Surpises:
1) Speaking Spanish to a Chinese girl who works in a Pico Pollo restaurant. So confusing.
2) The existence of a place called Casa del Arte gives me hope. I went there a couple of nights ago. It’s a tiny art gallery and they have a space where they show cultural/educational movies. I saw a movie about a Cuban singer, Beni Moré last Tuesday. We’re going to a Fiesta de Palos tonight.
3) I’m starting to like rooftops a lot. At a friend’s party, some of us decided to climb his ladders to the roof. It was so peaceful. That same Dominican friend and I laid on the roof talking for a while, looking at the stars. I could have fallen in love with him right there… if I didn’t know we were just friends. The environment was too perfect.
4) Some of my best conversations have been with random people on the street. Usually it’ll start with them wondering if I’m Chinese, and now that I’m so tan, if I’m Filipino. Then when they hear that I'm Vietnamese, they start talking about the Vietnam War. This would upset me in the US, but I feel like there’s less control of information here so I let it go. And usually by the end of the conversation, I get some idea of that person’s political views and feel like I can actually communicate in Spanish.
5) I’m starting to recognize random people in the street. Like the guy on Calle del Sol that always hits on me and I say hi back. Or the guy from the store that helped my friend and me buy jeans… We had to go to the big girl section. Damn Dominican jeans are too small!!!
I guess life has definitely improved after I let go of my academic standards and just began accepting this experience for what it is: a chance to get to know another country, culture, people.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
more politics and pictures
Someone was quoted in the NYTimes last week saying that this is the most exciting Presidential election in a LONG time. At least for me, I know that I read my Times and Washington Post emails to stay updated on how Clinton and Obama are doing in the primaries.
Obama's political narrative
Asian America and Obama:
Obama's Asian Problem?
Some response from Racialious
Speaking of politics, the Dominican Republic's presidential election is in May. According to my Political Process professor, Dominicans are fanatics for their preferred candidate. There are street parties on Sundays that stop traffic to rally support in communities. I think that's really cool. The only problem is that each party seems to have the same ideals and according to my professor none have proposed specific plans for the economy, improving politics, anything...
Referring back to my previous post where I mentioned liberal arts education, a friend from Amherst emailed me saying that the real problem is how those that can change the country leave. (BTW, I love responses and criticism so send some more.) I tried to figure out the number of Dominicans immigrating out of the DR but I don't have anything from a reputable source. I'm sure immigration adds to the weakness of the economy though. My professor here defines the DR's economy with 3 points: 1) tourism, 2) free trade zones (la zona francas), where foreign companies do not pay tariffs to the country for having factories or importing materials; and 3) remittances ($ from American relatives sent to the country). The communality: foreigners. The economy is controlled by outsiders.
The real point of debate with this friend comes down to a chicken and egg question. Change education first to change the people? Or change the people first, who can later change the education? It's not so clear-cut for sure. I say we're both right. But either way, the change has to come willingly from the people... And that is why more and more, I am convinced that gobalization does not benefit the Third World. How can the people truly decide for themselves when some of the strongest intellectual/cultural forces are from outsiders? The import of ideas can be a good thing, but the ideology and interests of capitalism is not good at all when countries are not ready for the pressures of global market.
Switching to socialism, Catro resigned. Whether or not it changes much from a new president, this makes Cuba an even more interesting case. I wonder how Castro has prepared the country for this? And particularly for me, Cuba interests me because of the ideas of 1) how can socialism work? 2) the incorporation of multiple facets of identities. Last night, I was talking to Jenny, an independent Canadian study abroad student about Cuban life. She spent her last semester in Cuba and was telling me how strong the Cuban celebration of AfroCaribbean roots are, ESPECIALLY compared to the DR. And I'm want to learn more about Cuba's role in the world... I'll get my chance soon.
Oh yes, more pics... ack. I need to do my HW....
This is a Methodist church (in a Catholic country). It was founded by former African American slaves who were invited to live in the country when Haiti controlled the entire island during Presdient Boyer in 1822. They still speak English in the region today.
We stayed at a ridiculous resort that trapped us in the role of tourists... not what I wanted. But the group did go whale watching... The whale is in this picture, I swear. Some of us also met this great Dominican biology student on the boat. Now me and the other two girls who talked to him must scheme to win his heart... haha we liked him a lot, ok? He might even be the Dominican feminist we all want.
seriously?
Obama's political narrative
Asian America and Obama:
Obama's Asian Problem?
Some response from Racialious
Speaking of politics, the Dominican Republic's presidential election is in May. According to my Political Process professor, Dominicans are fanatics for their preferred candidate. There are street parties on Sundays that stop traffic to rally support in communities. I think that's really cool. The only problem is that each party seems to have the same ideals and according to my professor none have proposed specific plans for the economy, improving politics, anything...
Referring back to my previous post where I mentioned liberal arts education, a friend from Amherst emailed me saying that the real problem is how those that can change the country leave. (BTW, I love responses and criticism so send some more.) I tried to figure out the number of Dominicans immigrating out of the DR but I don't have anything from a reputable source. I'm sure immigration adds to the weakness of the economy though. My professor here defines the DR's economy with 3 points: 1) tourism, 2) free trade zones (la zona francas), where foreign companies do not pay tariffs to the country for having factories or importing materials; and 3) remittances ($ from American relatives sent to the country). The communality: foreigners. The economy is controlled by outsiders.
The real point of debate with this friend comes down to a chicken and egg question. Change education first to change the people? Or change the people first, who can later change the education? It's not so clear-cut for sure. I say we're both right. But either way, the change has to come willingly from the people... And that is why more and more, I am convinced that gobalization does not benefit the Third World. How can the people truly decide for themselves when some of the strongest intellectual/cultural forces are from outsiders? The import of ideas can be a good thing, but the ideology and interests of capitalism is not good at all when countries are not ready for the pressures of global market.
Switching to socialism, Catro resigned. Whether or not it changes much from a new president, this makes Cuba an even more interesting case. I wonder how Castro has prepared the country for this? And particularly for me, Cuba interests me because of the ideas of 1) how can socialism work? 2) the incorporation of multiple facets of identities. Last night, I was talking to Jenny, an independent Canadian study abroad student about Cuban life. She spent her last semester in Cuba and was telling me how strong the Cuban celebration of AfroCaribbean roots are, ESPECIALLY compared to the DR. And I'm want to learn more about Cuba's role in the world... I'll get my chance soon.
Oh yes, more pics... ack. I need to do my HW....
This is a Methodist church (in a Catholic country). It was founded by former African American slaves who were invited to live in the country when Haiti controlled the entire island during Presdient Boyer in 1822. They still speak English in the region today.
We stayed at a ridiculous resort that trapped us in the role of tourists... not what I wanted. But the group did go whale watching... The whale is in this picture, I swear. Some of us also met this great Dominican biology student on the boat. Now me and the other two girls who talked to him must scheme to win his heart... haha we liked him a lot, ok? He might even be the Dominican feminist we all want.
seriously?
Monday, February 11, 2008
FLU! – a slang espression for surprise
I feel much better than I did when I wrote my last post. I was having a frustrating day, obviously...
It drives me crazy to think about how this country is still colonized. There’s so much imported culture from the US: TV, music, clothes. Unsurprisingly the economy is dependent of foreign dollars. Cingular practically runs the country, except it’s called Orange here. Ideas about gender and race have not changed much. There has never been a racial civil rights movement, nor a women or gender movement. My Haitian friend told me straight up, “They all think they’re white but even if you’re Moreno you’re going to have a hard time finding a job.” I’m not surprised; this is “Latino exceptionalism” in action. And for me, a colonized society is much worse off when your education system doesn’t teach critical analysis of society and history. Yet I understand: how can you teach liberal arts when you have mouths to feed in a 3rd world country? (I hear Du Bois and Washington again…) So my main frustration in this country is this eternal cycle of colonialism… They are stuck. And worse… I don’t know how to change that… It’s so ingrained and static and I can’t do anything about it! I hate feeling powerless.
But let’s remember some positives. I know I will still be upset about certain things even when I leave. I trust though that I will learn from it regardless… But there are great things too.
Let’s start with this: I had a really great weekend. On Friday, we were on former land of Trujillo, the last dictator of the country (1930-61). It was our one-month meeting to talk about our experiences thus far and share advice on how to cope, if needed. I didn't talk much but it was good to hear everyone's experiences. After that a friend and I talked to our resident director about future trips. We’re figuring out how to go to Haití and another country that shall remain nameless because I bet the American government reads blogs (hello US official). When I got home, my host sister and cousins were playing. I am in love with my 3-year old host cousin. Que lindo! Then some other girls and I went to meet Edward, a friend of un “Estudiante de Apoyo” for coffee. I gave in after so many text messages from Edward. I was like ok, I’ll see you Friday, as friends. He had the benefit of the doubt because he was friends with one of my favorite Dominican student. He surprised me though by being opposite of a creep and when I told him I was going to bring friends, he was smart and brought one of his friends (yea, I’m a horrible date… but it’s SO necessary…). We had a really good time just chilling at this café near the university. Then that night, I had a really good conversation with my mom! The crazy thing is, I am convinced (and she thinks so too) that my Vietnamese is improving. I swear it’s because I’m using my brain in a different way to understand, respond, and change to and from English and Spanish. Also, Friday was full of sugar, coffee, whipped cream, American apple pie, chinola (passion fruit) juice, and abichuelas [frijoles] con dulce (a dessert people in this region of the country eat to welcome Lent). Let’s not talk about gaining weight…
Saturday, everyone went to the beach, Punta Rucia/Playa Ensenada. GORGEOUS! I went snorkeling! My only complaint is that climbing back onto the boat is never as graceful as it should be...
And good news! I got an interview for the Rockefeller's! I just wish I didn't feel so unsure about it though...
Well I'll figure it out. Thanks everyone who's been writing to me in some way. I'll slowly start responding. I have a week full of midterm exams. Let's hope no one speaks "asian" to me...
It drives me crazy to think about how this country is still colonized. There’s so much imported culture from the US: TV, music, clothes. Unsurprisingly the economy is dependent of foreign dollars. Cingular practically runs the country, except it’s called Orange here. Ideas about gender and race have not changed much. There has never been a racial civil rights movement, nor a women or gender movement. My Haitian friend told me straight up, “They all think they’re white but even if you’re Moreno you’re going to have a hard time finding a job.” I’m not surprised; this is “Latino exceptionalism” in action. And for me, a colonized society is much worse off when your education system doesn’t teach critical analysis of society and history. Yet I understand: how can you teach liberal arts when you have mouths to feed in a 3rd world country? (I hear Du Bois and Washington again…) So my main frustration in this country is this eternal cycle of colonialism… They are stuck. And worse… I don’t know how to change that… It’s so ingrained and static and I can’t do anything about it! I hate feeling powerless.
But let’s remember some positives. I know I will still be upset about certain things even when I leave. I trust though that I will learn from it regardless… But there are great things too.
Let’s start with this: I had a really great weekend. On Friday, we were on former land of Trujillo, the last dictator of the country (1930-61). It was our one-month meeting to talk about our experiences thus far and share advice on how to cope, if needed. I didn't talk much but it was good to hear everyone's experiences. After that a friend and I talked to our resident director about future trips. We’re figuring out how to go to Haití and another country that shall remain nameless because I bet the American government reads blogs (hello US official). When I got home, my host sister and cousins were playing. I am in love with my 3-year old host cousin. Que lindo! Then some other girls and I went to meet Edward, a friend of un “Estudiante de Apoyo” for coffee. I gave in after so many text messages from Edward. I was like ok, I’ll see you Friday, as friends. He had the benefit of the doubt because he was friends with one of my favorite Dominican student. He surprised me though by being opposite of a creep and when I told him I was going to bring friends, he was smart and brought one of his friends (yea, I’m a horrible date… but it’s SO necessary…). We had a really good time just chilling at this café near the university. Then that night, I had a really good conversation with my mom! The crazy thing is, I am convinced (and she thinks so too) that my Vietnamese is improving. I swear it’s because I’m using my brain in a different way to understand, respond, and change to and from English and Spanish. Also, Friday was full of sugar, coffee, whipped cream, American apple pie, chinola (passion fruit) juice, and abichuelas [frijoles] con dulce (a dessert people in this region of the country eat to welcome Lent). Let’s not talk about gaining weight…
Saturday, everyone went to the beach, Punta Rucia/Playa Ensenada. GORGEOUS! I went snorkeling! My only complaint is that climbing back onto the boat is never as graceful as it should be...
And good news! I got an interview for the Rockefeller's! I just wish I didn't feel so unsure about it though...
Well I'll figure it out. Thanks everyone who's been writing to me in some way. I'll slowly start responding. I have a week full of midterm exams. Let's hope no one speaks "asian" to me...
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Ok I'm going to tell the truth and hopefully I will find some peace with it. I've been holding back my complaints because I'm overly critical and think complaints are a sign of weakness...
I know I will learn and become stronger from these things I don't like here but I need to vent how I feel right NOW.
Things I hate.
when people talk "asian" to me. wtf is wrong with you?! and there are chinese-dominicans that live here. why are you so ignorant? i was speechless when this guy tries to speak to me in japanese and mandarin. if i was a guy i think he would have ended up with a bloody nose.
i feel like everyone wants to be on vacation BUT I DON'T WANT ONE! i miss Amherst (classes). i want a balanced experienced so i'm working but the entire system is frustrating... for example students cannot even explore the library stacks because someone "qualified" has to get my books for me.
things are so disorganized in classes and we never analyze or discuss anything. i'm fed up...
i hate have to be conscious when i go anywhere that i am a woman. the way women here are expected to look and carry themselves. the safety issues. the piropos.
and also, if you're reading this now, i probably miss you.
(i feel better...)
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Stuff
There's so much to write about I don't know where to start.
1) Santiago is the host of the Caribbean Baseball Series. The Santiago team (Aguilas) are also national champs. Apparently Miguel Tejada played this season with the Aguilas! I saw him play!!! =]
2) February is Carnaval!
3) To return to stateside, I'm upset right now that the Asian Student Association is not listed as a sponsor of the "Community Discussion" at Amherst. There are no other words that that is FUCKED UP. Way to continue overlooking us.
4) We went to a rooftop party Saturday night. Shout out to the Haitians who throw the best parties.
5) More than I thought I'd be, I'm so tired of having the same conversation about being a Chinese girl. I'm not Chinese! And me being as identity conscious as I am, I would never settle for someone identifying me as simply Vietnamese. For the perpetual foreigners of American society, the hyphenated "-American" is crucial to recognizing who we are. I'm tired of explaining.
6) There's more, but I have tons of research to do for my history of dominican lit class.
Nos vemos luego.
en el campo with a family. we volunteered there two weekends ago. all the kids were orphans but adopted by a canadian woman. she also runs two free schools and a community store, selling cheap used clothes. they were the sweetest kids.
1) Santiago is the host of the Caribbean Baseball Series. The Santiago team (Aguilas) are also national champs. Apparently Miguel Tejada played this season with the Aguilas! I saw him play!!! =]
2) February is Carnaval!
3) To return to stateside, I'm upset right now that the Asian Student Association is not listed as a sponsor of the "Community Discussion" at Amherst. There are no other words that that is FUCKED UP. Way to continue overlooking us.
4) We went to a rooftop party Saturday night. Shout out to the Haitians who throw the best parties.
5) More than I thought I'd be, I'm so tired of having the same conversation about being a Chinese girl. I'm not Chinese! And me being as identity conscious as I am, I would never settle for someone identifying me as simply Vietnamese. For the perpetual foreigners of American society, the hyphenated "-American" is crucial to recognizing who we are. I'm tired of explaining.
6) There's more, but I have tons of research to do for my history of dominican lit class.
Nos vemos luego.
en el campo with a family. we volunteered there two weekends ago. all the kids were orphans but adopted by a canadian woman. she also runs two free schools and a community store, selling cheap used clothes. they were the sweetest kids.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
