Racism, Colorism, Classism in the Dominican Republic

In this video, we have an honest conversation about life in the Dominican Republic as an American, specifically focusing on the standard of living in Santo Domingo, the country's capital. The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country located in the Caribbean, known for its warm weather, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. This video gives firsthand advice from people who live in the Dominican Republic. We talk about interacting with locals and the reality of living in the Dominican Republic.
As an American living in the Dominican Republic, there are both challenges and benefits to consider. First, let's talk about the cost of living. Compared to the United States, the cost of living in the Dominican Republic is generally lower. Housing, food, and transportation are all more affordable in Santo Domingo than in many cities in the US. However, this does not necessarily mean that living in Santo Domingo is cheap. There are still many expenses to consider, and the cost of certain items, such as electronics, can be higher.
Another important aspect of life in Santo Domingo is safety. While the Dominican Republic is generally a safe country, there are still some areas of Santo Domingo that can be dangerous, especially at night. It is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you’ve found this video, you’re probably looking for more info on:
• life in the Dominican Republic as an American
• standard of living in Santo Domingo
• WDRC in Santo Domingo
• customer service and cost of living in the Dominican Republic
• life of expats living in the Dominican Republic
• moving abroad and living abroad
• living in the Dominican Republic pros and cons
• US citizens living in the Dominican Republic
One of the biggest benefits of living in Santo Domingo is the culture. The Dominican Republic is known for its music, dance, and food, and Santo Domingo is no exception. The city is home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural events throughout the year. As an American living in Santo Domingo, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and exciting culture.
Another benefit of living in Santo Domingo is the weather. The Dominican Republic is located in a tropical climate and has warm weather year-round. This means that you can enjoy outdoor activities and the beach even in the middle of winter.
When it comes to food, Santo Domingo has a lot to offer. From traditional Dominican dishes to international cuisine, there is something for everyone. Some popular dishes in Santo Domingo include mofongo, sancocho, and arroz con pollo.
In terms of transportation, Santo Domingo has a variety of options. Public transportation is available in the form of buses and taxis, although taxis can be expensive. Many people choose to own a car or motorcycle, although driving in Santo Domingo can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions.
Overall, life in Santo Domingo as an American can be both rewarding and challenging. While the cost of living is generally lower than in the United States, safety and cultural differences should be taken into consideration. However, for those who are willing to embrace the culture and enjoy the warm weather, Santo Domingo can be a great place to live.
If you enjoyed this video about life in the Dominican Republic as an American, and the standard of living in Santo Domingo, please remember to like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions. We hope to see you here again soon!
#DominicanRepublic #SantoDomingo #LivingAbroad

[@rafaelaugustocaneloruiz6009]

Let me tell you something about Dominican society. The first colony of the Spanish Empire in the 15th century was what is today the Dominican Republic and the first time that Spain brought slaves was in 1503 (the black part of Dominican society does not come from Haiti) when Spain discovered the immensity of the American continent it practically abandoned the island of Hispaniola to its fate, leaving the Creoles, mulattoes and slaves on the island. There was a lot of poverty and the only way to get out of it was through trade between the different peoples of the island. Later there was a great deal of miscegenation among all of them. It is important to emphasize this because in the Spanish colony the one drop rule did not exist and interracial marriage was allowed. Dominicans have literally been marrying different ethnicities and races for more than 400 years, in the 20th century this was prohibited in the USA, in 1606 the devastations of Osorio happened and there was a demonstration against this measure and it was practically the first recorded protest by the creoles of the island who had already been mixing what was created for more than a century was the sentiment of protecting the land where you were born, in 1621 it was the first time that the Spanish crown used the term Dominican, practically referring to the Creole people of the island of Hispaniola, which was made up of the descendants of the Spaniards who stayed on the island, the few Tainos who survived and the blacks. The problem with African Americans is that they want to extrapolate the reality experienced in the English colonies, such as the One Drop Rule and the prohibition of marriage between races, to the entire world. They think that this was the reality everywhere. There was certainly slavery in Spain, but it was very different from the English and French colonies. In short, Dominican society is united by the culture and the land that saw it born, and that is what has created its identity as a society.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

Thanks for viewing but I think you missed the point of the video. I didn't mention anything about Haiti or Haitian. I didn't mention anything about Dominicans identifying themselves as black. The point of the video is there is Classism and Colorism in the country, if you don't believe that then I'm not going try to convince you.

[@rafaelaugustocaneloruiz6009]

@@wdrcinsantodomingo Thank you very much. I just wanted to add that because I have seen the mistake of many African Americans in facing the cultural identity of another nation based on their experience and the historical reality of the USA regarding the issue of races that comes more from the English colonies. Virtually all the countries of Latin America have the same identity as the Dominican, united by the culture and the land that sees them born. The great problem that exists in Latin America is social discrimination. You can be white, green-eyed and tall. If you don't have money, you're nobody. But if you notice, all these terms of colorism come from Anglo-Saxon countries where the English had a colony where there was the one drop rule, prohibition of marriage between races and ethnicities, apartheid and things linked to the racial issue. Regarding the issue of colorism, these things go unnoticed by Dominicans and Latin Americans because there were never problems with races in the Spanish colonies, but to a great extent in the English colonies. That is the message that I want to send you. I hope you are enjoying your stay in the DR.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@rafaelaugustocaneloruiz6009 Yes the issue of colorism, goes unnoticed because you don't see it. Like many colonized countries there never were laws denying you the right to vote, to marry to education. But it's there. Tell me why many high end places are in areas where the majority of neighbors are white, when the majority of the population are people of color? Why are the families that really run this country are white? Why the women don't take pride in their natural hair? Well at least the last one many of the younger generation are starting to take pride in their natural hair. Viva la Patria!!

[@daverolling1435]

⁠@@wdrcinsantodomingothis exists everywhere and the high end places I see a mosaic of ppl. It makes sense that people who have wealthy ancestors maintained that wealth. I’m not sure what you’re hinting at here. Also, Dominican is an ethnicity as well as a nationality. This confuses ppl who have an ethnic group that doesn’t have a country of their own. The inhabitants of Santo Domingo were referred to as Dominicans as early as 1625, 219 years prior to becoming a nationality. You should read up on ethnonations.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@daverolling1435 Do a DNA test, it doesn't come back as a percentage Dominican. That was not my point of the video.Stick to the subject of the video

[@Afrakawasborninme]

Excellent presentation Ronnie, I agree with your synopsis. I just discussed this matter with some AA in the V.A. Hospital. The brother argued Dominicans don't think they're Black. I responded they don't because they see themselves as Dominican. On the other hand America is a color-cooded country. White American or Black American. Black Americans believe everyone with the same color skin is Black. All Skin ain't Kin. Classism is real I'm glad I'm in the haves class

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

gracias hermano mio

[@Delrosi]

That is because historically we didn't classify people like this. Race was fluid, where do you leave: jabao, castizo, criollo, mulatto, zambo, etc etc? It was not just black and white... That is a French and Anglosaxon invention.... Catholics judged people by culture, language and faith. Even though there are racists everywhere... Even among Africans who were not colonized nor ever left Africa.... It is a human thing. Same as with colorism.... The dichotomy pf being tanned and working under the sun (low class) vs working indoors and being pale (Aristocracy, high class). Ironically, now tanned means high class (leisure time, money to travel and fake tanning) vs pale (working in an office as a slave)... Colorism and racism are part of the human experience.......

[@MisterFlipFlop]

Man I LOVE This. We need to do a LIVE together. You are 100% Spot on

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

We will do a follow up, a round table discussion

[@kennyjames9693]

11:23 Great info and content Ronnie G!…. I always appreciate you sharing your experiences and reflections..when security pulled up on you with suspicion, it sounded like your were stateside! But seriously, thanks for being a pioneer and uplifting all people!🇩🇴✌🏾❤️🙏🏾

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@kennyjames9693 just shows how colonialism trained the mind of people in Latin countries as well as the US

[@williampalmer4653]

I, too, agree that there should be more content on this subject matter. I also agree with what Mr. Walker said, "He was right on the money. I now like in Naco and see classium and colorism.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@williampalmer4653 thanks for the comment. I agree

[@williampalmer4653]

like = live typo

[@Juancarlossantana2023]

So true about the nanny thing, they always black. My friend use to be a nanny years ago and worked for white Dominicans. They did help her get a visa and move out the country for a better life. But that's rare.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

I wasn't trying to say that those people are bad. Just want to point it out that there is colorism and give examples.

[@supahoopa]

Good content! Thanks. Very interesting discussion ...could go on and on with subsequent episodes on this topic

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

Will do a follow up. Thanks for the commemt

[@oldcatwalker]

In my 20 years of coming here, 3 of which have been living here now, there isn't enough room to comment on all my experiences. To make a long story short. As a Black man, I have never felt more comfortable. As for racism, Dominicans wouldn't call it that. What I have seen, is a type color class hierarchy. For example, in the business world, you will rarely see a dark skinned person in an higher-end executive position. I know this can be up for debate. It has just been my personal experience, and I have traveled to every well populated part of this country.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

Thanks for comment. You make valid points

[@bigzclipz5104]

Many of the established businesses and banks are owned by families that once came from the cibao region . Those families have been here for over 200s years.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@bigzclipz5104 no debate on that. that adds to the classism

[@FelixFloruis]

I can name you many black men in top positions in the DR commencing from audit firms, banks, schools, etc.

[@oldcatwalker]

@FelixFloruis That'sgood, I can do the same in the U.S. I'm talking averages in a predominantly brown country

[@Dee-pj7hh]

Brother you just summarize the entire Caribbean. Classism and colorism still lingers to a lesser degree in majority of countries that were formerly colonized. Racism NO.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

thats was my observation. thats why my first point I stated no on racism,

[@tregua24]

Punta Cana is resorts, and a lot of Haitians. The security guard stopped you because you were walking on a non-pwdestrian area. Not because you were brown skin.

[@mxhconsultant1497]

Good info, Thanks

[@lesliewalker4178]

African Americans shouldn't have any problems with this. We're from the United States this is normal. Video on point!

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@lesliewalker4178 thanks for comment. I agree. We see it but Dominicans don't.

[@jasonpowell-c1k]

Speaking facts

[@gogotravels1376]

Great video. MR Walker said it very well. I feel no racism when there but i hear about it.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

I feel the same

[@anikdasdigital]

Your videos are amazing. I really like it. I am a new subscriber to your channel. Can I talk with you WDRC Santo Domingo?

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

yes

[@anikdasdigital]

@@wdrcinsantodomingo how ?

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@anikdasdigital Give me your email

[@anikdasdigital]

@@wdrcinsantodomingo You can find on about sec

[@anikdasdigital]

@@wdrcinsantodomingo If i give here then youtube will remove it.

[@vibesglobaltravel4243]

✊🏽👍🏽🙏🏽

[@terrancescott4860]

From my experience Dominicana are Nationalists first. Classists second, And Racists last.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

Yes they are. Great point

[@bigzclipz5104]

There nothing wrong with being racist , colorist, or classism . Each nation has it rules and regulations.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

you don't see any thing wrong with not letting a segment of a population advance?

[@bigzclipz5104]

@@wdrcinsantodomingo I’m not a humanist or globalist activist either . Having better public transportation, mix zoning areas, more water ports , elimination of multiple political parties, better infrastructure, increasing employment for Dominican , and lowering crime rates are the things I care about which are more important

[@bohiorepublic]

We need to talk bro...That's the wrong angle you are aiming at...If you impose European and American social science concepts on Dominican reality you will never be able to articulate anything of value...Be a little more honest also...

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

You don't feel colorism is prevalent here? I was 100 percent honest. As I stated in the video, would love to have a dialogue on this topic.

[@bohiorepublic]

​@@wdrcinsantodomingo That's not what I said, that's not what the words I used meant to convey at all bro, you are changing the subject because you don't want to talk about the subject...the subject is the use of concepts that belong to the Anglo-Afro-American experience with total disregard to the reality of DR as the first site of the beginning of the exploitation of Tainos and their regional cousins and of our Wolof, Yoruba, etc., African ancestors, forcefully brought to DR to be explited...Do you know who invented the word "race"? Do you know who coined the word "colorism"? Can you sit down right now and explain when it was that European social scientist began to use the word "racism" and why? Let us first talk about the Spanish Superiority Complex in DR and the Anglo Superiority Complex in the US and you will see that you are adopting the tell tale signs of the Anglo American Superiority Complex to evaluate Dominican history and reality...

[@Juancarlossantana2023]

Punta cana😂😂😂. Not pudda canna😂😂😂

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

yes I cringed when I watched it after uploading. JAJA

[@AFROANTILLANO]

I am a black Dominican we are not racist, we just dont want more Haintians we have over 4 milions of then. And we are wery diferent, we are not the same

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@AFROANTILLANO I said Dominicans are not racist. I didnt mention Haitians.

[@will35719711]

Better read your Bible a little bit more. The Tribe of Levi - Hatians, Tribe of Simeon - Dominicans???? More the same than different in the eyes of the most high!

[@AFROANTILLANO]

@@will35719711 I dont read this white man book fairy tales

[@jamelcroley4562]

BS

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

thanks for commenting. What part do you feel is BS?

[@funnyeightyoneandtwo]

I am a white man living in a totally Dominican area of Santo Domingo, I live with my lovely Dominican lady and am the only white person around. Let me tell you, I have never had any problems but this video is spot on regarding colourism etc.

[@wdrcinsantodomingo]

@@funnyeightyoneandtwo thanks for your comment