Are "gringos" welcome in PR?

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nogallina

This question goes to the heart of the problem. Most Puerto Ricans have mixed feelings when it comes to Americans. On the one hand, they appreciate the blessings of being associated with the US while retaining their individuality as a people but on the other, it remains a chip on their shoulder, I believe, to be reminded that the country is not sovereign.

Also, many despise the fact that Americans live for many years in the island and never even attempt to learn the language. It's complicated. As for myself, my mother is a "gringa" while my father is Puerto Rican. She knows the language perfectly and always spoke Spanish to me. And I know many other Americans who live here and have learned the language and I greatly appreciate that. I like Americans as long as they show respect for me and my country. But that goes for everyone, not just Americans. It even goes for Puerto Ricans who don't respect their own country. I find it sad that your experience is more common than I would like to admit. However, there are still many Puerto Ricans who appreciate Americans. Did you learn a few words in Spanish? If you didn't, that would've helped.

But I should remind you that in the US, the anti-Puerto Rican sentiment is just as real within a general anti-hispanic sentiment. With many a derogatory name like s-p-i-c, greaser, grease-ball, professional robber...etc., and I won't go into the many ones alloted to Mexicans, a Puerto Rican can boast the same indignation as you and may even say this anti-American sentiment is simply self-defense. But that's a convenient argument. My point is that before you blame someone else of something, look at your own legacy and try to be more understanding. It's awful to be the butt of a racial slurr. Now you know how it feels. Be more compassionate.

Ricky J.

Nope, I'm afraid that they don't like us very much at all when we visit. They sure love the hell out of our welfare system though.

bacamacaamaca

you have to understand that PUERTO RICO suffers from an identity crissis in which you have a minority a few thousands that are anti americans and you have a million pro statehood and a million that like it the way it is as a commonwealth of the USA they dont want to compromise their heritage just because is safer and economically well by being a state. this causes many of the problems that we see today. thats why you feel is antiamerican.just try to spot the ones that are pro americans which are many by the way.

Big Jimi

I felt the same way when I was there.Ghetto in Paradise !

ltruiz3

First of all, please learn to spell. It's PUERTO Rican. You wrote PORTOrican, and that is exactly the reason why some Puerto Ricans don't like "gringos." Besides being ignorant, it looks like you feel you are superior and want to do everythig your way. (Did you know that when the US first started printing paper money for PR they spelled the country's name as Porto Rico?) And it's not only Puerto Rico that has anti-American sentiments, its the whole world right now (because of that superiority complex some Americans have).

With that said, I have nothing against Americans and nothing against them coming here. In fact, after spending a lifetime going to school with Americans here in Fort Buchanan, PR, I now go to college in the states and I love it. But you have to admit, many Americans do feel like they are superior than any other country (at least at a subconscious level), and that shows when those particular Americans travel, gaining the resentment of the locals that interact with these American tourists. And it happens EVERYWHERE.

mia

Sometimes, they just don't like that you think your better thn they are.

christian g

no, you are very hatted better you go to a white country.

Lalana

I think that depends on "you." My experience was that Puerto Ricans are the sexiest people I have ever met. They were all friendly and helpful and loved the fact that I attempted to speak their language. I took a lot of pictures of locals and talked to them about their lives and what they like. So, again...depends on you.

i have been vacationing in Puerto Rico traveling coast to coast and to the sister islands of CULEBRA and VIEQUES, consecutively for the last 10 years and i have NEVER been treated with disrespect ...you might want to consider your own attitude as i find people will treat you the same way you treat them...i do have a solution for you though if you are so offended go somewhere else the next time you plan a trip !!
doda

jemba

gringos means foreigners
or white people

lynda_is

They probably liked your money, but wished you'd have stayed home. Next time go somewhere else on vacation, or don't be so sensitive.

Pilar T

Yes puerto rico is part of United States of North America and they have residents they are "gringos" too...

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