Well, let me just say now that this post is well on a more different note. No, I won't be talking about exotic food that I had yesterday at the Esmeraldian restaurant but rather about color.
I find it interesting and well sad that one's skin color continues to determine intelligence, class, and beauty. This idea has continued to prevail throughout the centuries and time. I find myself occasionally baffled at this concept and wonder whether one day, things might change. Well, probably not in my lifetime. I wonder, why am I not as beautiful or exotic as the lighter-skinned Indian girl? Why does my friend have to hear comments about how dark she or her friends are?
I never thought I would see so much downright racism in such a short period of time but I have. Ecuador, though rich in cultural diversity promotes racist/classist ideologies in order to rationalize its poverty and treatment of the "other". A country where being black or indigenous designates you as naturally inferior.
As for me, where do I stand? Well, what I have noticed is that I lose some status as attractive simply because of my skin color. Ironically, my position as a foreigner allows me to remain somewhat appealing but not quite as much as the blond next door. Maybe this is good?? After all, I won't get harassed as much by the locals!
Ah, despite all the BS my new home manages to remain beautiful. What I have learned is that no matter where you go in this world, some things don't change.
Sincerely,
Your brown friend in Ecuaworld. :)
