Though, I expected certain setbacks due to my status as a U.S. citizen, I had no idea how different I would be treated for being a black woman in a fairly homogeneous space. Black Argentinians are typically from northern provinces. Many other individuals immigrate from Central America and other countries in South America. They often work in lower paying jobs, therefore, people assumed I was a maid, a doorkeeper, or a nanny. I was quickly faced with stares and locals questioning as to whether or not I was from countries like Brazil, France, or Angola. They were shocked to hear that I was a student from the United States. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the confidence or maturity to deal with this negativity in a positive way at the time. I chose to stay at home, rather than explore the beautiful country I was in.
Read More
The most wonderful thing about being seen as exotic in this space is how it has made me feel personally. It demands I embrace my blackness as something that is in fact beautiful and unique. When I walk down the street, people cannot help but stare at me. In the United States, we are persecuted and even slain for being born black, but here we are gold and rare. That is the thing so far that has caused me to slowly fall in love with this place and the people the most. I feel valued here and appreciated by its citizens for allowing me, “la morocha,” to experience this beautiful city.
Read More
My black was completely different there; I was not identified as black, but Brazilians saw me first as American. It was nothing like the United States, a place where I can always clearly feel my blackness. In a place where I am shown many opportunities equal to my white counterparts, it is yet so clear to see the not-so-visible divide that we create for our own. We as Americans still segregate ourselves even in a land where minorities are given more chances than Brazilians at better lives. Our barriers come not in the appearance of separate communities, jobs, or education like the physical divides in Brazil. Our cultural barriers are, however, existent. They exist in our minds, where even if we live similar lives there still exists a need to willingly separate ourselves from others that are not like us or share our culture.
Read More