Stories about Ethnicity & Race from July, 2015
So the Caribbean Walks Into a Bar…
#IfTheCaribbeanWasABar is trending in the regional blogosphere, bringing up issues of shared territory and identity in hilarious and illuminating ways.
Battle of the Hashtags in Lead-up to Trinidad & Tobago's General Elections
The sparring match between Trinidad and Tobago's two main political parties on the eve of the country's general election has been duly hashtagged.
Greece Crisis Propelling Some Ethnic Greeks Back to Their Homeland on a Turkish Island
Greeks and Turks share a love and pride for the beautiful island called Gökçeada by the former and Imbros by the latter.
How Boko Haram Is Changing International Politics in Western and Central Africa
Boko Haram has revved up its attacks against many African nations in the past several weeks. Here is a recap of the conflict in the region so far this year.
The Origins of Anti-Haitian Sentiment in the Dominican Republic
Ruling the Dominican Republic from 1930 until his assassination in 1961, Rafael Trujillo used anti-Haitian ideology to rally Dominicans around his dictatorship.
Mexican Army Accused of Shooting Civilians During Operation in Michoacán
Independent media reported that the Mexican Army opened fire against civilians in the indigenous community of Ostula in Michoacán state. One news outlet said a 12-year-old boy was killed.
Enough With the ‘Us Versus Them Mentality'—We Are All Trinidadian
Lily Kwok posted a photo of herself on Facebook holding a placard that said, "I will not 'Go back to China'. I am Trinidadian" following a spate of anti-Chinese racism.
The Force Isn't Strong With Trinidad & Tobago's Newest Political Party
The Third Force Movement announced less than two weeks after its launch that it will not be contesting the country's general elections in September. Cue the Star Wars jokes.
Trinidad & Tobago’s Chinese Community Is Dog-Tired of Racial Stereotyping
Video of dog being skinned (allegedly at a Chinese restaurant) goes viral. Health minister hastily comments. Local Chinese community hits back online to try to bring the minister to heel.
Mexican Newspaper Launches Mayan-Language Edition
Mayan is the second most important indigenous language in Mexico, spoken by about 800,000 people.
Russian Social Networks Start Courting Russian Users Sick of Censorship on Facebook
Following several scandals in Russia and Ukraine, where Facebook has censored dozens of popular bloggers, Russia is now witnessing an effort to recruit people back to homegrown social networks.
Japan’s ‘Double’ Miss Universe Tests the Country’s Changing Attitudes on Race
"So what if Ariana doesn't look like a pure-blooded Japanese? Her mom's Japanese...and she said her daughter's acclimated to Japanese culture. Ariana's an elegant Japanese woman!"
Japan's Cosplay Culture Helps a Global Community Experiment With Identity
Cosplay, a term that describes dressing up like fictional characters, transcends ethnic and cultural borders and promotes personal empowerment.
Do You Know These 10 Afro-Puerto Ricans?
The reclaiming of history as an ally of marginalized groups is key to their very survival. This is especially true in a colonial context such as Puerto Rico, where history has been and continues to be used as a means to justify inequalities and deny visibility. In the spirit of...
Hungarians Use Wit, Paint and Photoshop to Deface the Government's Anti-Immigration Billboards
The Fidesz-led government has mounted giant billboards across the country touting a xenophobic agenda. Hungarians are responding to these anti-immigration messages with creative defiance.
Documentary ‘Too Black To Be French’ Wants to Start an Honest Conversation on Race in France
“Too Black to Be French” is a documentary made by Isabelle Boni-Claverie, a French-Ivorian writer and filmmaker. Boni-Claverie's goal is to provide unexplored ideas and start a conversation on French society's inequalities and discrimination. The documentary includes commentary and analyses from renowned Francophone thinkers such as Eric Fassin, Pap Ndiaye, Achille Mbembe, Patrick...
