Why do you love being a minority?

[skyetropics]

Besides being followed whenever I walk into Sephora's?

Honestly, I like the livelyness (is that a word) that minorities and blacks specifically bring into the world. Yeah, I'm embarrased sometimes when we get loud , but with that comes amazing music, creativity, rhythm, faith in God, etc. Being of a jamaican/grenadean background, I love the food and the language. Whenever I come home to MD my grandma has curry chicken, rice & peas, sorrel, etc. waiting for me.

OMG, I totally didnt know this thread was floating around out here! I didnt know you were of caribbean decent Jay, that is great. I absolutely agree with the above. I am also of British/Caribbean descent (Luton/Southend-on-Sea England to St.kitts and Barbados) and love the fact that there is a strong sense of langauge, family and food. One thing you forgot though was sweet Cassava Bread with Bush tea and island style stew chicken.

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[Miss Alyssa]

OMG, I totally didnt know this thread was floating around out here! I didnt know you were of caribbean decent Jay, that is great. I absolutely agree with the above. I am also of British/Caribbean descent (Luton/Southend-on-Sea England to St.kitts and Barbados) and love the fact that there is a strong sense of langauge, family and food. One thing you forgot though was sweet Cassava Bread with Bush tea and island style stew chicken.

That is all, continue

 

[UVABranch]

That is all, continue

those are my people's colors!

 

[riceman04]

All of my carribean friends from the other islands (especially Jamaica, barbados, and trinida) say that bajans are stuck up and think they are better than all other carribeans.

Obviously this is a generalization...but I was wondering why so many of my friends from various islands say the same thing. What is your take on it as a bajan

 

[Miss Alyssa]

All of my carribean friends from the other islands (especially Jamaica, barbados, and trinida) say that bajans are stuck up and think they are better than all other carribeans.

Obviously this is a generalization...but I was wondering why so many of my friends from various islands say the same thing. What is your take on it as a bajan

Barbados is one of the wealthiest islands in the Caribbean. Actually one of the wealthiest in this hemisphere. It has free education from primary school through to post grad and professional school. It has free healthcare and other social services. The political climate is very stable. Not all of the other islands have these things. Barbados is a place than many immigrate to because of the opportunities there. Class is a big issue in the Caribbean. Class in the Caribbean is basically what race is in America. This may give Bajans an sense of superiority. But honestly, when I hear people say that Bajans are stuck up, I wonder if it's the Bajans feeling superior, or others feeling inferior.

I actually lived on campus at the university in Barbados for a semester. And campus res. is basically for non-nationals, so I was surrounded by Caribbean people who were not Barbadian. And I don't know if it was because of my Canadian accent, or something else, but they all seemed to forget that I am Bajan and I heard a lot of conversations that most Bajan people do not hear. I found that people didn't choose to interact with the Bajan students. I met a third year from Grenada who had NO Bajan friends. How do you live in a country for 3 years and not have any friends from that country? You can't convince me that ALL of the people on the island are stuck up. A lot of the misconceptions can be alleviated with exposure and an open mind. When people realize that I'm Bajan and not stuck up, I get discounted as not a real Bajan

anyways, that's my ramble

 

[trinitee501]

All of my carribean friends from the other islands (especially Jamaica, barbados, and trinida) say that bajans are stuck up and think they are better than all other carribeans.

Obviously this is a generalization...but I was wondering why so many of my friends from various islands say the same thing. What is your take on it as a bajan

Hmm I never heard bad things about Bajan people... Jamaicans well that is another story. I think in the Jamaican case, it has to do a little with jealously and a little with a few annoying Jamaicans. I can't imagine it being different for Barbados.

 

[drvlad2004]

I am a proud 1st generation Haitian-American. It always good speaking to my fellow Haitian patients in Creole, although I need a lot more work on speaking it. I am way too used to eating home-cooked food. I can't live without plantains and Mango. I am a health nut, I try to avoid going out to eat (maybe except if a drug company is sponsoring it or dinner date with my girlfriend). Inm my family, it is blasphemy if you cannot cook your own food. What I really love about being Haitian is that we are very resilient people and mentally tough. In general,

 

[skyetropics]

All of my carribean friends from the other islands (especially Jamaica, barbados, and trinida) say that bajans are stuck up and think they are better than all other carribeans.

Obviously this is a generalization...but I was wondering why so many of my friends from various islands say the same thing. What is your take on it as a bajan

Well that is something that I guess is prevalent in the caribbean islands. When I first went to the US Virgin Islands for school, it was ridiculous the way that "down islanders" and "English Cooleys" were talked about. Alot of it is jealousy and like the others said, class. I dont think Bajans are stuck up but they have an enormous sense of pride. When my grands came back from England they moved up the Leeward chain just so they would not have to deal with some of that bullsh**, but I still love Barbados as much as I do St.Kitts and the Virgin Islands.

 

[MAF]

Hey guys! We need to liven up this thread and share the good things in our life! I thought it would be nice to share your randomn thoughts about your culture. We've heard a lot about the negatives regarding people wanting to make us feel inferior as future physicians, but hopefully you have more positive experiences to share.

I love being hispanic because it's like living in a different world! My family is very tight knit, very affectionate and supportive. I love all the colorful spanish phrases they use to relate a funny story, the exagerations they use when telling a simple story, the FOOD and the belief that everything can be made better with a good plate of it, the belief that everything can be cured with Vicks, all of their beliefs, how they believe in me even when I don't (and how they're usually right), how the eldely are shown respect, how they're always able to have fun, no matter what the setting, how they're willing to work hard (despite immigration, legal, or salary issues) to support their families....

... I honestly feel like you have peered into my life and very accurately detailed everything that I love about it! lol Great description.

 

[nzik]

Well, just to put in my two cents, I appreciate being a minority because of the humbling experience. It kind of depends on where you are or come from when it comes to being considered a minority. For example, if you are from Mexico, you wouldn't be considered a minority in Mexico, but on with the point.

I think being a minority makes you appreciate your own culture more, as opposed to just having American pop culture. I hear some people saying that Americans don't really have a culture of their own, but I don't think that's entirely true. I appreciate what there is here, but there is always room for improvement, as it would be everywhere else.

Anyway, I don't think anyone else here is of Polynesian descent (Samoan and Tongan). [If there are, power to you!] I appreciate the communal reliance, focus on the family and village and church lives. The sense of the extended family and community relations makes it special when you bring it to a diverse, yet individualistic place like the United States.

 

[CuyahogaMD2B]

Well, just to put in my two cents, I appreciate being a minority because of the humbling experience. It kind of depends on where you are or come from when it comes to being considered a minority. For example, if you are from Mexico, you wouldn't be considered a minority in Mexico, but on with the point.

I think being a minority makes you appreciate your own culture more, as opposed to just having American pop culture. I hear some people saying that Americans don't really have a culture of their own, but I don't think that's entirely true. I appreciate what there is here, but there is always room for improvement, as it would be everywhere else.

Anyway, I don't think anyone else here is of Polynesian descent (Samoan and Tongan). [If there are, power to you!] I appreciate the communal reliance, focus on the family and village and church lives. The sense of the extended family and community relations makes it special when you bring it to a diverse, yet individualistic place like the United States.

I agree with this. I stand out even when I don't want to. At my school, if I am late or absent, the professor makes a comment. I just stand out. It could have something to do with my locks (and my nosering) but I really stand out because I am black, female and tall (5'10" without shoes) and no, I didn't play basketball.

 

[nzik]

I agree with this. I stand out even when I don't want to. At my school, if I am late or absent, the professor makes a comment. I just stand out. It could have something to do with my locks (and my nosering) but I really stand out because I am black, female and tall (5'10" without shoes) and no, I didn't play basketball.

Haha. I've always noticed why my teachers remember my name even though I hardly speak in class. I mean there are just those students who always ask questions a lot, yet my teachers don't remember their name as much as mine.

I'm Polynesian and people often assume that I'm supposed to be huge, loud, and sometimes obnoxious and be good at football (which I'm not). I guess I stand out somewhat, but I'm from Hawaii so pretty everyone here would stand out in all white/black neighborhood on the mainland.

 

[imps4343]

out of all the west indians, i felt antiguans were the most stuck up, they had a sence of elitisum that i did not see on other islands, also the prices of goods were higher then in NYC

 

[Miss Alyssa]

out of all the west indians, i felt antiguans were the most stuck up, they had a sence of elitisum that i did not see on other islands, also the prices of goods were higher then in NYC

 

[lumanyika]

out of all the west indians, i felt antiguans were the most stuck up, they had a sence of elitisum that i did not see on other islands, also the prices of goods were higher then in NYC

yah. Franz Fanon talked about this in various works of his. interesting social dynamics you have in the carribean islands.


onto the topic at hand:

African here, and i have to say that the food is one of the best things that i enjoy about my culture. not to mention the tri-linguism (sp) acquired from ethnically disparate parental tibes, and another the by-product of colonialism (i.e, english). close seconds are: the value placed on familial unity; stories and folktales that my grandmother used to tell; the migration of giraffes and/or wilderbeast once a year (an other-worldly experience); ceremonial customs; rich history; eating mangoes and macademia nuts in my grandfather's orchard; raiding the sugar cane, and guava plantations of neighbouring farmers with my childhood friends.......ahhh i could go on but....

 

[4paw]

yah. Franz Fanon talked about this in various works of his. interesting soacial dynamics you have in the carribean islands.

hey Franz Fanon had a lot to say about a little part of Africa too... in "The Wretched of the Earth" abou this time practicing psychiatry during the revolution in Algiers... also his book A Dying Colonialism, etc... nice to hear Fanon mentioned

so 1/2 Jamaican here... I did not just here yardies called crazy a few posts back!

what i miss is fried plantain, roast ham the way it's on my granny's table, bammy, ricenpeas... i can get pickapeppa here... but a good jerk pork, man! also i'm missing sorrel every christmas and pepperpot. and boiled yam... breadfruit.... jeez it's been too long! and sweet potato pudding. and a good patty in a decent coco bread. and ginger beer.

 

[uzybear]

i wish i wasn't so white

............ok, i'll leave now and go back to my cracker-forum, no that i know what this forum is (...tear....i like it here)

 

[aaj117]

i wish i wasn't so white

............ok, i'll leave now and go back to my cracker-forum, no that i know what this forum is (...tear....i like it here)

well you're welcomed to stay. We do spend most of the time in this forum discussing issues pertinent to those who are under-represented, but i hope (and believe) i speak for everyone when i say that we're certainly not trying to leave anyone out of this very fun and supportive forum. So stay, hang out, post if you have something to say! and welcome!
PS you don't have to actually be a minority to enjoy their cultures. I'm half black and half white, but my favorite parties/gatherings are those thrown by the families of all my latino friends, quincineras and all that jazz. the dancing is just so fun!

 

[julie walker]

I am a proud black woman who believes that education is the only way out of poverty. I will be the best nurse ever.

 

[devilpup]

What do I love about being a minority?
Well, as a minority I think it's easier to reach out and relate to other minorities. As future health professionals, I think this is a great thing. If serving the underserved is the goal, then it is even better. One time I was helping a mexican patient that came from Tijuana, and I felt like saying, "Kiuvole, como estas wey?"

 

[dybra]

:.

I love being hispanic because it's like living in a different world! My family is very tight knit, very affectionate and supportive. I love all the colorful spanish phrases they use to relate a funny story, the exagerations they use when telling a simple story, the FOOD and the belief that everything can be made better with a good plate of it, the belief that everything can be cured with Vicks, all of their beliefs, how they believe in me even when I don't (and
how they're usually right), how the eldely are shown respect, how they're always able to have fun, no matter what the setting, how they're willing to work hard (despite immigration, legal, or salary issues) to support their families....

LMAO the story exaggerations make my day!! hahah
I know. lol vicks. GRANDMA went crazy on that, not to mention "té de caballo" a tea. In hispanic culture teas are everything, from dieting to treating nausea.


I am half salvadorian and mexican. Dad is from SALVI and mom is MEX. So i get 100% of each cultures a day. From language expressions, food,to social interactions.


THE FOOD...(droooling)

<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/dybra/?action=view&current=ELSALVADOR302.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/dybra/ELSALVADOR302.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> pupusas!! lol.
I remember the first time i made pupusas with no help successfully. My parents tried them, they were soo suprised.
my mom told me in spanish. "You can now get married."

 

[TamarMD]

I think its because I love feeling as if no one has the same experience as me and then getting sooo excited when I find someone who has. I'm a 1st generation Haitian-American and I love that my aunts and uncles are so "old school". My parents have "americanized" themselves (my aunts say this because they let me date and are letting me move out when I'm only 20 can you say "oh oh kisa?") but they make sure I understand and appreciate my culture. I like having parties at school and writing on the paper that I'm bringing Griot or Di riz djon djon and having people go "what's that?". I like when someone realizes that I am haitian and says something completely ridiculous or just plain stupid like "you can't be haitian you don't look it." I like replying with "what DOES a haitian look like?" I actually had a guy say "you can't be haitian. I've met haitian women and they are the ugliest I've ever seen and they have no hair". Not only was he a haitian man he proceeded to become upset when I didn't take that as a compliment. I love being told that "with God all things are possible" even when I have a hard time believing it sometimes. I love the way you always have someone who is there for you. No matter what. What I love the most is the way that my friends and family believe that I can do anything. The faith that they have in you is so amazing and it actually makes me want to do better in everything.

 

[scarterinscrubs]

That reminds me of my freshmen year when this girl at our table in the cafe ask me if I was Haitian. My friends thought it was funny, because for one it was out of nowhere, and they thought Haitians were supposed to look a certain way (like the guy you met).

By the way, I am not Haitian.

 

[dseattle]

looking at the world from the bottom up or having a 3rd world perspective. its a lot easier to see how the world really is, and how the struggles for all of us are connected, when you arent looking from the top down with the trust funds and passed down wealth in your pockets.

 

[missbee]

Although technically being Middle Eastern isn't considered a minority here in the US, I still consider myself one because I grew up in a very very caucasian suburb.
I love having caramel skin and black hair because not very many people I know look like me! I consider the word "exotic" a compliment!
I also like the fact that the Arab culture is a very rich one and I'm proud of that, even though i'm not close at all to "that side" of my family. My Greek friend and I have culture battles as to whose culture contributed more to society, which is irrelevant, but funny nontheless.

 

[copacetic]

the honies...i like the honies.

 

[NYMD26]

I was just working on secondary applications and decided to take a break by visiting StudentDoctor.net. I came upon this particular topic and really enjoyed reading the things people had to say. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with everyone!

I'm half-Thai and half-Ecuadorian but was raised with my mother's hispanic culture. When I was younger, it was a difficult experience for me, attending a predominantly white school no one really knew what to think of me. I looked different and my name didn't make it any easier. My name is so long that class rosters would only list my last name and first initial. Kids always laughed the first day of school as teachers paused with a look of confusion on their face. I knew it was me and would always raise my hand to help them out with the pronunciation. I never felt like people really understood me but with age I learned that acceptance of myself and my culture was sufficient. Being different is a part of my identity and I love it. I love every thing about my culture. I love the closeness of my people, the music, the food, the beautiful language. My mom is single and most of my siblings are older and live away. I know that I can count on my mom's friends to keep her company. I think she goes out more than me! Growing up I loved the parties in my backyard and watching our guests dance to salsa music. I attended a New Year's Eve party several years ago and basically watched the adults dance until 3am. I even enjoyed watching the infamous telenovelas as a child. There are so many beautiful things about every culture!!! I can go on and on...

 

[titanjones]

I like the fact that im black but slow and cant dunk. Thanks for the genes God.

 

[MDBella]

I love our unique features...kinky hair, full lips, various complexions, almond eyes, curvaceous bodies...our feasts at the holidays...culture, I could go on all day.

 

[2sk0ol4c0ol]

I am a proud black woman who believes that education is the only way out of poverty. I will be the best nurse ever.

Aside from the food which is just amazing...

This may sound weird but I love the tone of my skin, I'm an AA male, and the color of my eyes. I'm not being vain or anything but seriously I love it!
I also like the way African Americans tend to worship, it seems more personal to me then how ppl worship at my school (majority white school).

 

[ladybug1122]

I love everything mentioned above. I do love the color of my skin, and my "accent", the food (as mentioned), our traditions, the bond we share as a family unit, my name, the fact that I look "different," and the list could go on and on.

 

[mnoon1]

bc Mexican food is dabomb.com!

 

[Telekinesis]

C'mon man it's the swag and insta-cool points you get.

Although it is annoying when people try to rap around you to get your attention

 

[BlackHouse]

Dat URM Status booooiiiiii

 

[Ansar]

because I speak spanish fluenty
and I feel comfortable speaking it

and I can connect with other hispanics in a way that I can't with caucasians

 

[DrLeon]

I actually hate being a minority...but I love being Black. I hate that I can count on one hand how many other people in my class are like me...but I love that I was born African American. I hate that my designation as an AA med student is so rare...but I love being able to connect with other Black people from different cultures and share what they have to offer.

 

[PsychEpathic]

The food is great and the wide spectrum of traits makes for some beautiful people.

 

[RavishingB]

My answer pretty much echoes everyone else. The culture. Music, food, dances, hymns, my parents native island language, our clothing, just everything.

 

[TheCatalyst]

Why? Because ppl immediately assume I'm cool haha

 

[MDHopeful2011]

Yeah, there are definitely more black/filipinos out on the west coast than on the east coast. haha, gotta love pancit!

Would either of you guys like to feel the rest of us in on what pancit is? Thx!

 

[seminolepremed]

Any Cubans here?


I miss my Cuban food and the overall culture!!! I'm stuck in Tallahassee, Fl for school but on Friday I leave back to Miami aka North Cuba LOL )

 

[vnicolas]

I love being black because of black unity.... Black people, except for a few, always help each other out.