My Culture, My Island...

I’ve lived in Puerto Rico all my life and dealt with diverse Puerto Rican perspectives. Many families see Puerto Rico as a place that their children should run away from, but many others believe in staying united. Puerto Ricans show confidence about their culture anywhere they might settle in. We have strong traditions that nobody could change, but the ones that leave the island might adapt those traditions.  The worldwide perception due to my experience of Puerto Ricans is one that enhances our joy and intensity. Since I’ve only traveled to the United States, I could talk about how Americans show how much they enjoy our festivities and applauses as the airplane arrives.

It is important to know that Americans have a different culture and we have ours. There are things that attach each culture to their own territory. As in everything, there are exceptions to my observation of how Puerto Rico is seen by others; there are Americans that feel disgust and simply can’t stand us, the “Ugly Americans”. I believe that the perception varies from place to place. Sometimes the perception of Puerto Rico is altered by how we act or interact when we are outside our territory. Many Puerto Rican’s have an intense character that might be misunderstood by other cultures.

In general, Puerto Rico is seen as a beautiful island. The island’s women and athletes have shone worldwide, giving us a cultural standing. Not all Puerto Ricans share the same thinking or knowledge to interact with other cultures, such as the American. Due to political misunderstandings and issues, our culture may show antipathy towards the United States. Such behavior is one that it’s being modified as natives educate themselves. At this point is when the aspect of respect towards other cultures comes in. All cultures should be respected, and Puerto Ricans need to learn and understand this.

El Yunque National Forest - Rio Grande, PR

Living in Puerto Rico is like literally living in paradise. I love my island and feel free to visit any place around the world. The weather and internal tourism is exceptional, making me never want to leave. The opportunities I might have outside the island will always be taken in consideration. Making my knowledge grow outside the island is something I plan on doing, but being Puerto Rican will never change.  Everybody dreams on living somewhere else, I am no different. In the future, I would love to live for a while in New York. I’ve visited New York and love it there, but I know I would want to come back to Puerto Rico. My whole family lives here, and I would love to see my children grow up as I did. The connection to family is a trait Puerto Ricans have, maybe that’s just another characteristic that makes me even more proud of my culture. Every place around the world has its pros and cons, but my culture attaches me to my beautiful island of Puerto Rico.