Ethinc Groups and Discrimination

Puerto Rico was a colony of Spain before it became part of the United States. Smuggling off the coastal towns became part of Puerto Rico’s economy; they were constantly visited by international pirates. With the constant visit of others such as the Dutch, French and British Island Puerto Rico was becoming an ethnically mixed society. Some of the Puerto Ricans that live in the countryside were called Jibaros and lived off their native land; they planted tobacco, sugar cane and coffee. The Jibaros were stereotyped for living in small huts and sleeping on hammocks like the aborigines, till this day stories are told about the Jibaros of Puerto Rico, how they cherished the lands that feed them. (The Spanish Colony 2001. para1. para 2).

In the 1770’s USA ships were soon anchoring in San Juan trading slaves and foods, many of the ships took shelter in Puerto Rico. In the 19th century tension began to grow in the Island of Puerto Rico due to the government and social injustice. Rebels calling themselves the Republic of Puerto Rico offered freedom to the slaves that would joined them fight against the injustice however Spain was well aware of their intentions. The Spanish military hunted down the rebels, they fought a strong battle, but it was not enough to stop the Spanish military; they were imprisoned and many were slain. The institutional discrimination cause the people in Puerto Rico to fight for social injustice, the trading of food was good however the trading of lives was much more than they could handle. (The Spanish Colony 2001, para.3).

The courageous act of the rebels, also known as the Republic of Puerto Rico captured the attention of the Spanish government. As the years went by Spain became more generous and on March 22, 1873 it abolished slavery and nearly 30,000 slaves were freed. The 18th century seem to be going

well for Puerto Rico, the Island was granted autonomy they were setting their own budgets and taxes. Puerto Rico was...