Pre-Trip Reflection Blog Post: Puerto Rico Service Trip Winter 2019

1. I do not have—well at least think I have a personal connection to Puerto Rico in terms of culture or ancestry. However, I think that I can draw parallels from my own experiences as well as from individuals that traditionally are from historically marginalized groups, specifically black (or African Americans) Americans. For example, although considered citizens of the US, in many aspects of society such as education, public health and safety, and environmental issues, many Puerto Ricans and Black Americans have been and continue to be disproportionately disadvantaged  than other groups in the US. In general, I believe that the US has a complex relationship and unfortunately dark history  with both Puerto Ricans and Black Americans. I think that  because many historically marginalized groups are faced with their own issues, which can be intensified by the phenomena of the shock doctrine (p.45), it often becomes difficult for us to recognize the power they we have in affecting change by working together. Lilla Watson states, “If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” I understand, similar to Lilla Watson’s sentiment, that my liberation is bound up with those who are treated the worst, not only in America but in the world. I choose to serve because I see it as an opportunity to foster a sense of trust, respect, and understanding which I believe are fundamental in exacting changing, and breaking down those barriers of stereotypes and preconceived notions about particular groups created by a system to keep individuals down and away from recognizing their power that would dismantle these structures of systemic oppression. 

2. I think the act of individuals or groups  capitalizing off of people who are facing hardships, known as “disaster capitalism” (which can be a manifestation of the shock doctrine (p.45)) of  in The Battle For Paradise: Puerto Rico Takes On Disaster Capitalists, raises an interesting question of what will Puerto Rico look like post-Hurricane Maria. I think this question finds parallels in other major world  events such as what would the US look like after the Civil War or what India would look like after its Partition. It is easy to exploit helplessness because the sense of hope May seem lost. And that is why as Massol- Gonzalez stated, “It’s up to Puerto Ricans to save and help themselves because no on else will. From the bottom to the top” (p.30). This is not to say that no one else ought to serve Puerto Rican’s; however, there is a certain type of strength that comes from being able to advocate for yourself and build from the ground up. I particularly liked the book’s focus on Puerto Rico utilizing its natural resources as a form of creating a healthier and more robust democracy. For so long, I think we as humans have both manipulated the environment to the point that it has been neglected and exploited and have led go natural disasters. I think by returning to its roots (no pun intended) of agriculture and farming as well as adopting solar power (which the book it’s close attention) can have immensely positive and concrete results for Puerto Rico in which the people can become more self-sufficient, with respect to the costly and environmentally unfriendly imports of fuel and be more resilient against natural disasters like Hurricane Maria. I think that we as inhabitants of this one earth, have an obligation to it, ourselves and future generations to protect it, conserve our resources, and work together to be more sustainable. This necessarily involves being good stewards of our land through environmentally equitable use and treatment of land. 

3. I hope to learn more about the complex history and relationship between the US and Puerto Rico, as well as do my own research about it. I’d also like to learn more about the culture of Puerto Rico with respect to food, music, style, as well as the biodiversity (in terms of the people, animals, and nature overall) of the area. I think (urban) agriculture and farming with respect to foods traditionally native to Puerto Rico would also be particularly interesting to learn about, as well as as sustainable farming practices.

Moreover,  I’d like to become a better ally for other historically marginalized communities (ie, encouraging the local economy by supporting local businesses and people, etc.) because we are stronger together, and justice is never an actualizad event until we all can experience equitable treatment in all aspects of life.