encounters when he visits his native country, Puerto Rico. The “fat boy” mentioned in the poem is none other than Martin Espada himself (3). By sharing his childhood experience in Puerto Rico, Espada tries to prove that acceptance of other cultures can have a negative impact as people incline to neglect their own cultural values and begin to bear a resemblance to other countries. As a child, Espada travelled from Brooklyn, New York to his homeland, Puerto Rico to visit his family for the first time
11, 2017, in a referendum not sanctioned by Congress, the people of Puerto Rico voted in favor of statehood. However, with a current debt load of $70 billion, will statehood be granted. Literature listed suggests that granting statehood could possibly address Puerto Rico’s crushing debt, unemployment, and poverty. However, others argue that Puerto Rico’s island loyalty could have enormous implications for the future of the U.S. if Puerto Rico became the 51st state. Evidence suggests that the
Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States since 1898 and in order to change that status citizens of the territory must vote in a plebiscite, a special referendum. The three options available to choose from were to become a state, to remain a territory, or to become an independent nation (Martin). In the November 6, 2012 plebiscite held in Puerto Rico, 54% of the population said that do not like the current commonwealth status of the island (Alexandrino). The next question offered to the population
of President Truman was an indication that Puerto Ricans would use any necessary means to gain independence. Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States for almost a century. The citizens of Puerto Rico have always had different views on whether they want independence or greater autonomy. The following essay will focus on the commonwealth status of Puerto Rico and the attempted assassination of President Truman. The commonwealth status of Puerto Rico between the 1950-1952 was with limited
Puerto Rico should become a state because the United States has made it dependent on its aid. Puerto Rico started off as a colony of Spain and became a territory of the United States after the United States won it from Spain. Through statehood, Puerto Rico could see its economy getting better, the right to vote in major elections, and other benefits that come from being a state. The first reason Puerto Rico should become a state is that their economy may improve. As a state, they would benefit
Puerto Rican Identity and Spanish Colonial Rule The debate on Puerto Rican Identity is a hot bed of controversy, especially in today’s society where American colonialism dominates most of the island’s governmental and economic policies. The country wrestles with the strong influence of its present day colonizers, while it adamantly tries to retain aspects of the legacy of Spanish colonialism. Despite America’s presence, Puerto Ricans maintain what is arguably their own cultural identity which
There are both pros and cons to allowing Puerto Rico to become a state. Firstly, I will weigh the pros. As a country Puerto Rico has a high population, this can contribute positively to the United States in many ways. As a state, Puerto Rico would bring badly-needed money to the American economy. As of right now, American debt to other countries is a big issue, one that is being heavily discussed in our presidential race, right now. Politicians try to find ways cut budgets, increase revenue. This
Puerto Rico, whose word meaning is “rich port” in Spanish, is a beautiful Island located in the middle of the Caribbean. Its strategic location made it a must have territory to the Spaniards who colonized it over four hundred years before the United States took a special interest. It all started in the year 1898, with the Treaty of Paris Puerto Rico now is property of the United States. After centuries of being led by Sevilla and Madrid, Puerto Rico was now forced to look upon Washington. The series
Puerto Rican culture arises from the mixture of many cultures, among which distinguish three main ones: the Taino, the Spanish and African. The influence of these cultures was so strong on the island, which ober the years countless inherited customs and traditions of these ancestors. Some names of people,food, objects and household utensils have been inherited from the Tainos. Currently, as the famous hammocks objects used by the used by the Indians to rest, theu can be seen in Puerto Rican homes
Are you Puerto Rican or American? Hesitantly, I don't know what to say when people ask me this question because I feel that I have to choose between the two ethnicities. Since I was born in the U.S., I am considered American. But, if I say I am American, I am asked about my origins. Thus, controversy evolves around inhabitants of Puerto Rico because they are considered Americans since Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. My skin is white, my eyes are brown, and my hair is dark brown