The phenomenon of discrimination is prevalent in many societies. As a person associates themselves with similar people of a certain age, gender, ethnicity, religion, and other characteristics, there is a tendency to confront those who belong to different groups. Some people acquire privileges, while others are not only deprived of benefits, but even lack humane treatment. In Puerto Rico, millions of visitors treasure the friendly atmosphere and locals’ openness (Ver Berkmoes and Waterson 54). However, one should not judge a book by its cover. Apart from their good qualities, people can also be prejudiced against some groups. This essay will shed light on racism, gender-based discrimination, and biases against people living with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico.
Although the existence of racism is usually denied, the problem is genuinely pressing in terms of social behavior and work, where the most lucrative jobs with higher wages are held for the white elite (Quintero Aguiló et al. 275). The strategy of Puerto-Rican racial attitudes is silencing. In surveys, respondents feel embarrassed to share their opinions; moreover, black people identify themselves as Puerto-Ricans and “reject their blackness and pursue biological and cultural whitening” (Rodríguez-Silva 2). Black mothers wish they had white children (Quintero Aguiló et al. 276). In other words, Puerto-Rican racism is far-reaching, and takes the form of individual and collective suppression of black cultural heritage and history.
Another widespread form of discrimination involves sex and gender issues. Puerto-Rican women are progressive and perform multiple duties, but the old “macho” culture and traditional gender roles still linger (Ver Berkmoes and Waterson 61). Such conditions contribute to a large extent to anxiety disorders among Puerto-Rican women (Davis and Low 269). Thus, women are in a disadvantageous position. As for gender identity issues, the society does not fully accept differences, although there have been some social changes confirmed with the current law and proposals. For example, LGBT individuals have the same rights as heterosexual persons, but Puerto-Rican post-operative transsexuals are not allowed to change the gender on their birth certificates (Carsten and Hutta 93).
Finally, disabilities and diseases may trigger discrimination. One of the most illustrative examples is the attitude toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are stigmatized on a regular basis (Souhail, Ortiz-Torre, and Varas-Díaz 130). Rooted in ignorance about HIV, people’s behavior includes avoiding bodily contact and communication. Furthermore, PLWHA have to face refusal of employment, poor health care, restriction of liberty, and physical aggression. Despite specific laws, the violation of PLWHAs’ rights exists in Puerto Rico (Souhail, Ortiz-Torre, and Varas-Díaz 131).
Nowadays the situation in Puerto Rico is ambiguous. On the one hand, people understand that any form of discrimination is not acceptable, but they sometimes fail to comply with the principle of equality. There is much work to be done, but I suppose Puerto-Rican society will find the right track. In my opinion, both the Puerto-Rican authorities and individuals should combine their efforts to stop discrimination. If people are taught tolerance, learn the history of their ancestors, and try to understand each other, there will definitely be improvement.
In conclusion, discrimination is the consequence of people’s inclination to classify themselves with some groups and choose to be in conflict with those different from themselves. Puerto-Rican society is not an exception. Racism, gender prejudices, and discrimination on the grounds of diseases are frequently encountered. It would be worthwhile to change the situation by educating people and encouraging tolerance as the desirable behavior.
References
Balzer, Carsten, and Jan Simon Hutta. “Trans Murder Monitoring and Transphobia in Central and South America.” Transrespect Versus Transphobia Worldwide: A Comparative Review of the Human-rights Situation of Gender-variant/Trans People 6 (2012): 43-55. Print.
Davis, Dona L., and Setha M. Low. Gender, Health and Illness: The Case of Nerves. Abington: Taylor & Francis, 2014. Print.
Malavé-Rivera, Souhail, Blanca Ortiz-Torre, and Nelson Varas-Díaz. “Knowledge of Legal Rights among Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico: Implications for Stigma Management.” Puerto Rico Health Sciences 31.3 (2012): 130-137. Print.
Quintero Aguiló, María del Carmen, Gabriel J. Jiménez Fuentes, Marisol Joseph Haynes, Gabriel Mejía González, and Diana Ursulin Mopsus. Caribbean Without Borders: Beyond the Can(n)on’s Range. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2015. Print.
Rodríguez-Silva, Ileana M. Silencing Race: Disentangling Blackness, Colonialism, and National Identities in Puerto Rico. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. Print.
Ver Berkmoes, Ryan, and Luke Waterson. Lonely Planet Puerto Rico. Oakland: Lonely Planet, 2014. Print.