About 60% of the Dominicans are of mixed Caucasian-Black descent, about 35% are black and 5% are white (Pariser, 1998, p. 55). . Although the Indians have long vanished, their spirit lives on in traditions, in the foods (casabe), names of places (Jaragua, Canoa), and innumerable words such as “hammock” (Pariser, 1998, p. 53). African influence is also strong and Dominicans love music that mixes the rhythmic pounding of African drums with the rattle of Spanish maracas, and dancing the meringue (The World Book Encyclopedia,
Body 1) History of the Dominican Republic a) The capital Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 b) Spain and Haiti ruled the dominican republic c) declared independence from not from spain but from Haiti. 2) Government. a) representative democracy
Growing up in South Florida you see a lot of cultures all around you. I know they say New York is the melting pot of the country but South Florida has so many cultural influences from many countries. There is flags on cars, there are towns named after cities in other countries, and people representing where they came from. Representing where you or your family originated has become the cool thing to do. People will trace back to their great great great uncle and claim that they are part of that nationality.
Madame John’s Legacy: A Window to the Past Madame John’s Legacy, although not originally the name of the house at 628 Dumaine Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, is very much a rich legacy to us. It is a story that is rich in the history, culture and architecture of early New Orleans. It is known today as Madame John’s Legacy because it was part of the legacy left to a young mulatto named Zalli, the placé of Monsieur John, in George Washington Cable’s novel, “Tite Poulette.” Just in exploring the source of the name we are introduced to the plaçage system. A system of contractual relationships based on power, race, sex and I dare say, love. Already the house has my interest (New Orleans City Guide, 254)!
Cuba is west of Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), south of Key West, Florida, at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico (Cuban Culture, 2012). Cuban Culture Cuba is known for its cultural diversity, built from Spanish, African, Chinese, North American, and others cultures influences (Cuban Culture, 2013). Cuban culture is rich in parts due to its racial mix that put together traditions, food, religions, music, and sports. The ethnic mix that took place in Cuba from the time of the Spanish colonization when Spaniards mixed with natives of the island and later with black slaves brought from Africa, gave place to a new individual , the mulatto which is known as the offspring of a black and a white individual (Cuban Culture, 2013 ) . Additionally, Cuba is unique for the people that live on this beautiful island.
As it is stated in “Christopher Columbus and the New World” when he first arrived in America he claimed the land immediately for Spain, then took seven Natives Prisoner in hopes they would lead him to there leader, as well as too all the gold there. Christopher realizing that the Indians were equipped with barely any weapons, and little knowledge of the other “world.” He immediately took advantage of the situation, scaring the Natives into submission by firing rounds from his cannon. He did this even after the chief of the Indian tribe he scared had assisted him in building the entire fort he then shot from. Once he got authority and respect from the Indians he practically forced the Indians into discovering and searching for gold, in his own benefit. Christopher soon returned back to England with the news of his great success to the royal family.
Dance became a form of entertainment for themselves and their masters. It contained elements and music that they brought with them from Africa. In addition, African dance went on to influence many popular American dances and styles. Dances that originated in African-American communities spread first to the nation and then to the world—like the Cakewalk, Turkey Trot, Charleston, and the Lindy Hop (a.k.a. Jitterbug, Jive).
Black baseball players enjoyed visiting the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, because they were seen as equals by the native people. There were no signs of racism in the island. The populations ancestry is mixed. A mixture of Black, Spanish and Taini. Skins tones range from white, black, and “trigueño”.
I am able to embrace two cultures, two languages, and acquire an international perspective of the world. Even at a very early age, I expressed interest and pride in my Dominican heritage. I soon became a person dedicated to two flags, a citizen of two nations. However, some of the most affecting experiences that attribute to my passion and knowledge are those that are painful. The hardships were never truly left behind.
Many even consider him a pioneer of Afrobeats music. Afrobeats music is known to be a combination of traditional Yoruba music, Jazz, highlife, funk and chanted vocals, fused with percussion and vocal styles, which was very popular in Africa in the 1970’s. Throughout Kuti family there was much leadership and success. His mother Funmilanyo was known as a feminist activist. While his father Oludotun Rasome Kuti was a protestant minister and a school principal.