Why See The World When You've Got The Beach? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why See The World When You've Got The Beach?

Life On "La Isla"

113
Why See The World When You've Got The Beach?
@mominatu

"You are enough. You are enough. You are ENOUGH."

Being an extroverted introvert with self-sabotaging tendencies ain’t easy. Add being black to that equation on an island where the people struggle with an identity crisis. Fun times.

As I stroll down Calle Luna smoking a Marlboro cigarette, with each click and each clack of my taupe pumps I silently chant to myself "I am enough." Even though it never fucking feels like it.

Living abroad in Puerto Rico as an insecure African woman is pretty dope most days. I spend most days on the beach, road tripping, or partying with "summer" friends. Me encanta la isla! I love being engulfed in nature at all times, the beautiful chirping of the coqui's, the smell of ocean salt and beautiful palm trees. I love the genuine kisses, compliments and hugs I receive upon meeting someone for the first time. And please don't even get me started on the food! Ya' girl gained 16 pounds in my first month. Mofungo de pana con pollo, arroz con salchica, alcappurias, arepas.. I can go on and on! There are so many perks to living here. I've dreamed of modeling and got signed to my first major agency living here. But like living in any place; I've had my fair share of peaks but I've definitely walked through a few nasty valleys.

People come up to me about 5 times a days asking to take a photo with me, they yell things like: "me encanta su colorrrrr", "que bella negrita", or "siempre hermosa siempre." I walk into places and everyone stares at me with wide eyed astonishment. In the beginning, it was pretty freakin' dope. I felt like fuckin’ Beyoncé walking into a room in 1999 after "The Writing's on The Wall" album dropped. I embraced people wanting to take photos with me and asking to touch my 'fro. Now... I’m fucking over it.

I wouldn't say this is the Black experience for all here on this little island. My skin is black like basalt, big hair textured like sheep's' wool, my lips.. a hybrid between Angelina Jolie and Jay Z, and my eyes big and wide like Bambi. There's no hiding my blackness. Although, there's a beautiful part of Puerto Rico that is predominantly black and MANY Afro-Boricuas exist. I could never pass as a Puerto Rican. At this point, I can’t tell if they’re staring because they feel I don’t belong, think I’m beautiful, or have just never seen a pitch black African in the flesh. It’s hard to say, I just know I don't like it anymore.

Colorism in Puerto Rico is a lot different from the colorism I’ve grown accustomed to in Chicago. To be quite frank, I think I’ve experienced more racism on this little island than I have in my entire life. Including my years of attending all-white Catholic middle school. Not even my first year of high school at an all-white, private school in one of the wealthiest areas in Illinois during the Obama election in 2008 compares. HELLO.. I've had co-worker's make malicious comments down right racist comments that you would think could get you fired in 2016. Comments that are a pimp-slap to my identity and my people. Here's an example of what my former co-worker said to me a few weeks back, "black men stink...they're facial features are ugly...they're just not the same as Puerto Rican blacks" she then 'piggybacked' her ignorance saying "but that's just my preference I'm not racist my grandfather is a black Puerto Rican." To answer your question, no I didn't slap her silly. Yes.. I regret not doing so. When the manager on duty overheard her comments she was sent home. Theeennnnn plot twist!! After, the manager on duty relayed to the owner what had just occurred the Manager on Duty was scolded and reprimanded. That racist imbecile was apologized to for being sent home and was told that the manager on duty over reacted. Long story short. I quit that job. But that's another blog post.

No matter what anyone says, I'll continue to silently chant "I am enough" even though it never fucking feels like it.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193617
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16898
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459358
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27475
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments