Sex, Race, and Ecuador (a question)

[hot500]

I was looking at some info for my study abroad program and I noticed there was very little on racial issues in Ecuador. I am concerned about the racial climate (I am an African American female). There is a lot of information about VERY friendly men and how to protect yourself but nothing about race...

[NYCgringa]

Hi,
When I studied abroad in ec., there were a few African American students in my group and I don't recall them ever feeling uncomfortable. There are plenty of ecuadorian blacks and I don't think you need to worry about racial tension.

[ATREYES]

Hi,
I read your post on ecuador.com and I would like to give you my opinion. But first, I would like to give you some of my background. I am an ecuadorian (borned and raced) whom moved to the US at the age of 17 in 1991. I recently went back after ten years and I can say that although many thigs have changed (for the worse), many good things are still alive an well. People are still friendly and eager to alway help strangers out.

In terms of race most ecuadorians are mixed and have no issues with relating with one another. I would point out however that although the term racism is almost unheard of in Ecuador, there is something I categorize as regionalism. People from different regions seem to have problems with one another (regardless of what americans consider race - balck, brown, white, or native). If you are from the highlands (la cierra, and anywhere in the andes) you are considered a "longo". On the other hand if you are from the coast you are considered a "mono". Last, if you are from the farmland (in the coast) you are considered "montuvio". These terms are derogatory and are used by un-educated and intolerant people (like in the US) who point out diferences amongst native ecuadorians. Tipically this affects native ecuadorians and not US citizens.

Another form of "ism" is classism. Unlike the class system in India, Ecuadorians have a more mild version of class system. When you go to Ecuador, depending of how much you go, you will clearly notice the rich from the poor. In Ecuador you will find only three types of people: rich, poor, and very poor. Each group looks down upon the other (regardless of race). By the way, no matter what kind of economic status you have here in the US, ecuadorians will always assum that you are rich or at least much better of than them. This can be good in the proper circle of groups you are in. One advice I can give you is: never say that the US is better. Although you and I know that this may be true, Ecuadorians do not want to hear it. It only re-enforces the bad cituation they are in.

I hope that this is of any use to you. I am happy to hear that you are considering going there. I believe that your trip to Ecuador will be an eye opener experiense. If you are charitable person, bring bag full of old cloths and give them to the poor or a local church. There is many poor people that would love to have a new"er" set of shoes or socks.

Angel

[torquenut3]

Angel my hat off to you! Very nice reply and it is so true. I am from Ambato and rememberd the Monos Y monas during la fiesta, but forgot that we also had a name. The classism between neighbors is alive an well during New Years or what we call ano vieho, where the barious do a scene on the old year. The winner has bragging rights for one whole year!