more than to any present influences and proximity to the US. Our professor commented that even Puerto Rico's four Miss Universe titles were due to the beauty of the Taino women. Another notion that was surprising to me was Elena's comment regarding the use of the term Latino. "Why should we be called Latinos? Do we speak Latin?" That comment made a lot of sense to me as our country strives to use a politically correct term for the Spanish-speaking community. I'm thinking that being country-specific is the way to go... puertorriquenos, bolivianos, peruanos. Still the same question comes up...who am I? Estadounidence which is the Spanish word that identifies someone from the USA doesn't exist in our English language.
Profesor Ignacio Olazagasti proved engaging as a cultural anthropologist. He offered a profile of the Puerto Rican of today--a sum of his geneological heritage, his politics, his relationship to his family, and the influence of his island's connection to mainland USA. He was able to help me put in perspective how the Puerto Rican sees himself connected to his community and to mine. I also began to understand the difficulty of the migrating Puerto Rican.
A returning Puerto Rican is not viewed the same as the non-migrating one. Puerto Ricans speak Spanish! But being bilingual is desired...just don't come back speaking "splanglish!" (my perception)
A tour of Old San Juan was enchanting...the narrow cobblestone streets, the old Spanish architecture and the breath-taking ocean so close. Who would want to leave?
The Bacardi tour gave me a new appreciation for rum. What an operation! And the free drinks were a treat. Our evening came to a close with a great meal; I always look forward to a Spanish tortilla of eggs and potatoes. I learned to make them as a student in Spain and still enjoy them at home and now...in Puerto Rico. Buen provecho!
Ayuntamiento (City Hall) Visit
I think it is so interesting that the people of Puerto Rico hold the Taino people in such high regard. In every class I heard about them. It makes me wonder if we talk enough to our students about Native Americans and how they helped America become what it is today.
ResponderEliminarOur professor had commented on how Puerto Ricans identify more with the Taino people as well. Later we talked about how many Puerto Ricans refuse to learn English because they don't want to be viewed as becoming Americanized. This was an important concept as we try to learn about a new culture and that when we have these students in our classes we need to continue appreciate and respect their culture not push ours on them.
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