¶ … Cultural Heritage
Brief History of the "Old Country"
Behaviors and Values
Food Preferences
Dress Styles
Child Rearing Patterns and Discipline
Sexual Identity
Role of Mother, Father, Grandparents, and Siblings
Language and Speech Patterns
Religion and Attitudes towards It
Marriage and Courtship
Drugs and/or Alcohol Use
Health Practices including Folk Medicine and Attitudes
Education and Employment
My Cultural Heritage
Brief History of the "Old Country"
Generations upon generations of Americans do not really consider the United States as their "true home country" because they came here in search of a better life and future not only for themselves but for their loved ones. Despite their reasons for living their native homelands, they still have fond memories of the "old country." I for one am no different since I originated from the Dominican Republic, an island paradise in the Caribbean that occupies almost 70% of the island of Hispaniola. Hispaniola actually comprises of two nations, Haiti to the west and the Dominican Republic on the eastern side. I have wonderful memories as I recall the stories about my family's home country. Whenever I listen to them, I cannot help but feel nostalgic especially when they talk about the family gatherings during special occasions and how everyone knew each other in our the neighborhood where my parents and grandparents lived.
The Dominican Republic is the second largest country occupying the Caribbean; Cuba being the first. Like most countries in the Caribbean and Latin America, the Dominican Republic was settled in and colonized by Spanish conquistadors during the 15th century. When Christopher Columbus first discovered the island in 1492, he named it La Isla Espanola, which became Hispaniola. A few years later the city of Santo Domingo became the Spanish capital of the New World, and because of its location in the trade winds, it was the gateway to the Caribbean. (Van Eps Garlo 2006) The Dominican Republic then, as it is now, was indeed a strategic jump off point for the European conquerors particularly when they prepare for their voyages into the American homeland. Spain ruled the country for about three hundred years but by 1795, Spain ceded the entire island to France (Van Eps Garlo 2006). Thereafter, the slave trade was at its turning point and several African slaves sold in Hispaniola took roots and formed part of the nation's population. Hence, the Dominican Republic's cultural and ethnic identities comprise of a blend of French, Spanish, African and the native Tainos.
By the mid to late 1800s when several European colonies around the world began fighting for their independence, the Dominican Republic was no exception. The nation "finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored independence in 1865. (CIA 2011)." From then on, the nation enjoyed autonomy; however, it has faced several challenges internal problems due to various elements who wanted to rule the country. During much of its history the Dominican Republic has been governed by strong-arm dictators who have denied human rights to their citizens, particularly darker-skinned people (Van Eps Garlo 2006). By 1965, a civil war broke that truly divided the nation. Eventually, democracy was restored a year later through a general election and "since then, regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency (CIA 2011)." Like most nations, the Dominican Republic has its own constitution and the latest amendments thereto occurred in 2004.
B. Behaviors and Values
With several centuries of Spanish rule, there is no doubt that behaviors and values of the people of the Dominican Republic center on Spanish norms, behavior and beliefs with particular influence by the Roman Catholic Church. The family as the basic unit of the Dominican Republic society is very important and is critical in imparting the values, behaviors and attitudes from parents to children. A proud aggressive attitude is admired in sports, business, and politics. Machismo permeates society, especially among rural and low income groups, with males enjoying privileges not accorded to females. (Van Eps Garlo 2006) Relationships, social networking and personal contacts are also important and Dominicans are known to be friendly, helpful and hospitable. They exhibit the joie de vivre often through their smiles and the warmth on their faces. Dominicans pride themselves on their hospitality. When someone visits, Dominicans go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. (Kwintessential 2008)
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