Dominican Republic| Racism and Colorism: Conversations about race relations in the DR

Ebony Ladies in the DR Show created to show insight into our lives Black-American Women living in the Dominican Republic.

[@TheRenaissanceAmazon]

I grew up in “Little Dominican Republic” in Washington Heights, NYC. I have never had a problem with Dominicans but their racism is hidden. First of all, they know you’re American so they don’t treat you how they treat black Dominicans or Haitians. I know many Dominicans who tell you that their self. Same thing with Black Panimanians. Every Black Panimanian I know will tell you what they say. Dominicans never had a problem with Black Americans. They are racist towards Black Dominicans. If there wasn’t an issue…why does Amara La Negra talk about it so much? Racism in Latin America is hidden. When you ask them if they have an issue with Black people they think you mean Black American. And even if they did have an issue…they would never tell you that. But I feel you…I don’t feel an anti Haitian sentiment here from Dominican people. Just like we don’t feel anti Mexican sentiment in America. An ignorant President doesn’t represent the people. True. But being Black in America is better than being Black (Dominican) in the DR. Blacks in the DR are at the bottom. But Haitians have told me they are grateful to be here too…cause Haiti is rough. But the Haitians I came across were also happy. But this is very layered. There are many many things to consider.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Sage-mode12]

How we treat bl... Dominicans?

[@Sage-mode12]

Who tell you that we are racist with bl... Dominicans? I never seen or heard that in my whole life and I always see everyone as a equal.

[@Sage-mode12]

Amara la negra talk about that Because she just wanted to be famous in DR and the people doesn't like her music so that's it.

[@Sage-mode12]

Being bl... In America better than DR? 😂😂😂😂😂 Just look at the news in your whole country You don't even have a equal people.

[@chrisc1881]

I enjoy the conversation, l smile when she said , they love us here. I have visited the DR quite a few times and what they really love is the mighty US dollar 💵.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I think the US Dollar is loved everywhere.

[@guarocuya3514]

Show me a place that they dont!we likes euros too🤑🇩🇴🥰

[@leydenlo]

Hahaha yeah. We are very hospitality and maybe is for we are a tourist destination,; It's good for economy. Tourism is a primary industry.

[@QB455]

I am at the airport coming back from Punta Cana as I type this. I couldn’t agree more. What the love is that US dollar period!!

[@johnnyryan3017]

You made a great point​@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583

[@InsideFacts-br8qh]

Thanks for clarifying the reality about DR.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@MBCrusin]

As a Dominican American I can honesty say there are tensions between Haitian and Dominicans. You ladies are American, so how you all are treated is vastly different than a “dark skinned” local. This panel is the equivalent to foreigners coming the US and them talking to white Americans about their treatment of black Americans. No one is going to tell you to your face they’re are racist. Ofcourse they’re going to say “we love blacks”… this conversation needs to be had with Haitian because I guarantee their side would be different. And to the lady in the pink dress point, yes the Haitian may be happy to be in DR, DR is more developed than Haiti but it doesn’t mean they don’t get mistreated. Ask a black American would they rather live in US and get mistreated or would they prefer to for to their home lands, they would tell you the US. It’s just one bad out weighs the other.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@SuccessIsEngineered]

Thank you for this video

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Dear sisters Goddesses. Thanks dear for sharing your beautiful experiences in the Dominican Republic. You are beautiful.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching.

[@michaelruiz3104]

As a person who is of half African American and Dominican descent, you have to understand this: Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country with many different influences from all around the world just like other countries in the Caribbean. It's a mixture of mostly European, Indigenous, And African heritage/influences. None of these influence can be denied because bits obvious in our culture, from the way we look, our mannerisms, the language we speak, how we speak it, our food, our music, our religion, etc. It's unlogical for Caribbean people to solely identify with one influence over the other when it's everything at once. Same goes for race. There are blacks, whites, mixed, Asians, Arabs in Dominican Republic. No different than other Caribbean countries. It's impossible for us to be only one race when we have many different groups of people. You see it amongst our heroes and most revered figures, they were many different races. Our founding fathers, Duarte was white, Sanchez was Black, Mella was mulatto. Slave rebellion leaders Sebastian Lemba, Juan Valguero, Diego Del Campo, Diego Del Guzman we're all black men. We had Taino chiefs and leaders like Enriqullo.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And the great history of this beautiful country.

[@theredhall-thisisfootball]

You not making sense there is no such thing as Dominican descent cause as you said the DR is made up of different races just like you can't say you are of American descent. When you say your are African American already that means you have roots from West Africa, you don't need to add Dominican descent just say wether you Asian - African American or Hispanic -African American from the Dominican republic.

[@leydenlo]

@@theredhall-thisisfootball it's like society look themselves. They don't make diferents like americans do. White dominicans, Black dominicans, chinnes from bonao, jews from sosua, cocolos from san pedro they are not differences between them, they are all dominicans including cocolos of samana that scape from United States. Have a nice day and try to not see people for skin color 🥰😘

[@TheRenaissanceAmazon]

What you explained is no different than America.

[@TheRenaissanceAmazon]

@@theredhall-thisisfootballsomeone can be of American and Dominican descent if they are indigenous.

[@PLATANITO829]

You know whats funny about this comment section? That the AA's here (African americans for short) are quick to disprove your argument by saying that it's because you ladies are americans that you are not racially profiled." Lol"!!!!!! This is what gets me pissed off with these Dominican haters. By saying such thing you are also in agreement that it's not infact a "Racial" problem like Everyone wants to make it seen like it is but rather a "Nationality" issue like it's been since our restoration war. I'am extremely grateful for these ladies commentary by far!!!! The most educated and resonable argument i've seen yet on youtube. This speaks highly of your level of education. Unfortunately i wish that more were like this. I myself being Dominican from the southern part with grandmas of both sides of my tree blacker than Martin luther king himself and yet i'm here to say were i'm from we all embrace our blackness but not in the way AA's are usee to with using labels to identify themselves. Dominicans identify themselves as such because it works!!! And has been since before the U.S was even born we never adopted the Systematic race labels that exists in todays world. Best way to truly understand Dominicans is my literally listen to their Hymm look at the words being and said i promise it will change alot of peoples perspective. Nationalism> anything in the DR and thats why we don't care to be labeled black or anything else. It's not about not liking one part of us it's about embracing everything we stand for. But thank you for this, god bless you Beautiful ladies.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And I truly appreciate your feedback. Many people just live to be combative. We just need peace and people to educate themselves.

[@stepyvoice8412]

Bro I live in your and I can confirm based of my experience that your people are racist

[@RenyRomano]

It's is so difficult to explain the world the situation with DR and HAITI,,,HAITI was a powerful nation that was able to free themselves from FRANCE, they became more powerful and they decided to invade POOR DR, so they enslaved DR for 22 years, they prohibited Spanish, our religion and culture,,, they almost destroyed everything and we were not white we were and we still are black and mulatos, WE were able to free ourselves from slavery FROM HAITI but they invaded us again several times, we fought and defeated them again and kept our freedom and independence..SO the relationship between HAITIANS AND DOMINICANS has nothing to do with SKIN COLOR, nowadays the problem with HAITI is about illegal immigration(there are 4 millions illegal immigrants from Haiti in DR) and the historical invasions, slavery and cruelty that HAITI caused to our ancestors.

[@dinaf_tommyf]

The conversation didn't take into account your privilege as U.S. citizens. I think the lady in light blue had some really good points.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And we appreciate your feedback.

[@thomasjones7176]

I said the same thing👌 basically

[@guarocuya3514]

I never saw a bunch of fine ladies here in DR so smart and positively happy!

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And your kind comment.

[@EdKing-nq6jy]

We can not as humans can not negate selling Haitian food god will punish us we dominicans have start treating Haitian better haiti been through a lot they need to start fixing there issues we need to keep helping them

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

I appreciate your feedback.

[@wendelllouismaria6778]

Those same people who say don't go to the DR, they have never been to the DR. Heck, they have probably never left the US.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

That's always the case.

[@TheRenaissanceAmazon]

Oh and I do know black people who have visited the DR in the past who got snatched up and threatened because they thought they were Haitian. But this is like 20 years ago. But I did hear that from a couple of people. One of them was an Afro Puerto Rican. But I have felt comfortable here and I have never had an issue with a Dominican in my neighborhood and neither has my twin brother (who is very dark). But I definitely feel safe here. Thanks for this video.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank for your watching.

[@thomasjones7176]

Plain & Simple Blacks need to stop worrying about who don't like them..Just start not liking people back 🤨 If somebody hits you Aren't you going to hit them back???? Well then😌

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

I agree. And I don't know how I missed some of these comments.

[@Sage-mode12]

I Will give a 🏆🏆🏆 bro because this is true and is the reason why bl... Americans act with hates.

[@guillermone1]

Jamaicans in the US do it all the time. They just don't identify with US American black culture. I heard them say something similar, "I am not black, I am Jamaican." At first I said, WOW... then I realized and understood they were simply talking about culture and not at all had anything to do with denying race

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. If only the US were like that. It would be a less racist country.

[@yanf525]

Because you don’t understand we are pass all your Nate insecurities and racism, mixed blood people of many hundreds of generations are not racist like you, they identified as a new ethnicity from whatever countries they are.

[@guillermone1]

@@yanf525 -EXACTLY.....!!!!!

[@krazyjnva2up2down55]

@@yanf525 African Americans are mixed

[@yanf525]

@@krazyjnva2up2down55 not everyone, but yes way back at the time of slavery many born of mixed race but they live and learn African Americans cultures, it’s not the same to have mixed emotions n that manner than knowing your family or parents were in love and you’re part of them, their love creations, same goes for many who have indigenous but they don’t know anyone who is full blooded Native American.

[@Tokyodimeond]

People bandwagon period. They hear a rumor and they run with it. Alot of those folks who bandwagon dont even have passports, never have been and never will go. I feel like people should experience things before they speak. I have never had any issues being a brown girl down there, nor has my brother who is definitely a brown guy. People say oh its cause your American and they know you have money...well if that's the case..then so be it, however I have never experienced any issues. I love the DR. Cant wait to land next week on Friday :) ...

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Yes, that's my biggest issue - people spreading rumors. And you're right the majority of the people have never even left the US. What city will you be traveling to? Are you coming to Punta Cana?

[@Tokyodimeond]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 yes I'll be in Punta Cana majority of the time. I'll shoot Shan a text..maybe I could meet you ladies while im there

[@mamboking949]

Ok browm girl lol

[@mamboking949]

You are in for a RUDE AWAKENING you will see when you get there you will let me know !

[@mamboking949]

YOU HAVE $$$ thats why they will love you and include you in all and you wont fell racism but go short on money and they will turn on you quick

[@TeodoroSantanasegunlaBiblia]

DR is a mixed country and we don't care about your skin color, in another hand, Haitian slaves have never been together with Dominicans, they came to the island by french and they are 95 per cent African so that we have different culture, lenguage and religion. Dominicans are mixed indigenous,Spanish and African people. DR has been the country that most has helped Haiti in the History. The problem of Haiti is not in RD and the solution is not in DR. If you love Haitians go to Haiti and help them like we have done.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for watching.

[@bac1881]

Dominicans in DR are of predominantly African descent. Look it up and take DNA test.

[@TeodoroSantanasegunlaBiblia]

What do you mean with that? It doesn't make sense Haitian are different in many ways in the blood, religión, culture, music. If you love Haiti go there and help them. ❤DR is free. Haiti is not our business.

[@WarrenFearchild]

@@bac1881predominantly Iberian at 52%

[@IAMYUNGGAF]

Slavery was in DR too😂

[@chynawhyte94]

It’s much different in a populated resort city than it is on other parts of the island though. We can’t dismiss those who are speaking out about their negative experiences as Haitians who are living there or have been able to leave.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I agree and it was never our purpose to dismiss others. What we do is share our own experiences.

[@chynawhyte94]

@Bobby Sanchez Congratulations - you missed my point.

[@guillermone1]

This is the best unbiased and most well balanced opinion I have ever heard about racial dynamics of the Dominican republic. Thank you.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I love that they just say I'm Dominican. It doesn't offend me at.

[@icecreambeats101]

I’m a white latina and I grew up in the Dominican Republic and it bothers me hearing how a lot of the black Dominicans are rude and mean to Haitians and Cubans because they’re black. My husband is a black man from Haiti and Dominicans in the US get so mad. I don’t care. I love everyone.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

As we all should. Thank you for watching.

[@AfroCuban4life]

Thank you! 😘 🇨🇺

[@icecreambeats101]

@@AfroCuban4life de nada 😉 🤗

[@lizzysbeautyshowetc.6895]

Good for you, the funniest thing is that the Dominican Republic has the most Brown historic people in that island out of all the Latin islands and countries and for them to be hateful that way is mind boggling They do not look at their skin color they're black and Brown people the most darkest Caribbean island there is And for them to be racist it's really laughable

[@icecreambeats101]

@@lizzysbeautyshowetc.6895 it is laughable. Even in DR if I don’t open my mouth they assume I’m a foreigner from Europe or America but even though I grew up in DR I also lived in Haiti. They got white Haitians there. Yeah most Dominicans are mixed but you got white ones like me and my mom. My dad is white from Brazil and I was hoping to find African dna in me but sadly I only have 7 percent North African (Moroccan) in me. They’re the Arab Africans who ruled Spain. I also have French, Spanish, Portuguese and polish in my dna. I have 3 percent Native American(Taino) as well. My husband did his dna thinking he was 100 percent black when he has a lot of european(French, Italian and Polish) with native American(Arawak). It amazed me seeing a Black Lives Matter movement when they treat the Haitians bad which is a twisted irony.

[@martinlaporte7222]

Some US citizens don't like when they are referred to as Afro-American they preferred to call american because they don't say Caucasian american.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Good point

[@melafrank1]

first time, I can find somebody smart enough to explain to African American community , how Dominican really see things. It's not they are denying they are blacks, it's that we see not importance of race in DR like in US. For us it is more important your culture and your nationality. That's to the fact, that historically we didn't have the hard slavery and exploitation like in US . in DR by needs the Spaniards and French mingle with in high porcentage with African and Indigenous women, and they reconized those kids as legitamed child. Even one of our founder fathers was black. Francisco del Rosario Sanchez. Thanks once again

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And your "great" feedback.

[@robertalexander3067]

Is there any statutes of the Francisco fella in the dr?

[@melafrank1]

@@robertalexander3067 of course they are, just check on Baluarte or Puerta del Conde, check on the most important Ave. 27 se Febrero

[@EdKing-nq6jy]

Im beginning to learn more of the situation of the migrants of hatian decent if they were born in Dr they should be recognized as dominicans if their there legally

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

I agree.

[@josephguillen187]

If you were born in the Dominican Republic you have to have one your parent be Dominican. Haitians go to Dominican Republic to give birth even without visas and expect to get Dominican birth certificate.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. That's very interesting.

[@michaelking6749]

Hi Dominican from Brooklyn NY thank you for clarifying Dominican is open to everyone

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@thomasjones7176]

We need to stop pleading to be accepted and accept ourselves‼️ If people don't like us then All we have to do is not like them back.....

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for watching. I agree.

[@thomasjones7176]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 👌😉😌💯

[@thomasjones7176]

@Island Guy 96 💯‼️

[@focused7786]

The question is, how do they really feel about your son dating their daughters and vice versa? Another question is, do they prefer a light skinned dating their people over a dark skin foreigner?

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Interesting. Thanks for watching.

[@MsSoFruity]

It’s a complete different story when you are black and poor and of Haitian decent living in segregated parts of the Dominican Republic. With all due respects I have a friend of mine who is of dark skin complexion and a Dominican. And honestly speaking those are the people that need to be interviewed. The people that are treated that way. I appreciate the opinion from everyone else but when you poor living there it’s a different experienced. I witnessed racism personally just because my brother is of darker skin complexion. Once again if you living in a nice place it’s a completely different story. I lived in those areas where they discriminate amongs Haitians. I remember when I was 15 a group of about 8 people in the middle of the night and with torches roaming around the area looking to kill a Haitian men. My grandmother is Haitian and we lived in latrenta in puerto plata. I hope things have changed but from my understanding it really hasn’t. I have been questioned about my nationality the other day when I called the embassy to get a new birth certificate and they GRILLED me and were upset and denied to help me because on my birth certificate it shows that my grandmother is Haitian. So with all due respect I can see that you guys don’t think racism or discrimination don’t exist. But it does.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your comments. No one said it doesn't exist. It is not as blatant as people would want you to think. And I have Haitian and Dominican friends. We all get together and go out and have a good time. And when we're together we're all treated the same.

[@respectknuckles428]

YEAH RIGHT A SISTA TODAY VISITING THERE THE POLICE THOUGHT SHE WAS HATIAN AND PUT HANDS ON HER BEFORE SHE COULD SHOW HER PASSPORT, SO SAVE THAT SHIT!!

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. Did you witness that for yourself. Or is it something you HEARD?

[@thomasjones7176]

I agree with the lovely lady in Blue💯 All Afro Dominicans do not acknowledge themselves as African descendants👌

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@thomasjones7176]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 I enjoyed it❤️💯 The only true Afro Latinos that acknowledge themselves as Black are Hondurans and Afro Colombians Research👌 In other countries even the darkest type 4 c hair ones will tell you in a split second "All my Ancestors come from Spain" Lady in blue knows her stuff.

[@shantinu3059]

I loved your forum. Thank you ladies. I feel you close to my heart .

[@carmelitacasimir7794]

Thank you ladies you know you change my mind I want to come and sometimes I don't know but now I am coming because I love punta cana

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad we were able to make a difference.

[@wilmercastillo5968]

As a Dominican I agree with this take on how we view nationality and race. But being raised in the culture there is certainly a degree of colorism embedded in the culture. The idea of being lighter and not getting tanned is emphasize very much. I would say the majority of Dominicans aren’t racist and don’t view people as less because of there race but there is an idea of holding pieces of the European beauty standards in the culture

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I find that to be very true.

[@brawinisbackstage]

Very important topic. Thanks for sharing!

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@yanf525]

And enjoy their customer service and multiple languages.

[@victorlionelnazaire685]

Race and nationality : Blame the U.S. government which categorizes their citizens based on origin such as Italian-Americans, Chinese-Americans, Japanese-Americans and then added color such as Negroes, White Americans, Black Americans, etc. In the Caribbean, you are either Cuban or Dominican or Haitian or Jamaican or Puerto-Rican, period.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

That's just another thing I love about the Dominican Republic. Thank you for watching.

[@robertodelrio0797]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 it's sad to be American sometimes, because most Americans are hyphenated Americans.

[@BronzeSista]

You still Black

[@rafaelmarquezf]

Respect, black excellence.

[@cocaina4870]

I mean… Not all Dominicans are black and that’s fine ..

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

I agree.

[@wendelllouismaria6778]

My mother is Dominican and she has been asked does she like Haitians, does she reject her blackness etc.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@guarocuya3514]

Please explaine?

[@cheeveka3]

It’s more of a political thing sometimes politicians don’t represent normal everyday people.😅

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. That's politicians all over the world.

[@cheeveka3]

Politicians are can be pathological liars they will do anything to remain in office😑

[@SuccessIsEngineered]

It would be nice if blacks in America stopped over reacting when people here are simply doing their jobs ... just like in the DR ...

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for watching. I agree.

[@engelperez4641]

Not all Haitians and dominicans get along.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. Clearly, that's understood. We wanted to point out that "not all Haitians and Dominicans hate each other"

[@ronnyg1dc]

Great topic ladies. Did you guys get a better mic? Sound was great all around

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Same Mic. We created a wind blocker thanks to you.

[@chulo201]

Hi there, I agree that some Dominicans deny their black roots Unfortunately the government we have had Have never bothered to educate us as letting us know from an early age on the first year of school that we are a country of mixed people and that we should be proud of our racial origin, whatever it may be

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. It still seems the Dominican Government did a better job than the US government.

[@guarocuya3514]

I disagree with you, we don't see races as they do in the US

[@Maria-zd3ig]

No, they don't deny their blackness, They acknowledge their African roots. DR problem with Haiti is not about skin color.

[@venomsnake191]

Fuck bleck roots , what important historical accomplisment have done bleck people?

[@leydenlo]

I remember when i learn this 1994 we called October 12 race day and we did a lot activities about our mixed. We had a monument celebrating 3 races mixed (doesn't exist now). But October 12 is a celebration day in school of our 3 races. There are people that went to school but school never got inside their brains. Dominicas that don't know African descent are just ignorant. But government and schools teach

[@ronnyg1dc]

Don't want to be critical but be don't let your guard down ladies. This is a beautiful place and its great to be surrounded by people who look like you, but don't get blinded by the rose color glasses. Remember the group who dressed in KKK for carnival? The club that didn't let in a dark skin girl and was shut down. Don't know if it was the owner or manager who said they don't like them in the club.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for your concern. We all know that racism exists. None of us will be letting guard down anytime soon. The purpose of this show was to point out that Dominicans and Haitians are not in a race war. And that we as Black Americans, thus far, have been treated better here than in the U.S.

[@ronnyg1dc]

@@K1ngKrunch you clearly don't understand the history of the KKK. If you did you know there is nothing to make fun of. How would you like it if my friends dressed as Truilljo with three girls being dragged behind as we marched down the Malecon. How far you think we would make it before being killed? You think we could get away by saying hey its Carnival relax.

[@guarocuya3514]

@@ronnyg1dc if you do that here even if you are white or black we'll kick you @$$ and then we'll say it is part of the carnival😏

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@guarocuya3514 That's my point. Dominicans wouldn't like it, so why do you thinK its ok to dress as the KKK?

[@lizzysbeautyshowetc.6895]

The 1st time I hear Brown Dominican's dressing as KKK that is the most funniest thing I have ever heard lol

[@user-lx2cy5cn5e]

Does the woman at the 14:00 mark have any idea how she sounds?! Lawd! Anyway, I refuse to spend my coins in the DR because of the hatred against Haitians.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for watching. And not everyone hates the Haitians. And my Haitian friends are happy and thriving in the DR.

[@roysamuels9468]

Awesome video ladies! I referenced this for one of my reports on colorism, as I wanted the perspective of black people living in the Dominican Republic. 5:00 Dominicans on the island are some of the most polite people you will meet. They are very unlikely to be blatantly racist to your face, but are likely to still harbor some stereotypes and distrust for black people. 6:00 Haitians are viewed very similarly to how we view Mexicans here in the media. I remember listening to the radio in DR when the host said something along the lines of "Haitians are taking our jobs" while also acknowledging that "Haitians are harder workers than Dominicans, Dominicans don't want to work." This is similar to the American perspective of Mexicans - they're taking jobs, but are incredibly hard workers. There is a long history between Haitians and Dominicans, which has bred animosity and distrust for opposing sides of the same island. I have found that the prejudices Dominicans held for Haitians on their island is carried over when they come to the States, and then projected on black people in the US. Many of the older generation Dominicans in my family are, in fact, racist. They call black people ugly because they are black, they compare them to monkeys, and will generally stereotype blacks in the same way white people do. Look at the LA City Council controversy for a good example of this kind of colorism in Latino communities. 7:00 Black people shouldn't need to feel this way when coming to DR. As I mentioned, most people there will be very nice to you, but will likely take that internal racism home and comment on you when you're not there. This might sound pessimistic, but I only mention it because of my anecdotal experience with Dominicans, especially older Dominicans who grew up post-Trujillo, who was the deadliest dictator towards Haitians in DR history (Parsley Massacre/El Corte). 12:00 This is a great point, but it's important to look at trends as well. Generally, Haitians in the Dominican Republic are lower class citizens, and generally live in greater poverty. You'll find entire Barrios in poorer areas of the DR that are overwhelmingly Haitian. 21:00 I'm glad you guys brought up this point. In the US, many of the younger generation Dominicans, especially those that were born here, understand and accept that they are, at least in part, black. Even the Dominicans that are very white passing understand that they are mixed race. However, I find that with older generation Dominicans, especially those who do not have darker skin, tend to be more defensive about their African roots. As a Dominican-American myself, as an Afro-Latino, I am so disgusted by the colorism I am exposed to by my family and other Dominicans in my city (nearly half of the population is Caribbean). My mother is white passing, but her two youngest sons are evidently mixed with brown skin. Despite this, she has a lackadaisical attitude towards the obviously racist things she says about darker skinned Dominicans, Haitians, or black people in the US. This is incredibly heartbreaking as I see this trend spreading across the US, and perpetrated by my own people or other Latinos. As the fastest growing and most influential base in American history, my fear is that, as we come into greater positions of power, whether it be political or as a voting bloc, that we ignore the necessities of our black brother and sisters, and effectively leave them out of legislative processes or voting power. This might come off as somewhat doomer, but the black population in the US has been stagnant for decades, while Hispanics are growing at an insane rate. If this colorism continues when we make up greater swaths of government, I'm worried about the representation black people will be receiving.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And most of all for your detailed breakdown of this episode. It's always interesting to hear feedback firsthand. It makes us look at things from different perspectives.

[@Sage-mode12]

@@roysamuels9468 Dude you're not Dominican Just take your Dominican blood out and never go back to DR.

[@monf2650]

Because you are foreigners...you live a different lifestyle akin to a tourist

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@guarocuya3514]

Sooo they are enjoying life😏

[@fatalmercury]

You ladies all look very classy and educated, for me as a Dominican living in the US I can tell you over there people treat you according how you dress and behave , we do have colorism yes , but also we have classism been the latest more important than race.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And for your compliments. I know racism and classism exists in the DR but not to the extent of the US.

[@guarocuya3514]

We love people poor or rich with class🥰

[@22vlawrence]

I will be there 9/27 would love to meet up.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. Yes, we can definitely do that.

[@22vlawrence]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 I’ll be there 9/27-10/9

[@indhiraisaza]

We're BLACK MIXERS OR NOT WE ARE SPECIAL. Racism is the proof than we are very important.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching.

[@miguelitord9297]

🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for watching.

[@jessicad.exantus4452]

Happy to hear that because I’m also Haitian who leave in the US. I think they hate poor Haitian

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I don't get that impression that they hate poor Haitians. There are just as many poor Dominicans. Maybe the times are changing.

[@guarocuya3514]

True the haitian go erment hate poor haitians!

[@Nyamekye_]

There is one factor you need to consider. The fact that you are American citizens gives you a different treatment in DR. Racist Dominicans avoid being in trouble with American citizens. A Dominican friend advised me not to go to DR because I will not be welcome because of the color of my skin.

[@savageantigua2416]

That is false, dominicans don't take care about race, the Best place for black people in latín american is Dr.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

I agree with you.

[@mayennerivera5967]

Thank you for your documentary. I lived in DR and I have experienced life in D.R. how you are experiencing it and I feel the same way how you do. This means a lot.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I love this country.

[@imdominican..blacksworship892]

Mayenne you are all over tik tok and ig, and it seems like you don't like Haitians coming to DR en masse, saying lies about our country etc and your very nationalistic against them I appreciate that, but when it comes to American blacks and other nonHaitian blacks who also want to blacken DR and look at us as black instead of mixed latino, u let ur guard down against them, why is that? Why are you patriotic against Haitians but vendepatria against other blacks? isn't ur novio jamaican?

[@soothingsounds1905]

out to lunch

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Enjoy!

[@robertodelrio0797]

I like how they all engage in the conversation, and actually know what they're talking about pertaining to the Dominican Republic, their culture, ethnicity, race relations, etc. It seems like they've spent some time in the Dominican Republic or have taken some trips to the Dominican Republic and understand it better, compared to other people in the United States and other countries who have a negative viewpoint of Dominican people. I have some friends who are Dominican and most Dominicans are mixed race people who vary in many skin stones, because the Dominican Republic is a multi-ethnic society and they're proud of it. Unlike the United States where they use the one drop rule, as a historic colloquial term to denote a person's heritage, if they have full or partial African blood. Most Dominicans will say that they are Dominican and don't choose one side over the other, because their ancestors came from so many different places and the races mixed up.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. I've been here two years now. And what I love most is the fact that Dominicans are just "Dominicans" not black or white.

[@imdominican..blacksworship892]

I have 2 questions... Black Americans who usually leave USA due to racism or the system etc why do they go to a predominantly mixed race Latino/Caribbean country, instead of a black country in Africa or the Caribbean, like Ghana or something? Is like some of y'all leave due to racism but move to another place where y'all not the majority.... And another question, the beef between Dominicans and Haitians is between us only, doesn't include Black Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans etc, if somebody feels bad about the Haitians and wants to help them, help them in their country so they won't have to leave and live in ours, we want to keep our country majority Dominican it's called Dominican Republic not everybody republic lmao, some fake Afrocentric blackFirst AAs move to DR but like to involve themselves in the DR/Haiti situation as a moderate biased towards the haitians, but don't want to go to Haiti to help them out, just in our country criticizing us, why is that?

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. St Thomas and Johannesburg S Africa was my first choices. But St. Thomas has no middle class. It's either rich or poor. And the chances of hurricanes are far greater. My parents are late 70's so an 18 hour flight away from them was out of the question. I don't have to live anywhere i'm the majority. I chose the DR based on whole list of things. Watch my episode and you'll know more about me. I can't speak for the other ladies. And I have not involved myself in the long standing Haitian/Dominican beef. I have no DOG IN THAT FIGHT. But I have the right to comment on any topic I choose. And I've probably done more for charity/volunteering than a whole lot of Dominicans. So what is your real beef??? Why are so many Dominicans in a rush to go to the US? I would love to hear your thoughts on that!

[@imdominican..blacksworship892]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 good answer, but there are many other close countries that have middle class, and same or lower hurricane risk like Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, Brazil, Belize, México, Colombia, Panamá, Costa Rica.... Many Dominicans come to America for a better life, economic reasons, and USA is the only rich first world country in the western hemisphere besides the less diverse, less powerful, less popular/influential Canada, keep in mind that many Dominicans return to DR and invest in the country.. many Americans move abroad for more freedom and to leave the fast American rat race, and have a plethora of poorer countries to move to, many don't even live among the locals, they live in secluded communities

[@imdominican..blacksworship892]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 Black Americans specifically going to Dominican Republic, not all but a decent amount, I feel like they go cuz they have self hate and want to be around lighter more mixed people, granted some Dominicans are black some are white, but most are mixed (evenly and noticable lol) , they don't want to be in a all-black environment but a more mixed Latin vibe... among the Black men who like to travel across the world to buy pr05tituePussssy, DR is one of their top destinations, along with Brazil, Colombia etc, notice something mixed Latino countries, they mostly don't want their own, they want something mixed "exotic".... When whites including white Americans, come to DR they are more likely to move to secluded communities on a private beach, whites look for tropical climate, while blacks look for lightskin environment

[@imdominican..blacksworship892]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 but honestly I rather black women in the DR than black men, black men are far more likely to fetishize lighter mixed Latinas like majority of us Dominicans, sexualize us, the amount of KZbin videos of black men doing this in places like Sosua is astounding, it's very creepy I'm sure not all are like that but the vast majority of those that come to DR yes are like that... Black women don't do that and act far better, even y'all ladies act nice and seem like good people, just immerse yourself in the culture and accept it for being a mixedmulato Latin Caribbean country that is it and not try to change it like some try to do

[@lizzysbeautyshowetc.6895]

@@imdominican..blacksworship892 Dominican men cheat on their women and are very hyper sexual

[@mamboking949]

Start speaking spanish dont be PARIGUALLAS🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

My Spanish is pretty good. The majority of my subscribers are Americans so my episodes will stay in English.

[@moisepicard4770]

🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@jeancadet5862]

One word you guys have money. You live in gated community.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thanks for watching. But I have to disagree. When I'm out on the streets or riding the bus, no one knows if I have money or not.

[@yanf525]

Stop bringing your racist and jealousy mentality to the Dominican Republic. And if you’re talking about Haitian you better know the history past and present, although you will be still biased by choice.

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

Thank you for watching. And what racist mentality are you referring to? And JEALOUS of what???? Don't pick and choose the dialogue you don't agree with. This was an open discussion of what we have noticed or experienced as Black Americans living in the DR. Nothing more. And as Black woman I definitely have the right to speak on racism.

[@lizzysbeautyshowetc.6895]

The way dominican comes to the USA block people can go to Dominican Republic do you know that most of you are black and Brown for you to hate other people that have your same skin color is really ignorant Dominican Republic are very ignorant when it comes down to their own skin color it's really more their self hatred for themselves Mike

[@PLATANITO829]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 this guy clearly didn't watch the video 🤣. Even i will agree theres just some educated peeps out there.

[@yanf525]

You should all move to Haití, you will feel at home in Haiti, not in DR. 4 ungrateful things.

[@guarocuya3514]

Did you understand what this ladies were saying? Am dominican hasta la tambora and I was very pleased for what they were talking about and was vere unbiased 🇩🇴

[@victorking1153]

@@guarocuya3514 he doesn't understand what they're talking about.

[@robertalexander3067]

^^^^ there is your equivalent to GO BACK TO AFRICA!!! Had the nerve to add thing at the end, smh! And probably couldn’t tell you the last time he saw 4 sophisticated and elegant BLACK women from whatever rock he crawled out from under

[@marquesdunn4934]

Obviously you're lost and don't know how to understand..Just fallback

[@starlinpena4943]

Its hard 2 have civil conversatiins with AA they are so paranoid like gtfoh

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

There was nothing in this episode that said paranoid. What actually got under your skin??

[@starlinpena4943]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 im not talking about the ladies in the video except the blue dress But im talking about the overly woke black americans who demonize us every chance they get when they never went 2 dr or even grew up in nyc near dominicans Dont play innocent You said it ur darn self u was paranoid cause a guard singled you out for not wearing a wrist band and u thought it was cuz u black You assumed

[@PLATANITO829]

@@ebonyladiesinthedr8583 he's probably talking about the commentators not you ladies. This topic is very dear and near to Dominicans due to the pressure that has been put on the community for the past decade or so. You will see many Nationalist come on youtube and try to defend their honor i'm one of them but i do my best to take a more educated approach on it.

[@EdKing-nq6jy]

I personally want to apologize to the brothers & sisters of Haiti cuase i have written some not so nice things cause you get trapped into the b.s on both sides we are two of one 🐦 we dominicans as a whole don't have a problem with them we need each other im going to pray to god every day that haiti fix there problems the brothers & sisters can count with my prayers

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

I pray for everyone daily.

[@EdKing-nq6jy]

What both country's should do is forgot of the past &start all over & behave like brother that we are we know Haiti

[@ebonyladiesinthedr8583]

It would take the elders to stop passing down the hate.