GOOD MORNING TO YOU ALL " USA GRINGOS"

huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 04:32:

Have a wonderful holiday and bump it up

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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ibemeubeu9001 says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:08:

Ya, we are really going to have a wonderful 4th of July, here in Sunny Long Beach, California.
Hope your holiday where ever you are will be as good. Oops, for got it's the holiday here in the US..........

Have a nice weekend huskie
Betty, Melanie and me ibemeubeu-George Michael

I just happen to be from Long Beach,CA, and I love visiting South America, My first visit was to Bogota, Ibaque, and Cucuta and not being a spanish speaking person, I had a great time. Would I travel to South America again, You Bet! The people are wonde

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Philly says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:16:

Please, do not call me "Gringo". I am an African American!!!!! Thank you very much.

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tasco66 says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:29:

Happy Independence day to all Americans and especially to the thee released hostages

Not being bound to swear to the dogmas of any master

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miamimike says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:56:

Happy Fourth to all PBH Posters and especially to my Fellow Military Veterans! Without the Vets.none of this would be possible!~ I wish more here in Miami would "Fly the Colors" Our USA Colors, but I guess that is life here in Miami!

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 05:57:

Philly : You are still a wonderful African North American "GRINGO"
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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sanandressi says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:01:

No taxation without representation!

"This train will stop in Tucumcari"

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eywed says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:05:

Think I will fire up the pit today for some great BBQ. Ribs, Chicken, Bugers and Dogs. You guy think it will be ok to throw in some great Colombian Chorizo, I love that stuff.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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pilotguy says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:15:

Thanks to all Vets. "Remember lest we forget" Thanks to the Colombian Military boys.
Joe Viet Nam 1968

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Philly says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:20:

Huskie: Muahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:33:

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:40:

Sounds like eywed's place is where we should be!

Happy Independence Day y'all! Enjoy the fireworks....or make your own! ;-)

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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eywed says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:51:

HG what can I grill up for you. Come on by.

Ay Hombe!!!!!

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Monpirri says on Jul 4, 2008, 06:54:

Happy 4th of July to all and specially to the three Americans rescued couple of days ago.
They must be the happiest!!!

The life spam of a taste bud is ten days

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Waterdawg says on Jul 4, 2008, 07:07:

Back at ya Pilot Guy .. It all started in Nam 68 ...

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mcheasley says on Jul 4, 2008, 07:22:

Thank you Huskie!!!

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goin_south says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:01:

I think we should all be there at mcheasley's place in NC. ... looks like a real nice log cabin there! in the smokies???

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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Zach says on Jul 4, 2008, 10:22:

Happy Independence Day!!!!!!

God Bless America and Our Soldiers Serving At Home and Overseas.

I'll be celebratin' with some North Carolina BBQ in 3 weeks.

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mcheasley says on Jul 4, 2008, 11:27:

Goin South, You coming over for the BBQ today?? Expecting 50-60 people and the pool is open.. and thanks...

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 11:30:

That was nice of you Huskie...
Happy 4th of July everyone! Enjoy!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 11:36:

Huskie, appreciate the intentions, but there´s no need for the "gringo" part.

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 11:42:

Cool off, there is no bad intentions here. Do not feel offended. Did not mean to offend anybody
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 11:56:

No worries man, it´s just not a positive word when it comes down to it - too many negative connotations that don´t apply to all people from wherever it is that "gringos" come from - so it´s better to leave it out that´s all. Again, I do appreciate the good intentions!

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 12:21:

August...I don't think it's the negative of a word...
I call my gringo friends gringo and they don't mind!
Huskie is good people, she didn't mean anything rude by it!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 12:31:

I dig that the conscious intentions behind the intentions of the word aren´t negative, that´s largely why your "gringo" friends don´t say anything. I´m just saying, for honesty and accuracy, try using "generally clueless white person who probably has more privilege than me" instead.

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sanandressi says on Jul 4, 2008, 13:01:

Hey Philly? A wee bit touchy are not? VICTIM MENTALITY!

"This train will stop in Tucumcari"

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 14:02:

From the perspective of someone to whom the word is directed, I still feel it´s a word better phased out than continued. If some people are offended by it, why continuing to use it? Happy 4th.

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 4, 2008, 14:10:

You guys will have to get a grip...if you don't want to feel offended all the time. When a Colombian calls you a Gringo there's no heat in it. It's not offensive. Heck, they call my kids "gringos" in Colombia and they are native Colombians even if they have been raised up in USA and Europe. It's a term of endearment. I'm a "gringa" in Colombia and truly, don't mind.

I call my brother, US citizen,, a retired Air Force official, GRINGO. Lovingly.

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 14:29:

Thanks for all the comments, back at you!!!! muamua! Dear Gringos ( no offense)!
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 14:30:

Guess it depends on who you are using this word on, where you are and their past experience with the word. For me - it is a term the is low class or slang and it refers more to the caucasian population. The 4th is about EEUU Independance from UK (omitting all the true historical arguments). I did not take offense..but! Considering how it is perceived on my end and past experience, the term Gringo would not apply. It is used a lot on PBH, but if I step outside of PBH cyber world and someone said " Happy 4th Gringo!" I would ignore the person.

My ex's Colombiano pals called him Gringo when he was here in EEUU and I got a different perspective of how it was perceived there, but I did explain that I did not recommend he throuw that word around here or it may be perceived as negative.

Either way, I was not offended by Huskies post. It is just that the post did not "register" when I read it .... and the board was covered with the word...hey, we are human and when you have known a word to be negative all your life, also some need to understand that too here on PBH....
Ok - that's it.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 14:49:

Desideria, I´m not saying that I sweat it in the street when the word comes up in conversation, but it does have meaning. I notice that you´re Scandinavian, so you´re probably coming from a different perspective (eg. there are probably fewer Latinos waiting on the side of the road for work or cleaning toilets where you´re from). Although I get the sense you´ve spent some time in the Americas, I´m just not sure you can fully “get it." The word is rooted in the historical socio-economic inequality between European-(US) Americans and Mexicans as well as Mexican- (US) Americans, so anyone outside of those groups is going to have something of a watered down understanding of it. And it´s tricky because its use implies a different power relation than something like “wetback." Whereas “wetback" is derogatory towards the receiver of the word, “gringo" is really more of an admission of weakness in the face of clueless, but dominant, person of privilege and therefore derogatory towards the receiver of the word and even more so towards the speaker of the word. Again though, the roles which the word implies are going to be less familiar to anyone not born in the US or Mexico, so I don´t expect you to feel as strongly about this. Just know that there are some people who do and if you spend some time really thinking about this history, you probably will to.

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 15:05:

august says on Jul 4, 2008, 12:31: flag

I dig that the conscious intentions behind the intentions of the word aren´t negative, that´s largely why your "gringo" friends don´t say anything. I´m just saying, for honesty and accuracy, try using "generally clueless white person who probably has more privilege than me" instead.

===================
Not true at all Huskie has a lot of culture, class, intelligence, and probably more privilage than the "average gringo!"

I agree with Desi and mots comments here. My siblings and I are called gringos..I was born in Colombia and they refer to me as a gringa...I just think "whatever" doesn't offend me..there are worst things in the world..

HAPPY 4TH GRINGITOS y GRINGITAS!!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 15:14:

August, I have read your profile and you list a link that caught my attention, I know who you are and your organization, and frankly, I am surprised you took this post too much to heart.
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 15:14:

MaFe, that´s my point though: as a Colombian you can´t fully understand the word because you´re not from the US or Mexico. There´s also a delivery truck that drives around Medellín representing the company "Niggaz Denim" (or something close to that) with pictures of light skinned Colombians in jean jackets. You can use it if you must, just understand that it carries a deeper significance to some people from those two countries where the word originated.

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 4, 2008, 15:23:

August, when I think about he word "Gringo" I can see the image of Clint Eatwood riding into a scene of suffocating , flying yellow sand in "The Good, the Bad and The Ugly". In Colombia I learned a different interpretation of the word. Yes, I've spent some time in USA (five years) and some time in Colombia (12 years) and after all that...it doesn't really matter.

As an anecdote I want to tell you a story of a USAmerican who changed his mind. Back in the eighties, when I visited him in Denver he made fun of my "Third World Husband and my Third World Kids"....now as his son (my nephew) married a Mexican he has nothing but praise for these third word people...his daughter-in-law may not call him GRINGO to his face, but I kid him about it all the time.

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 15:51:

August, I am hlaf Colombian, one of those light skin ones, and TRUST me I know what the word means...
Just like if someone calls me a spic...I am not going to burst a vein for someone's ignorance. Sometimes words like gringo are used with love, Desi explained it best with the third world explanation!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 15:55:

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 16:57:

August "that´s my point though: as a Colombian you can´t fully understand the word because you´re not from the US or Mexico"

This is a good point too. One other example - My good friend is African American. My grandmother is from the Midwest and uses the word "nigger" in the same way Gringo is used on PBH. Nothing behind it for her at all, just the term they used back in the day in the Midwest, correct?
So my best friend comes over to visit and my sweet little grandma has a statue in front of her house of a little boy painted dark brown "fishing".....she referred to it in front of my fried=nd as the "little nigger boy fishing in the yard" (!!!!!!). In her mind, this is not offensive and there is NO WAY I can get my g ma to understand this is just offensive and a loaded word/label. It took every bit of energy to keep my gf from verbally going ballistic on my G-ma. I was sooooo embarrassed!

So how do you think my gf would have felt if I would have said "grow some thick skin, get over yourself, she doesnt mean anything by it" (???)

Instead I pulled my gf aside, calmed her down and reminded her that my g ma really will never understand, she has been using that word "lovingly" and she means nothing negative and it is not worth the bizarre discussion that will occur if we bring it too her attention.

My friend understood intelectually, but it would be insane to expect her to be able to re-wire the emotive response that can word created when she heard it! She could only bite her tongue and accept that in reality by g ma was not very empathetic. We also shortened our trip because of this BTW. ;)....

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:03:

CG you are so cool!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:29:

IMHO, the word you describe above, the one your grandma used when your friend came over, has the worst cognotation that I have ever heard, I just despise that word, it is humilliating and demening to its best. Sorry but you cannot compare the word Gringo to to the word N
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:32:

I agree with huskie, those two words are not even close in their connotations.

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:44:

Huskie? I am only comparing the fact that a "word" can be loaded to some and not for others and sometimes you really just cannot agree or understand the others perspective.

So, Huskie....now you are getting sensitve over a discussion of YOUR intrepretation of a low class word that is used as a label.

BTW I agree with you Absolutely NO comparision - That's why we left early and I was so embarrassed. BUT my story's point was not about comparing the words, only the inability for one to see the others side. Because she said it in the same way Gringo is said here and her explanations are the same. And I agree with the fact that she is ignorant, insensitve and closed minded too!
You read it the way you wanted to and are derailing now......I am not going there with ya gal....or BB either jeje ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:49:

And the word N is a high class word? Yeah right
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:55:

YOUR intrepretation of a low class word that is used as a label.

N is a low class word....period. But worse that that. Either way, if in every thread where there is a dscussion about "get over it" for Gringo and you replace it with N - that would be her response, she would NOT get it. AND she is not alone - if you are not aware of that Huskie, you have not met enough people that have lived in the Midwest or South from 2 generations back. They use it the same way.

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:58:

Desideria, I appreciate the anecdote, but I don't understand the connection to whether or not "gringo" is offensive.

CatGirl: good anecdote, also appreciated. I think you get what I'm saying here.

I just think people should be a little more thoughtful about the word. No one's really sure about the origins of the word, but even the fact that most people assume it goes back to the Mexican-American War (as a Mexican rejection of US troops who had conducted a good amount of raping and other forms of violence on the civilian population) is reason enough alone to group it with the "N" word and set it aside for good.

The fact that it's used adoringly amongst Colombians certainly doesn't mean that it's OK to use with people from the US either. Try translating "Negrito," another supposedly endearing term in Colombia, to English and directing that to an African-American male adult in the US. Exactly.

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:02:

CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 17:55: flag

YOUR intrepretation of a low class word that is used as a label.

N is a low class word....period. But worse that that. Either way, if in every thread where there is a dscussion about "get over it" for Gringo and you replace it with N - that would be her response, she would NOT get it. AND she is not alone - if you are not aware of that Huskie, you have not met enough people that have lived in the Midwest or South from 2 generations back. They use it the same way.
====

CG I am missing something...where is Huskie saying Gringo is a low class word?
Huskie is right you can't compare Gringo to the N word...
I grew up with gringos, one is sitting here right now as I type..I just asked him andhe is laughing...he loves it when I call him gringo...and so do all my GRINGA and GRINGO friends...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:10:

While there are many people that still use the N word, every person (with the possible exception of CG's granny) knows its negative connotations when using it. That is not the case with the way colombians use the word gringo, I always use it to refer to US americans and i always use it in a neutral (like the overwhelming majority of colombians) sense, neither as a term of endearment or as a derrogatory term, just like I would refer to somebody as Italian, english etc... If someone gets offended when they are refered to as gringo in colombia, that is a personal problem.

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:14:

Very well Billy!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:26:

I can't understand how people could feel so strongly about applying an ignorant nickname to other people that they would continue to defend the nickname even once the receiving party says their offended. People are offended, let it be and learn from it. You're best off not using the word.

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:29:

august, when they start calling you 'este gringo ihueputa', then start getting upset.

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houstongal (Trustee board) says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:32:

The way I see it, August, Catgirl and others are trying to apply US-centric thinking to a Colombian term. But y'all have to remember that this is a COLOMBIA forum and gringo/a is commonly used in Colombia in a non-derogatory manner. I'm considered china there, and I take no offense. When I travel, I "do as the Romans" do.

Sorry, but I have to side with MaFe, Huskie, BillyB and the other Colombians on this topic.

"It is now official: there's no place on earth where you will not find a Peruvian band." David Sedaris

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:36:

MaFe: CG I am missing something...where is Huskie saying Gringo is a low class word?

Yes - you are missing or I am not relaying the info the way intended Huskies NEVER said this. I did.

Huskie is right you can't compare Gringo to the N word...

Relax Amiga ;)) - maybe you missed this when I said ? "BUT my story's point was not about comparing the words, only the inability for one to see the others side"

Where did I compare words? and how many times do I need to say I was not comparing words

BB - While there are many people that still use the N word, every person (with the possible exception of CG's granny) knows its negative connotations when using it. That is not the case with the way colombians use the word gringo, I always use it to refer to US americans and i always use it in a neutral

jajaja You are funny !! (That also happened over 20 years ago BTW, she may not do it nowadays)....OK Billy. So, Billy, Nnow we are disussing that to some Gringo is considered offensive - So Now You are Informed and Educated and Made aware of this .... and many others on the board, correct? This is PBH, cyberworld. Not Colombia, as you point out.

And BTW my ex never used Gringo with his very casual Amigos that called him Gringo,- he used the word Americano/a and was unaware of the possible loaded meaning behind the word.

For the record? I am not offended with the word...but it was weird when I opened PBH and saw it everywhere because it is almost a non - word to me. I am suprised by the reactions people are having to this. Hey, I saw a post some time back about Colombians feeling more Hispanic than Latin. All very subjective, everyone is different.

So until I see on a form under Race or Ethnicity "Gringo" - it will remain a slang/non word to me. ;))

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:43:

If a particular gringo asks me not refer to them in particular as gringo, I will comply, but if a particular gringo asks me not to refer to ALL gringos as gringos, well that's not going to happen.

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august says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:44:

Houstongal, actually though the debate is quite relevant because the original post is a greeting to people from the US, not Colombia - remember "USA Gringos." I mean if you want to encourage Colombians to be unaware of the fact that Asia consists of more countries than China, that's fine, but it's a bit patronizing in my view. Some of us would just prefer to be seen as something more than stereotypes based on "Clint Eastwood" or that dude from "Complices."

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:47:

"Hey, I saw a post some time back about Colombians feeling more Hispanic than Latin. All very subjective, everyone is different.'

I've never undestood the difference, but it's irrelevant to me anyway, since I think of myself as Colombian and not as a latino or hispanic, or whateves (that's for you TG ). I don't have any particular affinity for Ecuadoreans, Venezuelans, etc, just because they happen to come from the same 'hood.

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:52:

"I'm considered china there"

And everybody of middleastern ancestry is refered to a turco, regardless of where they are from and again in a non-derrogatory manner. If being called a gringo is such an irritation, it might be best to stay out of Colombia, because it ain't gonna change.

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:53:

BB I've never undestood the difference, but it's irrelevant to me anyway

Yep...it is confusing sometimes. Hey, look at the website "LatinAmericanCupid" and all the nationalities/countries they clump in that website. If your language is Latin based I guess they consider you Latin? I dunno. Sh** the fireworks are starting!!!

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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billyb says on Jul 4, 2008, 18:56:

" This is PBH, cyberworld. Not Colombia, as you point out."


My quote actually was "That is not the case with the way colombians use the word gringo", I never restricted to it being used IN Colombia, but used BY Colombians.

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MaFe says on Jul 4, 2008, 19:05:

Let's get back to the topic.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY GRINGOS!!!
(This includes everyone in the US, despite your national background!)

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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Lisa Zee says on Jul 4, 2008, 19:08:

Here we go again with the gringo thing,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
If you are a Estadounidense and want to go to Colombia, and not be called gringo, stay home.

My son was called by my young relatives "gringo montanero"!!!!! and he would called them back : "paisa montanero"

Feliz Navidad!

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CatGirl says on Jul 4, 2008, 19:12:

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To ALL THAT OBSERVE THE HOLIDAY ;)

Love and Time: the only two things that cannot be bought, but only spent

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huskie says on Jul 4, 2008, 19:15:

Cat girl says:
"N is a low class word....period. But worse that that. Either way, if in every thread where there is a dscussion about "get over it" for Gringo and you replace it with N - that would be her response, she would NOT get it. AND she is not alone - if you are not aware of that Huskie, you have not met enough people that have lived in the Midwest or South from 2 generations back. They use it the same way"

Sorry to tell you, my husband's family on his mother's side are all from the Midwest, his father's from Texas, I never, ever, ever heard them say anything like that!!!! Never a racist or demining comment about anybody, white, yellow, brown, red, blue or any color. And when my husband is asked where his is from, and believe me he has been asked many times, he says: I am a Gringo
Cheers

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds-"

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Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Jul 5, 2008, 03:24:

August, I don't know what prompted me to tell about the change of heart of my Gringo brother. Perhaps the idea that through exposure to different cultures a person usually experiences some personal growth, becomes more accepting of foreign ways of thinking, becomes less ethnocentric.

My attitude and my usage of the G-word is pretty much the same as Billy's. But I have lived in both Colombia and USA and have no problem with that particular Colombian habit of painting with a wide brush over nationalities, phenotypes, ethnic origins etc. It's SO nonPC that it is a kind of refreshing.

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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GregYohn says on Jul 5, 2008, 07:13:

Hola!

When I last visited Cali, I had my taxi driver and bus driver think I was either German or Italian when I got a ride back from the airport.

My relatives have even been in the USA before July 4th, 1776!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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Philly says on Jul 5, 2008, 07:53:

If someone was to call me "Nigger", I would not care who they are. I would punch them in the freakin face PERIOD. The word is disrepectful. My ancestors fought long and hard for this respect. This is why I do not accept the word "Negro" here in Colombia. I am an African American man. PERIOD!!!!! Do not call me anything but my name, and you do not remember my name call me teacher or prof like everyone else does.

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GregYohn says on Jul 5, 2008, 08:25:

Hola!

I learned that Negro is the male version of Black in Spanish.

When someone looks at you in Colombia they do not say WAIT, that guy came from the USA and is not a local guy from Colombia. To expect Colombians to change their culture is rather challenging. Remember you said your ancestors fought long and hard for respect, but that happened in the USA. The culture of Colombia is not the same as in the USA, but those that know you personally will learn of your wishes on how to be addressed. If people in another country consider anyone from the USA is a Gringo, then expect it to happen. Do you know if people say of others from Africa as Colombian African? The language in Spanish may not be used to using African American.

I mentioned before that people in Colombia considered me not from the USA. They would think I was German or Italian. I can not help that people in Colombia never see US citizens very often! For me, considering many bad foreign policy actions of the US government means the locals think better of me than having them think I voted for BUSH!

In Cali for example, there are 2 futbol teams, Deportivo Cali and America. Of course, America is not from the USA, so locally America for a Colombian might not be USA or North American. If you know Spanish well, what is the Spanish version of what you would like to be called? Then, you use what locals think of you in their country. Their answer might make you unhappy, so expect it!

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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Philly says on Jul 5, 2008, 08:44:

I feel everything what you are saying, but my belief is the Colombian Africans are far behind the times. The accept things that are unacceptable. TO ME AND ALL THE OTHER AFRICANS. They are trapped in Colombian and have no idea they are being disrespecting.

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GregYohn says on Jul 5, 2008, 10:09:

Hola!

I have heard things said by Colombians that TOTALLY would not be acceptable to be said in public in the USA. The class concept is REALLY in force there. You can see how fast a wealthy person is treated compared to regular person. I saw it even happen at Avianca at JFK. Of course, it was not appropriate in the USA, but class & racial concepts are more rigid in Colombia than the USA.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg

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august says on Jul 7, 2008, 07:27:

Yeah, I dunno. I just don´t see any reason to cushion Colombians under the flag of cultural sensitivity. I refuse to believe that they refer to all people of Middle Eastern backgrounds as "Turcos" and all people of Asian backgrounds as "Chinos" simply because it´s cute or something ridiculous like that. It´s due to lack of exposure to foreign cultures people! I promise it´s in Colombia´s best interest to catch up with the times.

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Albatross says on Jul 7, 2008, 08:38:

"This is why I do not accept the word "Negro" here in Colombia."
Who the f* are you, gringo, to "not accept" Colombian culture ?

"TO ME AND ALL THE OTHER AFRICANS"... this reminds me of a moment a few years ago when I met a girl from Algeria on a bus in North Carolina. She and I were literally the only two non-blacks on the entire bus. She had dark hair and eyes, but light skin... but after awhile, it dawned on me that she was the ONLY African on the bus.

I only wish a few more people had the sense to figure out the difference between American and African.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

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Albatross says on Jul 7, 2008, 08:47:

I wonder if Finns take offense at the term "Pickled Herring Eaters" ?... or "Reindeer Lovers" ?

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

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august says on Jul 8, 2008, 14:11:

But Albatross, "who the f* are you" to criticize how someone self-identifies?

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jonas says on Jul 8, 2008, 14:56:

off topic?

Mi alma se la dejo al diablo

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