PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

What is PBH really about?

While PBH has certainly been an informative source for me, the sad reality is that there are a number of posts that smack of gringo racism. Thus far, I haven’t commented on it because I’m here to share/learn, not argue.

One of the most refreshing aspects of my Colombian vacations has been the absence of racist innuendoes or behavior. Yet, on this board we do have several American and Canadian posters who betray their personal beliefs and/or histories in their writings.

It’s interesting because these same American and Canadian posters are themselves involved in multiracial relationships.

Obviously the United States, and by extension Canada, has a different history with African descendants than does Colombian. Different histories lead to different present day attitudes. Granted, Colombia too had African slaves, and their descendants today have fewer economic/educational opportunities and therefore as a group are relatively poorer than African descendants in North America. Yet, there is less racism in Colombia. So, as an African descendant, it’s strange to feel more comfortable in Colombia than I do in my own land.

That comfort, in part, manifested itself in my relationship with a Colombian woman, and my participation in PBH.

So, knowing the racial breakdown of the Atlantic coast and the absence of some of the North American attitudes about race (even Bogota was far different from N. America), it saddens me to witness these attitudes promulgated throughout a site that is supposed to have a Colombian flavor. Kind of makes it a farce.

In fact, this can be extrapolated into other themes as well: music, relationships, social behavior. I see certain situations in Colombia where North American examples are replicated, for example modeling and fashion. I hope Colombia doesn’t overly compromise its flavor trying to be equal to our imperfect world in the North. But that mixing, that influence, that raping of Colombia bothers me. But I guess it is what it is.

I wrote this because again, PBH has been an informative source for me, but I just don’t know if it makes sense to continue if it is in reality dominated by gringo attitudes. That wouldn’t really bring me any closer to Colombia.

In the end, if I want to know more about Colombia, I do live with one. I do have personal friendships with Colombians, and to escape the gringo attitude I always have a place to rest my head in country. That may have to do. I wish you all the best but I think I’m outta here.

By cam0940 on Oct 1, 2005, 19:24 in Friendly Talkzone.

bobbyb says on Oct 1, 2005, 19:30:

suerte Cam It was nice talking with ya' I kinda have the same feelings

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kernow62 says on Oct 1, 2005, 19:33:

Ciao as Zagarise would say.

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toneloc24 says on Oct 1, 2005, 19:43:

Stick around Cam. With the good comes the bad. I agree with much of what you just wrote, esp. about the race-related threads.

I continue to enjoy Colombia and its people. I continue to contribute this site. Sure things can be tweaked, but what in life is perfect?

I help out here where I can, as many Colombians, here in the USA and there, have shown me a different Colombia than the media reports here in the USA, or that represents the views of several posters on this site. I've met some folks from the site during my travels, including Elmo, and I am much the wiser as a result. Good experiences all around. However, there are some that could never be my kinda people, nor require a 2nd thought from me. Such is life.

I do hope that you reconsider.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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bobbyb says on Oct 1, 2005, 20:01:

toneloc24 How could you possiably become wiser by meeting Elmo?

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kernow62 says on Oct 1, 2005, 20:02:

You have the right idea toneloc24, you understand Colombia better than a lot of people on this board, and I am sure you get more enjoyment from your trips because you have an open mind and treat people with respect.

PBH is always going to upset somebody, but the knowledge and wisdom of the forum far outweighs the upseting aspect. IMHO

Hardly a day goes by that I don't learn something new by visiting this forum.

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kernow62 says on Oct 1, 2005, 20:04:

bobbyb, don't let Elmo fool you. Read between the lines, not what the words are saying.

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toneloc24 says on Oct 1, 2005, 20:07:

He probably understands a lot more about Colombia and Colombians than 95% of the people posting here. He's definitely nothing like you'd imagine, judging from his posts. They do make the day a whole lot funnier nonetheless.

From my experiences in Colombia, much of what he says mirrors my experiences with normal Colombians (of course, not including the well-to-do). Except the burra-loving. LOL!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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kernow62 says on Oct 1, 2005, 20:17:

I suppose as the well-to-do are a minority it is OK to say they aren't normal Colombians.

Discrimination I say! ;-)

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Lostgringo says on Oct 2, 2005, 19:57:

Monitors or mediators need to take a pro-active role here It is simple. Delete the posts that do not promote constructive critism and are racist. If a person continues to be racist in his remarks ban him/her. No one needs this crap here on the site. Yes it happens all over the world. But is should not be allowed in these disucussions. IMHO.

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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Rubiazo says on Oct 3, 2005, 00:00:

Fucking canuck spic chink jew boy bitch :)))))))))))))))))

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Lostgringo says on Oct 4, 2005, 15:54:

Tinto are you a moderator? Well there you have it. Said by a the wiseman Rubiazo. Is his post deleted? Does Tinto say anything to him? Does Peter care? The answer of course to all of is NO.

This should not be the "Friendly Talk Zone!" It should be the "Jerry Spinger Forum". I will stop posting on this site now like others before me. I have no use for most of the people posting here.

Bye!

Your Home Away from Home www.welovebogota.com and www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartments and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy! 24/7 hour security.

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Rubiazo says on Oct 4, 2005, 21:44:

Oh come on it was a fucking JOKE man!!! Did that seriously bother you?

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kernow62 says on Oct 5, 2005, 04:59:

I can't believe you got pissed off about that Franko, anyone could see it was a joke. All jokes aren't in good taste, but it was obvious that Rubi wasn't being serious.

I think the :))))))))) would have given one a clue.

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protocol13 says on Oct 6, 2005, 15:53:

Cam: There is too much sensitivity. Just relax and enjoy life, drink a glass of cold water and, and stop being bothered by comments, which is all they are comments. By the way, racists are of any race and nationality.

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