Afro vs. black vs. whatever other label
Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of chatter on Twitter about afro-latinism. For the most part, they’re coming from Puerto-Ricans whose diversity is often an issue. When I say diversity I mean they range (like many Latin Americans) from caucasian-looking to black. It’s amazing what post-colonial issues are still lurking in many of these cultures because as far as I’m concerned this is a non-issue. Nonetheless, it’s still a very big issue that people; especially young ones are trying to figure out. 
I remember while working in social services in Florida reading a state-issued application that separated Hispanic into “white or white Cuban”. I seriously thought it was a mistake. What differentiated a white Cuban from an Afro Cuban (also their words) when it came to social services. Or better yet, what did the government do with these categories after collecting this information over time. I also disagree with the Census collecting information regarding race because at the end of the day, what does it matter. How could knowing the racial makeup of an area change the way the government will provide services. The only information that should affect that are socio-economic factors like income, family size, etc.
I wonder if we start moving away from a culture of racial labels if that will in turn change how we see each other. Instead of a young, black male, we see a young man. Instead of a Latina judge, she’s a judge. We can simply relinquish labels to filing systems and accessories.
Am I right or am I right?
Tags: Afro-Latinism, Race Relations
It’s so tiring eh? This race business is so tiring. So, so tiring. God bless the children of today and of the future.
HummingLoon´s last [type] ..The Dutch “G”
So true! I remember when Obama was elected, my daughter had no idea why it was such a big deal and I thought – that’s a good thing!
I agree with you, we should be moving away from made up race and just focus on the human race. When I fill out forms here is the US in the race category I put other and in the explanation I add human.
I believe that some of the Afro-latino talk more than a quest for self, is a quest to divide comunities that other wise would not be.
Di´s last [type] ..Looking at yourself through others’ eyes
Exactly! I can’t think of any use other than a divisive one.
Deborah, as I read your question about Cuban, or White Cuban, I had a thought that the request for the distinction might be coming from the “White Cuban” community itself, and not from the American side. In my experience in North Africa, where there is a similar range of shades, many people say and think they are “white” when by American standards they would be considered “black” (speaking only of skin color, rather than any racial characteristics). I used to have a black European friend (whose parents were of North African origin, and who had moved back to North Africa with her white European husband) who spoke English, as well as the local North African dialect. She told me there seems to be a lot of discussion about race here, and my conclusion is that it is some kind of social prestige issue. My friend was as beautiful as any Vogue cover girl (and did do some modeling in Europe), but when she went to the local hammam (public baths) she overheard people saying in the local dialect comments such as, “Too bad she’s black, or she would be beautiful…”
Just as many people look down on Hispanics in America (since most of them are thought of as poor immigrants who do not assimilate), the same thinking is here in southern Europe and North Africa. Moroccans are highly looked down on in Spain (mainly because of most being low-class illegal immigrants and “boat” people), just as the Moroccans look down themselves (generally) on West Africans who come here to study. Most are viewed as poor (or as people to avoid socially, even if they are not poor). I haven’t quite figured this out myself, but it’s what my North African husband tells me.
My thoughts about this Cuban question made me wonder if the immigrant Cubans THEMSELVES distinguish themselves as “white” Cubans (or possibly consider themselves to be upper class), and thus, requested the separate check box to be put on the form, rather than the U.S. government?
When I was in Bolivia, I was told that the blond Bolivians with light skin who looked like white Europeans (and are descended from them) are considered the upper class. Next came the mixed races, who were the middle classes, and lowest of all are the Indians and pure native peoples, who remain the lowest class.
These are all interesting questions, but not often discussed.
Yes, I think a lot of the distinctions come from the group themselves. When reading Haitian history, you find that the children of slave-owners and slaves sought to separate themselves from “darker” or “blacker” Haitians. Even though at first glance it seems traitorous, I can understand how living in that situation can lead to desperation. Anything to get a bit of advantage in a society where your skin color strips you of all opportunities. I think there is a lot more mixing that goes on nowadays in the US and certain European countries, so eventually these distinctions will become moot. Very few people will know where they fit and in the end it simply shouldn’t matter.