Harvest of Empire

Puerto Ricans: Citizens Yet Foreigners

Ashton HagaENGL 3326February 20, 2012

Location
Smallest by land of Greater AntillesIncludes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islandsVieques, Culebra, and Mona

Brief History of Puerto Rico
Columbus discovered in 1493Native people known as TanosUnder Spanish rule, forced into slaveryNearly wiped out due to European diseasesSpain ceded Puerto Rico to United States in Treaty of Paris 1898Since 1947, Puerto Rican citizens are able to elect their own governorcannot vote in U.S. presidential election

Poverty in Puerto Rico
3.8 million people live in Puerto RicoAs of 2008, 44.8% of the population is below the poverty levelAs of 2011, 16% unemployment rate Average family size: 3.6Income per family: $27,017As of 2007, 1.479 million people in the labor forceAgriculture 2.1%Industry 19%Services 79%During Great Depression, heavy migration to New York City

Migration: The Puerto Rican Experiencehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJnvmcsF6-A

Gang Activity
From mid 1940s through mid 1960sFrom war production/manufacturing to service jobsYouth facing discrimination more likely to joinGangs faded in the 1960s due to public programs and increased drug use

Gangland: Latin Kings of NYC Part 1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59oQdI5xnLA&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL9E58BABFDA158478

Drug Use
Most likely to turn to drugs if unable to successfully learn American meanings and perspectivesFocus on wealth and freedom