Mid Trip

In regards to my thoughts of Puerto Rico as a whole before this trip compared to now, it has been a heavy thought process. I don't feel like I'm in the United States sometimes, but then I remember yes I am. We often slip up and say "well in the US.. I mean on the mainland", and although it doesn't mean much in the moment there is a deeper disconnect. PR citizens aren't allowed vote nationally. They are treated like second class citizens not only federally, but also locally. They aren't afforded the same opportunities or education. This is how they treat their "colonies". So while it may not feel like the US, it is. This is also how people are treated at home, but it's more discreet.

Part of what I think also affects me constantly having to remind myself that I am in the US is the language barrier. When we drive around a lot of the signage is in Spanish, store names are mixed, depending on the store items and signage in the store may be mixed, and in school, specifically higher levels, the teachers may speak Spanish but the books will be in English because they probably have federal education requirements. Although there is a large Latin population where I live, there is not that much conjunction of languages. I could not imagine living in a place where you are practically required to learn 2 languages if you want to get anywhere, but also if you go to a bilingual schools all your life this is normal (but it's still difficult). Spanglish is the literal language of Puerto Rico.

Another thing I've been reflecting on personally is how racism presents itself on the island. When Nani had told us that she doesn't really see racism as an issue, I trusted her judgment and let my guard down a little. After visiting Loiza and then the mall in San Juan the next day, I clearly saw the differences and it was very apparent to me that racism does exist. It's not in your face interpersonal and social racism, but it is structural and a little cultural. The primary divider is classism because people live where they can afford to live, but based on the country's history that has also divided people by race. At this point the structure of the system is what maintains those divisions and reinforces all of the other social constructs that have divided us for years. That's why in Loiza, "that's where you really see a lot of the African influence". It wasn't an accident that they've stayed in the same area all this time, but I do appreciate the culture that comes out of those "untouched" communities. I also haven't seen a lot of the island so my ideas could be off.

Overall, I am enjoying all of the learning experiences that I am having. Environmental science is appealing to me, but the progressiveness of this island and push to protect their island is so evident in that area. After all the beers were out of the plastic holder, the guy we were talking to broke all of the rings. I haven't seen anyone do that for a long time, partially because I don't drink anything packaged like that, but also because not many people know that breaking the rings could save an animals life if somehow that trash makes it out of its containment. I also love that plastic bags are banned. I'm not sure what's taking the other states so long to do it since Aldi is doing just fine. Manuel from Aprodec also has such a brilliant mind. You can tell that he has honed his craft and is very passionate about what he does. I would love to spend a month just learning a fraction of what he knows.

Finally, I do agree that the hurricane and earthquakes have started a new era for Puerto Rico. The emphasis on sustainability and humanity can be felt at every site and throughout all of my experiences here thus far.