It seems the word pride is tossed around a lot nowadays.
People claim to be proud of everything: proud to be an American, proud to be a New Yorker, proud to be a Latino, even proud to be a Puerto Rican – or what’s more, proud to be an American of Puerto Rican descent (whatever that means).
Personally, I would never say I’m proud to be an American, a Latino, a Chicagoan or a Puerto Rican, because such things are only arbitrary labels, meaning they tell other people something about me that I didn’t choose for myself. I didn’t choose to be an American; I was just born here by pure chance. I’m part Puerto Rican, part Honduran, part Sicilian and part Croatian. Did I choose any of that? Of course I didn’t. So why would I feel pride in some random genetic mixing that I just so happen to be the product of?
I sparked a bit of controversy recently when I wrote that there was no such thing as Puerto Rican pride. Maybe I misspoke. What I should’ve said is that there is Puerto Rican pride but it’s unfounded.
A person shouldn’t be proud of what other people do just because they share something in common. Ramón Emeterio Betances was a great man, but I take no credit for his efforts to see a free and independent Puerto Rico just because I’m Puerto Rican; just as I don’t feel any pride for Roberto Clemente’s lifetime batting average. They and they alone are allowed to be proud of their lives and their achievements (and if you’re wondering: as an American, I don’t take credit for Thomas Paine’s work, as much as I want to).
That said, at most, I appreciate being Puerto Rican. I appreciate what being Puerto Rican means: the island’s history, people, culture and sheer beauty. I have no pride in such things, because I had no hand in bringing them about; Puerto Rico and its people would remain the same, with or without my developing existence.
Perhaps there are some things about puertorriqueñidad that Puerto Ricans can find pride in, but if so, Puerto Rican history isn’t one of them (we weren’t there), Puerto Rican culture isn’t one of them (we were only handed it), the island isn’t one of them (proud of a plot of land?) and the language isn’t one of them (don’t get me started).
Puerto Ricans cannot be proud of what Puerto Rico is, only what it does and, consequently, what it will become. Pride can only be given to decisions and achievements.
At the moment, Puerto Ricans do not have self-government and remain, as former Puerto Rican Supreme Court Chief Justice José Trías Monge termed it, “the oldest colony in the world.”
Since the people of Puerto Rico continue to vote for colonial status, I can say confidently that there is no such thing as Puerto Rican pride, because a people who elect to live without the basic right of self-government can be said to be utterly abject.
This November, Puerto Ricans will be given a chance to change all that with a referendum to decide their future political status. If they elect to keep the current arrangement intact, then Puerto Ricans everywhere will have one less thing to be proud of.
About Hector Luis Alamo, Jr.
Having lived there personally… and also the fact that the island does not bring anything to the table as the proposed 51st state I hope they get independance and have to figure it out on their own. According to http://www.topuertorico.org/economy.shtml “By some economists Puerto Rico’s economy is considered somewhat fictitious. Puerto Rico has very few natural resources of economic value and its economy relies mainly on Federal Aid from the United States Government, which depends on the industrialization programs and the tax incentives that U.S. offers.” and with a GDP in the negative for 6 years and 44+% below the poverty line what has Puerto Rico done to deserve statehood?
I really don’t know who you are,or who you pretend to be.The only thing that you demonstate and prove is that you are an ignorant and a flagrant enemy of the truth.Read and study our history and try to clean your soul, that has a dirty feelings of racism and a very low steem of your own.Because we the Puertorrican peope have over 500 years of history and one of the most riches cultures in the world for the diversity of races that are an essential components of our country. And for all those reasons we can be PROUD to be PUERTORRICANS….
I ‘m a Puerto Rican from Chicago, and have attended countless Puerto Rican festivals at Humboldt Park, and my atttiude towards it all is that we–like all people of all races–we must push ourselves to succeed in life–overcoming the oppression of poverty that so many of us had to grow up around–in order that one day we can make Puerto Rican’s proud of US, instead of settling for being proud to be Puerto Rican.
I can only co-sign on this article. One of the better pieces I have seen on this topic ever. I am proud of who I am, not the incidents of my birth. I can’t control where I was born or where I was raised. Being proud of my place of birth is analogous to being proud of having size 12 shoes. I had no control over either of them. Also, this is a brave piece. Good job.
I haven’t responded to any articles for a while on BL but reading this after yesterday’s post just pushed me over the ledge.
I’m not from PR, but as a fellow islander, I’m offended by the idea presented by the author. Being proud of a nationality- regardless of choice in the matter- is simply a feeling of support. It’s just being grateful for belonging to a group of people whose culture and customs you admire and can, wholeheartedly and without prejudice, identify with. It’s a vocal approval of the qualities you see in the group of people you identify with.
It seems to me the author simply doesn’t approve of a Puerto Rico regulated by the U.S government. In that, I say nada. I don’t belong to the island or the people and as such, my opinion is without foundation. It’s something to be discussed and decided upon by the people who are in the island on a daily basis- not by outsiders who don’t know the intricacies of living in the island.
Notwithstanding the fact that the author’s choice of words were poorly timed and the article is confusing sentiment with politics, I completely agree with one thing: In my opinion pride isn’t about waving a flag around and screaming [enter nationality of choice]. It’s about knowing your culture and the history of the people you belong to. Doing your best and working hard towards uplifting your people and taking it all- the good, the bad, the ugly.
Maybe if you are 1/4th boricua you can’t understand the pride we 100%ers have in our ancestors, our culture, and ourselves. Write a blog about interracial Americans hater!
Before even addressing Mr. Alamo’s points, I think first we must look at what exactly PRIDE is. Webster’s Dictionary defines PRIDE as:
1: the quality or state of being proud: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship
PRIDE is most certainly NOT an arbitrary label, it is a state of emotion, of being, and to some degree, of IDENTITY. I was born and raised in NY, spent every summer of my youth in PR, lived there in my late teens, learned spanish before learning english, and have always IDENTIFIED myself as a Puerto Rican. A PROUD PUERTO RICAN. It is a FACT that my parents are from PR, a FACT that my grandparents were from PR, and a FACT that it is a culture that I love, embrace, partake in, and enjoy in every respect.
To say that you can’t be proud of something you didn’t choose for yourself is quite sad and misguided. I didn’t CHOOSE to be a woman, but I am proud of the curves and chromosomes that make me so. I didn’t CHOOSE to have green eyes, but I am proud that I was genetically gifted to have them. I didn’t CHOOSE many things that have become a part of my everyday life, and yet they have contributed to the fabric of who I am and am grateful for them and therefore PROUD.
PRIDE does not mean that you have taken an active part in the creation of something. AND it most certainly doesn’t mean that you blindly follow others. It means that you see the value in something, you can appreciate it’s history, it’s evolution, and it’s direct or indirect impact on you. I am proud to have descended from inhabitants of a beautiful island with spectacular culture, music, food and people. I did not plant PR into the middle of the ocean, but in some indirect manner I was borne of it.
Even though I may not be actively involved in the politics of the island today or ever, I can appreciate where it has been, how it has come to where it is today, how it has endured, and although I may not subscribe to any particular ideology where the island’s status is concerned, I am PROUD that the people continue to voice their opinions, and look for solutions to whatever the island’s problems may be. To say PUERTO RICAN PRIDE IS UNFOUNDED is an insult. It implies Puerto Rico is lacking in accomplishment, contribution. It is make such a statement is slap in the fact to those who have lived and died in the name of PR, the Borinqueneers who have fought wars, the activitists who have stood for something, and the people both on the island and on the mainland who wave the flag with a sense of honor.
Mr. Alamo, you should have just stopped at the first article which was bad enough, because I think you only served to dig yourself a little deeper with this EXPLANATION.
Hector LuIs
Me das una profunda lastIma.
Por esa razon y por respeto a tus
LImItada capacIdad humana, Intelectual,
Y tus defIcIente valores prefIero tomar tus
ComentarIos con pureza y una sIncera
CompasIon. Tu no eres responsable del tus lImItacIones
Y que DIos te bendIga!
Lo que expresas por que se que lo haces con la mejor de las
IntencIones. Por eso le supIco a los lectores que no oen
just seems he’s has a rather narrow and myopic definition of “taking pride in.” I guess by his definition, upon his child’s graduation, he’ll be unable to say “I’m proud of you” since he would not be the one actually graduating. :/
Take pride in yourself and don’t rain on other’s parade.
Stupid ass column that mixes cultural pride with politics. Poorly written.
Being proud of being Pureto Rican is like being proud of being Texan or Californian?
the writer is splitting hairs, but he’s absolutely right about the colonial thing. it’s one thing to have pride; it’s another to THINK you have a country…
Good guess, but no. You can take pride in a child, because you obviously hand in their achievements.
Much better. I may not agree with your beliefs but at least this time you personalized them instead of projecting your lack of pride on all 10+ million Boricuas world wide.
That being said this article is faulty in key arguments.
1. ” Puerto Rican history isn’t one of them (we weren’t there)”. History is happening everyday. By this stance then no one can be proud of anything ever. If that is the case why dont the Greeks just sell the the Parthenon to help with their debt crisis? I can understand not dwelling on the past or having your life dictated by it, but dismissing it because you were not there is pretty emo and gothic.
2. “Puerto Rican culture isn’t one of them (we were only handed it)”. No. Culture is not a dead animal that can be passed down and hung over the fire place but a living breathing being that never stops evolving. Or better yet a slab of clay that can be molded over time.
3. The island isn’t one of them (proud of a plot of land?). I guess I can see this point as there is not much that was done to the land. But still even if you have no pride in it you have to acknowledge its beauty.
4. “and the language isn’t one of them (don’t get me started)”. This I find strangest of all. Language has been historically what defined and separated a people. Yes, Puerto Ricans speak a unique form of Spanish. Why? The same reason Italians and French speak unique versions of Latin. It is as if you are angry that Puerto Ricans have not chosen to separate from the US and simultaneously disgusted that they have chosen to separate linguistically from Spain and the rest of Latin America. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t insinuate PR should be on its own and then pass judgement on a unique defining characteristic that has historically been a major step towards freedom. So your message is be free from X and then conform to Y?
it’s not about pride in your country/colony/etcs olitical and governmental status. it’s pide in the positive cultural aspects of your people. you’re not taking ownership by expressing pride, merely finding the positive touchtones of a people that resonate.
every nation/country has it’s negatives. Puerto Rico is no different. and while his article is well written, it’s his point of view which is extremely narrow. but i guess everyone is entitled to their beliefs.
Yo espero que tus padres no sepan inglés o no lean esto, ya que como tú no los escogistes, tampoco estarás orgulloso de ellos.
No puedo creer que te hayan dejado publicar esto. Esto me hace cuestionarme si de verdad quiero seguir esta página….
puerto rico es una dependencia… even grenada is its own country!
Maybe what’s lost is that “Pride” in this case is based on what the culture represents and what you feel when you say Puerto Rico or I am from Puerto Rico – it’s identity is what’s reltaive here. It’s like saying I am happy to be human~The govermental part is so not involved in this feeling of pride – We grow up in a society that see’s who you are and what color you are – and if you don’t beleive that then you grew up with blinders on – becuase I am from Chile and didn’t choose to be born here but what I like to say is my bloodlines come from Chile becuase of my parents and I identify with being Chileno and when I see my flag I grin and smile but have the same feeling for the US Flag, Why? becuase I know good or bad I am in a good place that had many people make and create this system with thier lives, which at times is way off and others it’s on point on how we all live here – but I am easier going person and my concerns is not what I have but what I can be while on this planet no matter which borders I have crossed or borders people beleive I have crossed based on my face color. So when I here pride it’s about what you beleive you are – SO when the olympics come around which flag do you like to see on the 1st podium?
without pride we cannot find a reason for freedom.
I’m not even Puerto Rican, and I am offended by this article. And the fact that he felt the need to write a follow up to yesterday’s article just shows how clueless this guy is. Being proud is a feeling. How dare anyone tell me how I should feel! Mexico has a very dark and brutal history (which continues to his day) but that does not make me any less proud. I feel for my people and all the hardships they must endure at the hands of a corrupt few, but I am proud that despite this, they continue to have hope and work hard. Be proud of your people, their core values, and all the qualities that make them unique because of their history; not politics!
Maybe this guy needs to re-connect with his community (and family!) and rethink what it is he has to be proud of.
Very disappointing articles.
Provocative and interesting article. I’ve always thought that having unchecked “pride” in a country or even colony can be a slippery slope. Quite often this kind of “pride” can slip into supporting or becoming chauvinistic nationalism that excludes certain people who don’t or can’t comform to being “proper” citizen-national subjects (e.g., feminists, queers/gays/lesbians, trans folks, disabled folks, immigrants, dissenters, etc.).
“American pride” (and its proud, bigoted nationalists like Mario Ramirez with his comments on BL) most directly comes to mind.
Is important to know the history of your country. Pride is so much more than just a parade.
Like If Your Proud to b Puerto Rican !!!…..cuz i kno iam…Everytime i hear Puerto rico coming out of someone i smile nd say to myself dats my nd my ppls island everytime I see dat beautiful flag I smile nd say to myself dat my flag n my ppls flag dat we fought so hard 2 keep it standing n waving 2 show da world we still here…#ProudPuertoRican
Being FULL 100% Puerto Rican and born in Puerto Rico as well, I find this article to be a very sad article. Thank goodness for opinions, and of course I will never think about the written words in the lame article again. I am PROUD of being who I am. No me queda de otra por que naci asi y el destino allowed it to be this way. We need to find things to connect to, its part of humanity and in some ways instilled norms of the society. Pero it doesn’t make it bad. The one thing I do expect from this “author” is an article of “Why I can’t be proud of Honduran, Sicilian, Croatian”. Im sure people from those countries as well have a huge sense of pride, belonging to an identity without their choosing. Be proud of whatever you want to be proud of. Its an emotional feeling that as humans we have the right of feeling. Proud of being Puerto Rican, bien orgullosa!!!!
The article sounds like it was written in a college news paper and the author is majoring in some kind of “grevience” studies. You know the ones…that come up with hilarious gems such as “walking while Latino” or some sort of low self esteem.
What you have to understand is that I’m not a cheerleader.
I think the writer needs a hugs and lesson from his abuelita!!!
No matter what PR chooses in its political future. It will always be a nation and a country to Puerto Ricans and I am OK with that. Just don’t do the mistakes and tyranny Cuba did with communism and the disrespect for human rights under the 50 plus year reign of the Castro dynasty.
ignorant dude just shut up….youll stay on top that way.
Entitled to his opinion but sad none the less.
When your father or mother does something great. Aren’t you proud of them? Puerto Rico has the highest Human Development Index rating of any Latin country. Puerto Rican people have among the longest life expectancy of any Latin culture. Placed #31 world wide, competing with world powers.
Every country has it’s wars, it’s victories and it’s losses. But what makes me proud is that my people have played their roll in history, and that roll has brought them to success today.
I am proud of my Taino ancestry, I am proud of my Spaniard ancestry, I am proud of my black ancestry.
My oldest know ancestor was a Spanish general who functioned as an ambassador to Italy, then a conquistador who sailed across the sea to paradise and wisely made his home there.
Puerto Rico is a beautiful place, filled with beautiful people, overflowing with beautiful culture and scenery.
It is okay to be proud of the work of our ancestors, proud of Puerto Rico, because today it has brought us great blessings.
El autor tiene muchas razones para sentirse orgulloso, pero si no quiere sentirse orgulloso de nada ese es su problema. Realmente le tengo lástima.
I am convinced that this article wasn’t even written by a Puerto Rican. I can’t picture anyone who cares about their country telling people that they shouldn’t be proud of it. Even if you are a Haitian, you should be proud of where you come from. Hawaiians should be proud of their heritage and culture. Most countries have awful governments and poverty. Should you be ashamed of the work of your ancestors? Hey, you’re alive, so be appreciative.
Seriously…this needed a follow up? Do what you want Mr. Alamo….I’m going to be proud of my history and my culture and the land to which you so offensively refer to as a simple plot. (No worries, I will appreciate it too). Why? Because even if I wasn’t there… my ancestors were, because when I look at pictures of Clemente I see aspects of my grandfather’s struggle, when I hear clips of Albizu Campos speaking I admire the passion with which he loved my people…..yes My People, because when I see Justice Sotomayor I think of my Mother growing up in the projects and making something out of herself. And yes….I AM PROUD, not because I was there but because its apart of my cultural and familial history. We do not choose many things in this life. Whom we love, how long we live, the people are children become and yes this includes our genetic makeup, who our parents are/were…..but does that make us incapable of feeling a sense of pride in many of these scenarios? Are you not proud of your family? The overwhelming arrogance you showcase in both pieces is astounding and frankly….not worth much more commentary. You do not want to feel proud of us? Fine….there are millions more who do….we’ll be ok. I just wish BL picked an alternative POV for the follow up instead of “why I am ashamed to be Puerto Rican Part 2″…because the opposite of pride is shame…and now I only feel sorry for you hermano.
Seriously…this needed a follow up? Do what you want Mr. Alamo….I’m going to be proud of my history and my culture and the land to which you so offensively refer to as a simple plot. (No worries, I will appreciate it too). Why? Because even if I wasn’t there… my ancestors were, because when I look at pictures of Clemente I see aspects of my grandfather’s struggle, when I hear clips of Albizu Campos speaking I admire the passion with which he loved my people…..yes My People, because when I see Justice Sotomayor I think of my Mother growing up in the projects and making something out of herself. And yes….I AM PROUD, not because I was there but because its apart of my cultural and familial history. We do not choose many things in this life. Whom we love, how long we live, the people are children become and yes this includes our genetic makeup, who our parents are/were…..but does that make us incapable of feeling a sense of pride in many of these scenarios? Are you not proud of your family? The overwhelming arrogance you showcase in both pieces is astounding and frankly….not worth much more commentary. You do not want to feel proud of us? Fine….there are millions more who do….we’ll be ok. I just wish BL picked an alternative POV for the follow up instead of “why I am ashamed to be Puerto Rican Part 2″…because the opposite of pride is shame…and now I only feel sorry for you hermano.
@Tim Portalatin – you asked what I was gonna ask. Hector, do you ever or have you ever felt proud of something your parents did in their life? or any other elder that came before you? Or do you take some stand now in life that you’re just a casual observer to what they have done or do in their life? You just stand back and say “thats some good stuff they did but nothing for ME to brag about or share with (deep breath here)….PRIDE”?
He is just pissed off because he’s stuck on this anti colonialist complex. The Puerto Rican people on the island need to decide that.
Mr. Alamo, your pride isn’t unfounded, it just doesn’t exist. You do not speak for us, Puerto Ricans. I have no clue as to your upbringing, but you sure as hell can’t be a true Puerto Rican and say that you feel no pride in the accomplishments of you own people. We feel pride, not because we had a hand in any of the events, but because we identify with our people, we consider ourselves one and the same and we are happy to see one of our brothers and/or sisters achieve their milestones. Just as we feel proud of our sons and daughters when they accomplish great goals; thus we feel the same when we think of Roberto’s athletic accomplishments. It is very sad to see a Latino writing these negative, narrow-minded views regarding Puerto Ricans. I am very proud of my Island, my Puerto Rican people, in fact I am very proud of all my Lati…n brothers and sisters that work hard and strive to make their lives better. It is a shame that your ignorance does not allow you to see that pride is important human emotion. I would also caution you that you may be spitting against the wind with these ignorant comments. There may come a day when you will aspire a greater position and your ignorant words may haunt you. You name is forever linked with this article and you should give greater thought to what you put into print, particularly when referring to race, culture, or national origins. You are very mistaken if you believe you know anything about my Puerto Rican people and our pride.
How the hec does a character like this get to print his dumb opinions on Being Latino? Should BL strive to unite our cultures and to put forth positive issues, rather than having some ignorant, narrow-minded kid insult all the sacrifices our ancestors have endured? This is ridiclous. This kid needs to grow up, go back spend some time with your elders and ask them their opnions before printing these dumb articels.
I haven’t responded to any articles for a while on BL but reading this after yesterday’s post just pushed me over the ledge.
I’m not from PR, but as a fellow islander, I’m offended by the idea presented by the author. Being proud of a nationality- regardless of choice in the matter- is simply a feeling of support. It’s just being grateful for belonging to a group of people whose culture and customs you admire and can, wholeheartedly and without prejudice, identify with. It’s a vocal approval of the qualities you see in the group of people you identify with.
It seems to me the author simply doesn’t approve of a Puerto Rico regulated by the U.S government. In that, I say nada. I don’t belong to the island or the people and as such, my opinion is without foundation. It’s something to be discussed and decided upon by the people who are in the island on a daily basis- not by outsiders who don’t know the intricacies of living in the island.
Notwithstanding the fact that the author’s choice of words were poorly timed and the article is confusing sentiment with politics, I completely agree with one thing: In my opinion pride isn’t about waving a flag around and screaming [enter nationality of choice]. It’s about knowing your culture and the history of the people you belong to. Doing your best and working hard towards uplifting your people and taking it all- the good, the bad, the ugly.
I haven’t responded to any articles for a while on BL but reading this after yesterday’s post just pushed me over the ledge.
I’m not from PR, but as a fellow islander, I’m offended by the idea presented by the author. Being proud of a nationality- regardless of choice in the matter- is simply a feeling of support. It’s just being grateful for belonging to a group of people whose culture and customs you admire and can, wholeheartedly and without prejudice, identify with. It’s a vocal approval of the qualities you see in the group of people you identify with.
It seems to me the author simply doesn’t approve of a Puerto Rico regulated by the U.S government. In that, I say nada. I don’t belong to the island or the people and as such, my opinion is without foundation. It’s something to be discussed and decided upon by the people who are in the island on a daily basis- not by outsiders who don’t know the intricacies of living in the island.
Notwithstanding the fact that the author’s choice of words were poorly timed and the article is confusing sentiment with politics, I completely agree with one thing: In my opinion pride isn’t about waving a flag around and screaming [enter nationality of choice]. It’s about knowing your culture and the history of the people you belong to. Doing your best and working hard towards uplifting your people and taking it all- the good, the bad, the ugly.
Again with the nonsense. The fact that a follow up article was needed simply shows what garbage the original one was. Yes it is an opinion piece yes everyone’s entitled to their opinions but this is so obviously political that it makes you cringe at the condescending tone that it is written in.
Again with the nonsense. The fact that a follow up article was needed simply shows what garbage the original one was. Yes it is an opinion piece yes everyone’s entitled to their opinions but this is so obviously political that it makes you cringe at the condescending tone that it is written in.
Btw, there seems to be some animosity and self-deprecation underlying this post.
Btw, there seems to be some animosity and self-deprecation underlying this post.
Show of hands, honestly, who read this?
Show of hands, honestly, who read this?
I don’t walk around carrying such a silly thing as pride. I live my life as best I can. Let others feel what they will.
I don’t walk around carrying such a silly thing as pride. I live my life as best I can. Let others feel what they will.
Mr. Alamo again confirms my point. “..a silly thing as pride”? When one is soul-less, pride is considered a “silly thing”.
Pride is dangerous for the living. You’ll have enough time to be proud of your achievements after you die.
Again, Will, you’re confusing pride with self-esteem or a sense of dignity, both of which I have in healthy amounts. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have written something that brought the wrath of hundreds of Latinos down on my head.
Again, Will, you’re confusing pride with self-esteem or a sense of dignity, both of which I have in healthy amounts. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have written something that brought the wrath of hundreds of Latinos down on my head.
I am 100% Puerto Rican. And I can say that I am very PROUD of my culture, yes, Puerto Rico does have culture, and it is beautiful! This guy says he is only part Puerto Rican, yet, he speaks about Puerto Rican pride? Excuse me, but I find this very offensive! Before saying anything this author should see our culture or maybe go to Puerto Rico and see for himself. This guy obviously has no idea what he is talking about. Mr. Alamo, please do your research and get facts before speaking on behalf of Puerto Ricans. Thank you!
This is my last comment on this issue. Mr. Alamo’s “opinions” are obviously written to achieve his goal of responses-not for real discussions on what is “pride”. His last comments above that he has ( in his words) “…self esteem…sense of dignity” both of which he states he has in “healthy amounts” are contradictions in his having both attributes since his definition of pride as “a silly thing” (again his words) would include having both attributes. Pride IS having “healthy amounts” of “self esteem” and “sense of dignity” which are displayed when one is ALIVE-NOT when one is no longer among the living.
This is my last comment on this issue. Mr. Alamo’s “opinions” are obviously written to achieve his goal of responses-not for real discussions on what is “pride”. His last comments above that he has ( in his words) “…self esteem…sense of dignity” both of which he states he has in “healthy amounts” are contradictions in his having both attributes since his definition of pride as “a silly thing” (again his words) would include having both attributes. Pride IS having “healthy amounts” of “self esteem” and “sense of dignity” which are displayed when one is ALIVE-NOT when one is no longer among the living.
Unfortunately, this guy is a joke to be working with Being Latino, for days he has Mocked Puerto Ricans with his idiot post. A person that represents your logo and conducting himself in this matter should be terminated. I suppose he will never be proud of his kid’s.
1. If it seems the word “pride” is tossed around a lot nowadays… perhaps it’s because you brought it up AND the word obviously has more than one meaning, depending on the context. 2. You indicate there may be something wrong with people expressing pride in their ethnicity… as if that were a bad thing? 3. It is your prerogative to take pride in what you call “arbitrary labels”, but to assert that one should not take pride in something—because they did not choose for themselves– is completely short-sighted, arrogant and leaves me thinking, “Who does this guy think he is?”—can we say, judge much? 4. There was no “Maybe” about misspeaking. Your amendment is superficial; it continues to extend the same bashing of those Latinos proud of their heritage, a value judgment you do not seem equipped to make. 5. Why shouldn’t I take pride in the accomplishments of people I share things in common? You offer no argumentative foundation for this claim other than your own narrow interpretation of what we should and should not be proud of. What if I derive good feelings from taking such pride? Who are you to say I am wrong for that and in any case—what do you care what I derive pleasure from??? ?Now that’s just being nosy. 6. Appreciation v. Pride… both have things in common, specifically—a receipt of positive feeling. Perhaps you should have thought about this one a little more, developed your ideas a little more, because this is just a reach. 7. There is no “perhaps” about things Puerto Ricans can find pride about. This reeks of contempt and lack of genuine understanding. You still do not concede there “are” things Puerto Ricans can find pride about. You simply acknowledge to possibility—your readers deserve better than a begrudging level of validation. 8. Who made you the “Pride” police? Deciding when and where human beings should express their pride??? Ew.
“Since the people of Puerto Rico continue to vote for colonial status, I can say confidently that there is no such thing as Puerto Rican pride, because a people who elect to live without the basic right of self-government can be said to be utterly abject.”
9. This one is a whopper. Your logic is flawed and you ignore a lot of further considerations. economically speaking, Puerto Rico derives a lot of benefits from being the oldest colony; benefits that would go way with independence, opportunities and future earnings potential of its people gone. Following that, Puerto Rico would have to organize itself and become competitive –globally, to the further detriment of its people. Do you know what happens to island-nations absent serious organization? (I could go and on–but I won’t) In an ideal world, we would all self-govern, but alas, that is not the reality of the world. For all your high morals, ideals and value judgments, you have seriously failed to connect with your intended audience by not considering them at all and pitting yourself against them.
(-_-) SMDH.
Hi Hector,
If you intended to simulate discussions, it worked. I’ve been going to Puerto Rico the “Rich Port” of the Caribbean’s since I was born in 1959 as a baby all the way until this past Sunday June 17th on Father’s Day 2012 while visiting my Pops, who is ill. I grew up in the Bronx, New York and visited PR for winters and summers ever since while visiting relatives and seeing the island from one side to the other and attending all kinds of festivals during the holidays. And enjoying chatting and playing with family members, especially my cousins. I have lived in California since 1979. I have met all kinds of Puerto Rican good hearted, bad, short, and tall from coast to coast. They have done right and wrong in their lives to themselves and others. To some extend you are correct about individuals throwing pride around and them not really understanding it. Also, others on this thread have mentioned about self-esteem, first and foremost I pretty much sum that up as a personal thing – you either have it or you don’t regardless of pride, race, and where you come from etc.
So I will touch upon a few things real quick where my pride comes from and that’s from within knowing my parents move to New York in the very early 1950 when the White American saw Puerto Rican just as a low life person on the list of would be future Americans, funny because they had citizenship and weren’t immigrants. My pride comes from seeing my grandparents and parents teaching the morals and values of hard and honest work, regardless of how people viewed them with ignorance. Although my parents provided love, shelter, food, clothes, and a damn good education for three siblings. They taught pride just by the way they worked to retire one day and die in their true homeland an island fitted with many rich resources and that is their people and the beautiful landscape which isn’t really any different that Hawaii – which I’ve been blessed to stay at for 26 plus years while visiting.
But I’ve also seen what Puerto Rico has become between the U.S. A. using the island as a playground for many not so cool things in reference to the military, drugs, company/corporate tax shelters, cheap labor, practicing trail medicine on individuals. In addition, for example New York Rican bringing unwanted headache to a peaceful island. You wrote in which you mentioned “the oldest colony in the world” speaks the truth – I have always seen that as a shameful thing as well as all the crooks that have worked in the Puerto Rican government that stole and continue to steal from the people where certain place still don’t have proper plumbing, street lights etc.. Never mind it being a form of a social welfare state to be maintained, that isn’t something to be proud of in my eyes. Sorry to say! It’s just how I feel in my heart.
Put all this aside, when you dream and look back at the simple things in life you can be proud to say you have pride in knowing that having these good memories about a cultural and place in the heart does bring a smile. As crazy as this sound to others, because it’s just part of your family’s DNA, so let the flag fly wide and high for all to see.
Regards,
The author speaks of PRIDE as a dirty word, a bad thing. I disagree!!!!! I am proud of many things, my heritage, my nationality, my children, my family, my friends, colleagues etc. I cannot relate to his reasoning, he’s entitled to his opinion, that’s all it is. I cannot ever be convinced being PROUD is an evil, bad thing/feeling.
I am puertorriqueña and very proud of it! Proud of my homeland, my culture, my language and no one can change that!
Can something good come out of something bad? Absolutely, and the responses to this article proves that. I guess we can think Mr. Alamo for bringing together so many passionate people to share with one another what IS so great about Puerto Rico. I for one have to thank him because without all of your passionate responses I would not have learned so much about my birth land. I was born in Puerto Rico, was moved to Colombia when I was less than a year old, spent 10 years in Colombia and have a father who is Cuba. I used to be proud of being a Colombian only because that is all I know. I am now VERY Proud to be a Puerto Rican thanks to all the comments.
So thank you Mr. Alamo for stirring and exposing so much PRIDE in all of us. God Bless the Internationalist! Muah!
It seems that this Mr. Alamo just opened a “can of worms” and rather than worms coming out “lo que le ha brincao y le han caido arriba son chinches.”
Coming from such a highly respected news source such as Fox, I am very surprised that they let you write such article which does not depict the attitudes and believes of those who read your article.
It seems to me that Mr. Alamo suffers “de un problema existencial,” thus you are in the wrong forum
Soy Puertorriquenyo y estoy orgulloso de haber nacido en Rio Piedras. Amo el coquito y estoy orgulloso de nuestras alcapurrias! Si no te gustan pues mejor pa mi!
The “We.” The “We 100%.” There is the problem I have experienced all my life with Puerto Ricans. The “Us” and “Them.” Get over the damn colonialist crap the Spaniards put on you. It’s just a means to divide the people and control them by creating classes. Being of mixed race I’ve had a unique experience and I am able to be a bystander to how this mess plays out in many cases. The us and them garbage. There is discrimination of each other’s own kind based on language, use of language, color, and ethnicity. I’m a product of my own experiences and I take pride in what I’ve overcome.
Hector Luis Almo should not write for Being Latino. Freedom of speech should be used responsibly.
To suggest that a person of Puerto Rican descent shouldn’t be proud of their heritage is rude. Everyone should be proud of their culture, history and the contributions made by their ancestors. To say there is no such thing as Puerto Rican pride because people keep voting for colonial status is an insult. Although we are the oldest colony we are not the only colony. Perhaps Hector should write the same article about Guam and the Virgin Islands.How dare Hector say Puerto Rican history is not something to be proud of. I’m proud of my ancestors and the strength they taught me. Although I’m called a Puerto Rican today I will always be proud of my Taino ancestors for reminding me that no matter what the islands political status is or what new name its given….
Yo soy Boricua.
Taino – Daka Sinato
You might be Sicilian, you might Croatian, you might be Hunduran but Puerto Rican Never…. you are now exiled from the community.
Wow …. you are so empty. i wouldnt want you to be proud either. negative vibes, …. I think you just wanted attention… You have three other culture in your blood and you picked Puerto Rico to talk about… Pick on the little guy… you not proud but yet you found energy to talk about us.. you are fony.
This is in responce to Bruce comment about Puerto Rico Statehood, I’m for P.R. Independence and self governing.Bruce you need to dig deeper into history,Christopher Columbus reek havoc on the native Indians of P.R. as did the europeans on on the native of the U.S. thire’s more than enough intelegence in what’s left of the Puerto Rican nationality to run thier own.the white man has not killed all of them. they need to leave us alone to repair,reconstruct,we love not being greedy,arrogant,kaniving,racist,sadistic. what if Christopher Columbus had never discover the U.S.and your people stayed on your side of the world? We wouldn’t been accused of all the drummed up lie’s about how we couldn’t support ourselves.we love being different from you.Our food,Music,Customs,fruitful land and our rain forest, our dreams have been takin away from us by the europeons.
My responce was ment for Chuck and not Bruce . Chuck it would be nice to apply for a job and be judged by your skills rather the the color of your skin.Racism is covert, White people are tranparent you can see thier next move, violation of our rights,worst helthcare being pushed into crime infested housing they know how to block loans and keep the native’s down and destitude.That is why we are proud of P.R.s who won’t be denied and they shine thru, they sing get out of my way.Mean while a person like you spie’s and gloats and criticize.My Hero is Geranomo.
I believe the author is making a case for people to rise above tribal consciousness, and to find self worth and self respect inside themselves and their acheivements rather than creating an us vs. them type of thinking and basing their worth on a lot of outside arbitrary factors. Not everyone is ready to think this way, but I think it would be healthier if all people in the world could.