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I realize that racism exists everywhere to some degree, hell I've met more racists here in NYC than I have any other place I've lived. However, I've had the opportunity to speak with 2 different families from the Islands, both from St. Thomas, who are white. Both of them went on and on about how racist many of the blacks on the Islands were. They told me that they knew people who had lost out on jobs or had been denied promotions due to their ethnicity. One supervisor even went so far as to tell the husband that he would always lose out to the native born employees because she "hated yankees". Another story dealt with a friend who was a social worker who had been sexually harrased on the job and when she complained she was basically blackballed by everyone, even the authorities, and was made to feel as though it was her fault because she didn't belong in the USVI. Now, I'm sure racism exists to some extent but is it really as blatant as everyone tells me? Or is this a bunch of nonsense? From what I'm hearing the USVI sounds somewhat terrifying. What's the truth, and please excuse my ignorance on the subject.
Posted : March 29, 2004 3:35 am
My opinion? It's less a matter of race and more a matter of "belonging".
Imagine you're a well-to-do black guy from NYC who moves to a small town in Iowa - 7,000 people. You'd be greeted with stares, maybe even some suspicion. People would wonder why you moved to their town and how long you're staying. Would an employer hire someone from "town" before you? Probably. You'd even be different from the black folks who already live in the town.
I think it's the same way here with continentals, both black and white. It's a matter of belonging and fitting in. It takes time and understanding and respect for the culture that exists.
That's my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth from a middle aged woman who's lived on St. Croix for 8 months.
Posted : March 29, 2004 6:33 am
Manhattan Guy,
I'm moving down in May and I thought about this as well. I have concerns for my girl friend more then myself. I think of it like this, we live in NYC currently at any given time on any street corner there are ten different races. You know the song if you can make it there. You can make it anywhere……. Be a true New Yorker and make friends one person at a time, maybe you me and others can change the local’s impression on New Yorkers.
Andrew
Posted : March 29, 2004 1:40 pm
Hello Manhattan Guy,
If I were to summarize the story you gave into the following statement:
"I was denied a promotion or job because of my race in the USVI." and the person saying it was white - I would not doubt them (particularly if it were a government job).
And if the very same statement was said by a Black person I would not doubt them either (particularly if it were a private sector job).
The negative issues related to race and belonging are dynamic and they do exist here.
In regard to your question I would say yes it is possible that the person with whom you spoke may have lost out to a native black person as far as a job promotion, particularly if they were in social work, which is usually a government job. Getting local government jobs is almost completely a world of nepotism here, who you know and who you are related to takes absolute precedence over your qualifications (or lack of, which matters not if you have the right connections). Whether or not the boss would actually tell the employee I hate Yankees - I don't think this is something you would hear very often but some might say such or you might get the feeling that this is the case due to cold shoulder treatment. On the flip side you might also hear a comment from a white employer putting local's down. It exists in both directions.
The story concerning the sexual harassment issue - not a claim that happens very often here even when it happens in the most obvious ways through verbal comments or advancements. I worked in an office years ago with a women who accused and sued her former employer for sexual harassment (she was a local and the offender was from the states) she was hackled and teased for making the accusation even by some co-workers who were also harassed but did not stand up for themselves. I don't know exactly how to explain the disregard observers make of people standing up for themselves here, it certainly happens though and no doubt might happen to a new resident as to a local with more jeers and comments toward the new resident. So yes the story you heard could have happened.
My overall opinion is yes racism exist here, there are some people who are blatantly close minded and ignorant and others that despite their prejudices and stereotypes (we all have them) re-main open and co-exist well and with warmth toward others both familiar and new. I don't think the situation here regarding race is terrifying.
--Islander
Posted : March 29, 2004 7:34 pm
Hello,
I have only been on the Island for six months but agree with the Islander.
The only input I would offer ,is that often the Island culture is mistaken for racism.
The same examples or rude remarks are often directed toward other locals.
I have lived in Ca, OH, Az , IA and MN. for my company. This was the most difficult move in terms of getting phone, cable, electric, water. I may be naive but when standing in line ( one of the many to get any of the above services) the local standing behind me was also complaining of long waits, missed install dates and poor attitudes of the staff.,
I would love to be able to make Customer Service Skills a mandatory class in all of the schools.
I am a single, white Female .
Right now I would say to live on the Island I will put up with some racism.
I am in the process of changing or looking for a different position that may change my perspective of things in a another couple of months.
Ill keep you posted
Thanks
Posted : March 30, 2004 12:31 am
Great replies! Thanks!
Posted : March 30, 2004 5:40 am
