Black Americans
When my son or I flag down a taxi they would not stop, but when my daughter-n-law flagged them they would stop. My son was very upset about this. we went聽 to Plaza Independicia my dau-n-law and I were together and we walked right in, but when my son who was behind us tried to enter, he was stopped and not allowed to enter, we left and did not continue the tour.
Later, a friend of ours rented a taxi for half a day to give us a tour of the city. we asked him about the treatment we experienced and he confirmed that the people here are prejudiced against blacks, (and he is Ecuadorian). He said it is targeted towards the black Cubans who came here to Ecudor and they are known for commiting crimes, so consequently all blacks are considered the same. (Sorry to any black Cubans reading this blog)
However, my second day here my cell phone was stolen from my back pack, go figure.... and there was no black people around, much less Cubans.
On a positive note we encountered many friendly people here.
The closer to the caribbean you are, the less color becomes an issue. Colombians have a different attitude, a much better one with regard to color.
Once-upon-a-time wrote:So, there is a lot of hypocrisy. Don't get me wrong, I like it here, but I have to speak my mind on what I see.
Almost everyone posting here has concerned about safety, crime, and prejudice and legitimately so. As it is with human nature, that often draws stories about how one experiences those very concerns. Again, very legitimate. These are not criticisms.
Well, every country has its problems, so the question is: will I, coming to Ecuador, experience these problems? You could talk statistical probability, but if you have a problem, the fact that this problem might have had a statistical value does not mean much. So, how does one answer this?
I must admit that every comment I have ever posted here is biased. The reason for this is that I have had have virtually none of the negative experiences in Ecuador that others have had. I certainly believe that those discussions highlighting problems are quite valuable; many have said so. But, I also think that following your heart is a bit more productive than following your mind. So, I have taken it upon myself to present my own experience with passion and all its positive implications. But, I am only one person and one view. I cannot claim "truth" whatever that is.
I have been here just under two years, and you suggest you have been here much longer. Therefore, your experience must be broader than mine. I don't doubt and, more so, honor your comments. I am glad you have to speak your mind and share that sentiment. Discussion has it's value, but I wish to remind everyone that, if your heart is pointing you to Ecuador, then follow that urging. But, if you are just coming here because of reasons that are conjured in your head (cheaper, warmer, safer, etc.) then you might be disappointed. You really just have to visit here to find out. But, consider that there are many, many expats that truly love it here, so perhaps all those worries might not be as important as they seem.
Do your homework, find out as much as you can, but also know that if you really want to be here, you are likely going to be very happy. Just because an expat got killed here (that happened in Vilcabamba recently) does not mean that is your fate. Trust that your own wish can lead you to happiness, independent of any one else's experience.
If you want to come here, come. If you want to figure out if you want to come here, I can offer one suggestion that may be of value. Sit down and list the things most important to you. Things you don't want to be without. For example, how important is an experience with prejudice or being pickpocketed in comparison with living among people who value family and friendship at a level most North Americans have never experienced. Be very specific and thorough, even sometimes to the point of being almost silly. For example, I can't live without really good coffee (how silly is that?) and yes, there are good coffee beans here, but you may have to search for them (bring a coffee grinder). Once you have that list, then start asking those questions specifically revealed by your list. Yep, I know, that is why there are so many questions about crime and prejudice. But, go much further. In the end, though, visiting here is going to yield the most valuable answers.
Oh, about those statistics. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is less, especially after you settle and learn how to live here. But, pickpocketing or petty crime is most a greater probability than in North America (depending on where you live, of course).
No, not everyone here gets robbed.聽 Pretty safe place.聽 Lived here for 4 years....nothing. Done business here for 25 years...nothing.聽 Just stay alert, the way you would in Baltimore.
Hector G. Quintana
RDRHGQ@gmail.com
You might want to start a separate thread regarding these questions. Your questions are likely to be lost in this thread since the header for this topic is a completely different subject. This is especially true since this topic is a narrow one: Black Americans. Hope this helps.
Manta's weather is good.聽 The city has a port, industrial feel not that different from Baltimore, only warmer, with some beaches.聽 No major tropical diseases, if that is what you meant.聽 Hard to say what a "good income" for anyone would be, since I don't know anything about your lifestyle or expectations.
Hector G. Quintana
RDRHGQ@gmail.com
(laughing) And me of little faith. I was afraid guitarj's questions would be lost and here you come to save the day. I want to thank you for the many valuable comments you have made in this forum and so how much I value you as a member.
Hector G. Quintana
RDRHGQ@gmail.com
I have been to about 30 different countries and have found that the world is way better than the USA. Period! I have never served in the military....
Beside the Oceania region I have seen every continent. I am going to Ecuador in particular to see if I like it better than Uganda, Scandinavia, and other spots.
Though the Ugandan infrastructure is poor its generally very peaceful with an emerging economy, and most people share my Christian beliefs; otherwise I'd stay in Sri Lanka or S.E. Asia.
My comment is this middle passage racism thing was huge, I have found that every culture with colonialist roots; be it America, Portugal, France, Australia, Spain, Italy, there the racism based on skin color lingers. The downside is when there was no colonialist ideology most countries still had wars between clans and tribes; this includes Europe, and Africa. With that being said,"I travel on." Nowhere is perfect but I want a country without that lingering white at top, black at bottom racism.
I think everyone needs some one to hate......regretfully it is true...that is their problem every ones they dont like tall women, they dont like gays, they dont fat people, they dont like old people it is always something......but lets turn it to a pisitive...
At least we know who is hating abd who to stay away from because these people give off bad energy and are not nice human beings...so you really should not be getting in their cab...god is warning you in advance stay away....i think that is great...you dont want to get in nd tgen have him drive your son some where he does not want聽 to be and be attacked.聽 i would prefer to wave to another can happily...聽 i had someone drive me to a cemetary and it was no pleasant...so smile and move on....make a negitive a positive that is what my grandmother use to say...she would聽 say dont dwell. ?.move on.....thats life...no one saud it wouldbe a bowel of cherries..there is a reason for all these old sayings they were not talking to them selves they were life experiences...wave at them and smile...dont let them bother you or your son or they win.....
[Moderated: Off topic]
Still Living It and Loving It, here in Bahia , Ecuador
Don't become a reaction to another person's problem... or you make it your own.
Oh, you might ask what is an "iceback". I had a cameraman who went to work in California. When he learned that some Americans referred to Mexicans as "wetbacks" he decided as Canadians we must be "icebacks.
Humor breaks through a lot of barriers.
Judee wrote:Every encounter is an opportunity to open someone's mind. You could be the first..."white, black,gringo, iceback" that breaks the stereotype that person has in their mind.
Don't become a reaction to another person's problem... or you make it your own.
Oh, you might ask what is an "iceback". I had a cameraman who went to work in California. When he learned that some Americans referred to Mexicans as "wetbacks" he decided as Canadians we must be "icebacks.
Humor breaks through a lot of barriers.
Hey, I got that joke! I must be Canadian. 
I think every human carries a load of prejudices around in their mind, some fostered by genes. One of my experiences on knowing i threw some off, came after a business meeting in the Caribbean. Someone had asked me if the gentleman i referred to was white or black? I paused. In my minds eye, I didn't have the immediate answer, having to think about it. It then dawned on me, my brain was no longer boxing people by colour. It was a good feeling.
Please note that some posts have been moved from the thread for they were off topic.
Thanks
Armand
大咖福利影院 Team
mayi navarrete wrote:hola, los ecuatorianos somos gente amable,buena, generosa, racismo por el color de la piel no hay...NO como he visto en las pel铆cula con un odio horrible e irracional hacia los negros, ese odio no existe en ecuador, lo que si existe son algunas personas ignorantes que no aceptan a personas diferentes, gracias a Dios son pocas, usted no tenga miedo de ir a Ecuador compruebe por usted mismo como es la gente en cuenca o en otra ciudad,... los Ecuatorianos por lo general somos gente respetuosa con los demas...
Is it possible to translate this?
brownsand wrote:mayi navarrete wrote:hola, los ecuatorianos somos gente amable,buena, generosa, racismo por el color de la piel no hay...NO como he visto en las pel铆cula con un odio horrible e irracional hacia los negros, ese odio no existe en ecuador, lo que si existe son algunas personas ignorantes que no aceptan a personas diferentes, gracias a Dios son pocas, usted no tenga miedo de ir a Ecuador compruebe por usted mismo como es la gente en cuenca o en otra ciudad,... los Ecuatorianos por lo general somos gente respetuosa con los demas...
Is it possible to translate this?
yes
hello, Ecuadorians are friendly people, good, generous, racism by skin color no ... NOT as I have seen in the movie with a horrible and irrational hatred towards blacks, that hatred does not exist in Ecuador, which if there are some ignorant people who do not accept different people, thankfully few, you will not be afraid to go to Ecuador see for yourself how people in watershed or in another city, ... Ecuadorians are generally respectful of the other people ...
BobH wrote:According to Google Translate:
hello, Ecuadorians are friendly people, good, generous, racism by skin color no ... NOT as I have seen in the movie with a horrible and irrational hatred towards blacks, that hatred does not exist in Ecuador, which if there are some ignorant people who do not accept different people, thankfully few, you will not be afraid to go to Ecuador see for yourself how people in watershed or in another city, ... Ecuadorians are generally respectful of the other people ...
Thank you, BobH!
I am a black American and considering a move to Latin America, possibly Cuenca or elsewhere in Ecuador in the near future. Of course I will visit the country first.聽 聽
I have a friend (not black) who just moved there a few months ago, and although she is white, I've been asking her to check with black expats she meets as to their experiences.聽 I am getting positive reports from her.聽 So far, so good!聽 My friend loves it there and moved there sight unseen and without knowing any Spanish!
Unlike her, I am fluent in Spanish (per education, experience teaching Spanish), and I lived in Spain for a time.
I am not so delusional that I would imagine that there is no problem with racism in Ecuador (why should Ecuador be any different from most of the rest of the world...always something), but it would take a lot for Ecuador to be more racist than my country of birth with so many reported hate crimes!聽
Thanks for any insights!
First, your last paragraph made me chuckle because there is so much truth in it, so we aren't looking for bad, but aren't afraid to see it for what it is or might be.聽 That said, I think you will love Ecuador!! I certainly love it.聽 I have visited Cuenca and have met some Black Americans who purchased a home with acreage about 45 min. out of Cuenca.聽 While I love their home, and the views are breathtaking, I personally would not choose Cuenca.聽 Beautiful city with strong Spanish influence (tile roofs), strong artistic center and cultural events (festivals, music concerts), but seems almost as though expats are set on recreating USA.聽 They live together in gated developments with security guards.聽 What's that all about??聽 Plus, it rains rather frequently and is damp and cool, almost cold, at times. I chose to move to Puerto Lopez, on the ocean.聽 It is much smaller, doesn't have the artistic and cultural offerings nor the Spanish architectural influence.聽 It is a very small fishing village where life is lived very close to the way it was lived 2 generations ago. Mainly, I prefer it because I can live right on the ocean, have fresh fish and fresh lagostin (sp) shrimp & lobster if I wish, daily and very affordably,聽 Best is the sunshine and the temperature is perfect -- mid 80s to mid 90s daily with a slight breeze.聽 Humidity is a bit high, but the breeze keeps it from being terribly noticeable to me. Some might see drawbacks and I wouldn't disagree, but I encourage you to check it out.聽 Ecuador has so much more to offer!!
Howver in聽 some dusructs(聽 eg聽 Cozal聽 wgich聽 bidera Mwxuci) Spanish聽 is聽 widely聽 spoken
Howver in聽 some dusructs(聽 eg聽 Cozal聽 which聽 biorders Mwxuci) Spanish聽 is聽 widely聽 spoken
The聽 question posed was聽 聽moving to Belize so the reference聽 to Jamaica聽 was not聽 relevant
I聽 am from Colorado and was a lecturer for聽 10 years at聽 teh聽 University聽 of聽 the聽 West聽 Indies
I never聽 went聽 to a hut in Jamaica, none聽 of聽 my聽 students聽 ever lived in聽 huts
The聽 conditions that聽 you describe聽 聽are聽 not聽 the norm and highly聽 unusual
The Government聽 has a massive聽 housing聽 program ( national Housing聽 Trust) which聽 provide聽 low interest聽 funds聽 for聽 middle and low income Jamaicans to build聽 houses聽 so聽 the housing聽 stock is聽 good
In聽 聽big聽 cities聽 and聽 many聽 areas聽 the聽 housing stock聽 for聽 middle聽 and upper income housing聽 is as聽 good as that found聽 聽anywhere in the region
I聽 have not聽 seen聽 the聽 3聽 feet聽 rats聽 that聽 you mention nor聽 the聽 centpedes. By implication you聽 would聽 suggest that聽 life聽 expectancy聽 in聽 jamaica聽 is low whereas聽 聽 life聽 expectancy聽 in jamaica聽 is聽 聽similar聽 to聽 that in Jamaica聽 with a聽 very聽 large聽 percentage聽 of聽 the聽 population聽 over聽 the聽 age聽 of 90聽 yeqrs
Ypur聽 posting聽 is unfairr聽 聽description of聽 Jamaica
johmmy 200 wrote:Englsh聽 is teh聽 ifficail langauge聽 of聽 Belize
Howver in聽 some dusructs(聽 eg聽 Cozal聽 which聽 biorders Mwxuci) Spanish聽 is聽 widely聽 spoken
This post confirms everything I'd heard about the English of that country being a rather tortured form of English.
Am having trouble locating Mwxuci on a map.
" I personally would not choose Cuenca.聽 Beautiful city with strong Spanish influence (tile roofs), strong artistic center and cultural events (festivals, music concerts), but seems almost as though expats are set on recreating USA.聽 They live together in gated developments with security guards. "
Hmmmm... my experience in my year and a half聽 in Cuenca聽 is much different than your brief stay.聽 None of my many expat friends live in a gated community. Not a one. We are mostly in condos and a few in stand alone homes. Granted, most condo's do have security, but I don't find that anything to apologize about. It's the way of condo buildings here,聽 and for good reason. < ask Nards >
Anyway, I have seen post's in the past that make blanket generalizations, such as yours, and聽 I tend to get a bit miffed. Neither myself, nor any of my friends, came here with the intention of recreating The U.S.A..
Perhaps you associated with a more elite group?
Safe Travels,
ZenSPIKE
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