Human Differences

Human Differences

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant facts and figures relating to the differences between Haitians and Dominicans. Ethnically, Haitians tend to have darker skin than the Dominican, the result of increased miscegenation and immigration continued. But both sides have black, brown, and to a lesser extent dark-skinned people. Hispanic racial fantasy long ago ceased to be sustainable, not only in Dominican Republic, but in most Latin American countries. In the next section, we will examine the major differences i.e. cultural, environmental, and religious differences between the two nations.

Discussion & Analysis

Dominican Republic and Haiti share a small island and a complicated history of warfare. Just as there are historical grievances, even inculcated by the history taught in schools, Dutch and Germans, Peruvians and Chileans, Colombians and Venezuelans, there is tension and rejection between Dominicans and Haitians. Haiti was a French colony, inheriting their language, laws and systems, as well as having a despotic system of exploitation on their plantations. Dominican Republic was a Spanish colony, neglected and abandoned by the crown, which found greater riches in continental America. In the late eighteenth century, Spain ceded to France, around the same time that the slaves revolted against France in the Haitian side of the island and that complications begin with the discontent of the "Creole" (descendants of Spanish) and the ongoing struggles between the French and Haitian leaders for control of the island. After a few years and several battles, the Dominican again came under the command of Spain, but with so little interest in the "Motherland" to achieve independence peacefully in 1821 through diplomatic channels. A few months later, Haitians invaded Dominicans and occupied them for 22 years and tried to replace the Hispanic culture and language imposing Castilian culture and French language laws (Del Castillo, 1987).

The Haitians were (and remain) the main workforce in the sugar industry, the main source of income for the island for most of the twentieth century. But they were temporary workers who crossed the border to work in the harvest time and came back in time out, without enjoying the benefits or privileges. This gave rise to illegal immigrants where landowners and military practices had a system that has been equated with modern-day slavery, forcibly recruit Haitian labor to work in the cane and Returnees in equally forceful at the end of harvest (time cane harvest). This continued until the late twentieth century (including 1970's, and according to some reports up to 80), no Haitian workers enjoy any social or physical security. From the late 70's, the sugar cane market begins to decline, the USA gradually dismantle the quota system by which they guaranteed the Caribbean and Central American countries to purchase sugar. This led to high unemployment among Haitians, many of whom remained here and began looking for other ways of life. From the 80, Haitians make up over 80% of labor in the construction sector. Again it is low-paying jobs, in ...