Being Black in Medellin, Colombia

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• Of course there's racism in Colombia, just - as you say - there is everywhere else in the world. TOURISTS regardless of race, perceived as wealthy by the mere fact that they are tourists, are treated differently and even "affectionately" when they are coded as tourists. But the fact that the gentleman in the video says Colombia has many people of African descent, but they're mostly on the street selling strawberries in El Poblado should give you an indication of systematic socioeconomic differentiation based on a color-based class hierarchy. Certainly, Latin America's color issues are manifest differently than those in the US/Canada because of our historic view of race being inherited versus the Latin American idea of race being tied to surface-level physical characteristics.

  I lived in Colombia from 2005-2009 and wrote about my own personal experiences dealing with race and color issues there: http://www.fly-brother.com/2010/11/repost-black-like-me-in-honor-of-brazils-black-consciousness-day/

  -Fly Brother

• "Latin America’s color issues are manifest differently than those in the US/Canada because of our historic view of race being inherited versus the Latin American idea of race being tied to surface-level physical characteristics."

  This is something I've noticed living in Colombia, by the casualness with which they'll refer to people by the color of their skin. What I still have a hard time with is the affectionate use of "negrito" or "negrita" which still strikes a wrong chord with me, even though I know it's not said with any malice.

  I first encountered it in South Africa though, a few months before my arrival in Colombia.

  Thanks for sharing your article...going to read it right now.

• Its odd (and disrespectful) how Colombians refer to any Asian, of any heritage, as "chino".

• It's not intended to be disrespectful, we also use "chino(a)" as a way to refer to children, or someone who's very young, instead of saying boy/girl. But I do see you're point on the generalization of the whole '"Asian" race similar to English how people say Asian in reference to all "oriental" races.

• Exactly

• I work with a few Colombians in america, and there's always a sense of superiority about them. You're doing things by the book, and they'll come along saying "Let's just try it MY just this once. I think it might work better"...and it ends up making the job take twice as long, and less safe. Also, they don't seem to be able to complete a task alone. I don't know if this is some 3rd-world village mentality where everyone works together for survival or something, but they always want someone to come help them, then find an excuse to go do something else, leaving that person doing THEIR task. ALONE.

• What kind of work do you do?

• I forgot to mention, I and the rest of my co-workers, apart from the Colombians who emigrated here, are black.

• I'm glad someone addressed this issue. I am a Black American woman and I live in Laureles/San Joaquin. I see about three Black people a day. I've been here for a year and people still stare at me daily. It never feels like aggressive racism, but it does feel like "surprised to see you here." Uncomfortable to me.

  Also, the Afro-Colombian population is around 28% which is much higher than the US. Just addressing the statement made in the video.

• Yeah I know the feeling, I'm not black or a woman, but I lived in San Joaquin for a year as well and everyday I was in Colombia people would star at me. When I was with my Colombian girlfriend sometimes very aggressively. Defiantly makes things uncomfortable for a while... Just gotta get use to it I guess not much of an option. Quite a bit better than when I lived in Guyana though.

• I'm a Black-American and my fiancé is White-Hispanic. Most of his family lives abroad but the grandfather who is from Cali, Colomubia wants everyone to get together for a family reunion this winter. All of the planning is underway and his grandmother has offered to purchase tickets. The problem is, he is concerned about my going because he's worried about how I will be treated if I go.

  His family there is very affluent and I know that they have kept to their "class." When his grandfather was a young man (and moved to the US) he was know to dislike Black People. From what I understand he learned to adapt and none of his own children (i.e., my fiancé's Dad, Uncle nor Aunt) were raised with any prejudices. In fact, the entire American family has been overwhelmingly loving and kind. However, his grandfather has developed dementia and has regressed, and the OTHER FEAR is that he may get upset by the fact that I am Black and disapprove.

  I'm not sure how to address this, I know that he wants to protect me and I don't want to force myself on a whole branch of his family.

  I've experienced racism abroad and it's no joke! I was more concerned with being hated for being an American until I was threatened by a man. Which brings me to another thought, Black American Men when traveling abroad are more often viewed as Athletes, Musicians, Military Personnel or some type of celebrity. I'm a polite business woman with mixed heritage and I make sure to carry myself in a respectable manner and observe local customs wherever I go. The staring doesn't bother me, but, I've been treated and heard of other Black Ladies being treated and called things like "infiltrators" and "opportunistic prostitutes."

  What to do? There seems to be no way to win. I would love to hear your input.

• Hi "Poco de Coco", i originally replied thinking your post was the beginning of a thread. a few posts below you can see what i wrote.

• I live in New York City part of the year and Medellín, Colombia the other part of the year, which makes up the majority nowadays. Despite my Hispanic last name, I am considered African-American in the states. In Colombia, after opening my mouth for the first time, I am instantly considered a gringo from the United States. And that's it. In my personal experience, the thinking does not go too far beyond that.

  However, I am not an ethnic woman, nor do I know of any who has visited Colombia, but I will say this. Colombians, particularly those who have status, tend to highly respect English speaking North Americans who are clearly educated, refined and elegant. They love to converse in English, so if some know it, you'll be a hit, because they'll want to show and practice their skills with you. I would venture to say that you'd be just fine. Be pilot, but not like a servant. You are the well chosen future wife of one of their own. So act like that too. That is your status. Be respectful and graceful, displaying excitement to meet your new family. Do your best to ignore anything that appears a bit unwanted, but only up to a point. Simply walk away from any truly hurtful occurrence, without words or explanation (other than "excuse me" or "perdón") and seek out your fiancé to address, rectify or ignore. Don't be too, too, lovey-dovey as that is a sign of a pre-pago (woman for hire). Show your love and care as a business woman would at an affair. Get food, bring a drink for him. Give a light kiss on the cheek, hold his hand from time to time. These are all Ok, in moderation. But as a wife would, not as a gushy high school, love-striken little girl would. You're a professional.

  Lastly, I would think that your fiancé can really provide the basis from which all others will take their lead. It is how he presents you, how he treats you, how he speaks of you that will dictate all. If he shows his genuine love for you without hesitation, and his gestures with you are gestures of adulation, the same is likely to flow from everyone else. He is the key, more than you are.

  So get down there and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Good luck.

• Well I have been living in bogota now for about 2 years and have been all over Colombia. I'm 6'2 115kg and causation. I get noticed and stared at wherever I go so I don't know if it's just a black thing or a 'your not from around here' kind of thing. Like a few of the previouse posters have said its not done in a nasty way just your diffrent so I'm going to look. I have found most Colombians whatever there colour to be very friendly and welcoming but it's still Colombia and you have to be careful where you go.... I will say that Colombian have a lot of pre conceived ideas about people depending on where there from with no real basis or justification. I'm British and an example of this is almost all Colombians think Europeans are cold and less careing, polite etc than Colombians. However when you ask them 99% have never been to Europe it's just what they have been told. My Colombian wife's family where amazed when they met me and my hole family and realized we are just as worm and as much fun as they are. Generally I wouldn't think you would have a problem, Colombians pride themselves on being welcoming and friendly, if your family I would expect them to treat you as such.

• I'm a black man and I've been to Medellin several times. I have never experienced any racism. Definitely not enough to discourage anyone from travelling there. It has been my experience that Colombians, men and women, have been extremely friendly and helpful.

• The gentlemen from the USA is unaware of his privilege as a Black North American in Medellin, where his race is trumped by his passport and his wallet. Black Colombians are systematically discriminated against in education, housing and jobs throughout the entire country. You don't see it as much in Medellin, because there is a relatively small population of Black Colombians.

  I've lived in both Cartagena and Medellín. The cities could not be more different, but one thing they share is racism. Cartagena was a primary entry port during the slave trade, but there was never a large population of slaves in Medellin. Slavery was outlawed in Colombia, but blacks have never been treated as equals. If you are born black in Colombia, chances are you were born poor—in a segregated barrio—with substandard education. And no chance to change that script, since there have never been federal programs in Colombia to "level the playing field" among the races.

  And crime? Give me a break. Just because the man has not had the camera lifted, does not mean he has not been staked out. It only means the opportunity (for the thief) has not been quite right. Thirty days in Medellín without getting popped does not make one an expert in crime analysis; it simply means that one has been lucky.

• " I’ve been here for a year and people still stare at me daily. It never feels like aggressive racism, but it does feel like “surprised to see you here.” Uncomfortable to me."

  I get stared at constantly and I am white. If you have preconceived things in your head then you will look for them to be true. People here look at people more than the states, as many people in the states don't make eye contact. Look how you dress for example, i know some of the people posting, and the style of clothes we use are different and also how we carry ourselves, act, etc. The black American women i know stand out compared to the black Colombian women i know(different style and look), so i think this plays into people staring, also i lived in that area for many months as well, and i rarely saw any black people, so that might play into it also. a black person with USA style walking around in certain areas is as unique as me walking around the barrios where my schools are. People are going to look, its not about race. especially in neighborhoods where they know everyone, you are a stranger,its just that simple.

  I live in a lower "class/strato" barrio, and i constantly get the looks, and yes sometimes it bothers me because i would love to blend in more at times, but at times i love the attention because it lets me meet people i couldnt meet in other more "cold" and unfriendly places. too many people have the "they are staring at me cuz i am black" or "maybe i got fired cuz i am black" thing going on.. just live life, and unless its completely clear someone is being funny towards you for a specific reason, don´t focus on it. i have been treated funny by black people and told they hated white people, etc.. i dont let it phase me, just keep moving on to people who like me..

  As for the original post, i think Olivers words were just great. i totally agree with the point about the fiance, if his actions speak "this is my better half and i respect her and you better also if you want to be in my life" then that sets a great tone. I teach kids, and some of them love me and some give me attitude. it saddens me a bit that not all of them love me ;) i admitt it, but its life..just carry on and enjoy the people who do love you , no matter if at the family event, work, wherever.. i wish you the best..

• Whilst I agree with the majority of your comment Vicki, you're wrong by saying you don't see it in Medellin. Did you ever visit the San Antonio side of El Centro or the far flung barrios in Comuna 8? Not that the majority of people reading this will ever leave Poblado or Laureles, but Villatina and 13 de Noviembre have a very large population of Afro-Colombians; both people born in Medellin or recent arrivals from Chocó. As you said, segregated and impoverished areas where life can be very cheap.

  I enjoy living here, yet the inherent racism and imposed segregation towards Afro-Colombians is fairly sickening and has always left a sour taste in my mouth. It seems to penetrate all aspects of life too.

• Go into any bank throughout Antioquia and you will never see a black receptionist. Racism exists but no more than any other parts of Latin America.