Racism in Costa Rica

Ticos consider themselves white and have historically discriminated against the Caribbean blacks who make up about 3% of the population. (It wasn't until 1948 that they were even allowed to venture from the east coast). Current racial tension seems focused more on the Nicas- this isn't to do with skin color but the belief that immigration is not controlled, jobs are taken and crime has increased as a result of the expanding number of Nicaraguans.
So what country can honestly say that its minority racial groups are in no way subject to discriminatory practices and that it in no way holds immigration issues responsible for a variety of social problems (real or perceived)?
I think your comment that there is "underlying racism" against "anyone whose skin tone is a shade darker than white" is way over stated and frankly nonsense. There are many Asians and Indians who happily call CR home. Interestingly, most Ticos hold good manners as such an important social grace that its very rare for visitors of any color to have first hand experience of racism in the country. I'd be interested to hear of any experiences to the contrary.

Well, yes racism has a place in CR, and it is mainly towards the Afro Caribe Blacks, as well as the Indians, but what else is new, Africans are the most abused peoples in almost all the Americas, not just Latin America, from the Miskito coast all the way to the Colombian, Brazillian areas on the coast, they have had para military kill entire villages, major oil and energy companies exploit thier lands, governments seize thier property, and also clashes with other groups, such as native indians and Andean/Inca peoples.

Costa Rica certainly has a obvious vain of heat towrds the Limon province, and thats why its considered off the beaten path, as many tour operators, hotel and tourist industry people do not like it, nor reccommend it to people. But, most the folks I hang out with in CR like the Caribe side very much, and it all come down to ignorance, just like in the USA- people presume one thought, based on bad info from another person, or think one crime is basically the same for all.

Nicaragua suffers the same prejudice, as Nicos are even treated poorly by police and government policy.

I was told my first couple years to no visit Pt Viejo, even my best friend that turned nme onto the country, had a run in with some coke heads late night (Duh), and didnt like the vibe.

When I made it here, I loved it, Cahuita and Manzanillo folks are great, a seperate culture from the western pacific, and the food and music is a lot better.

Now, Limon, with its poverty, and the fact its a dirty hub of dockhands, truck drivers and cargo haulers and helpers, cheap drugs and a party atmosphere, make it a toxic cocktail for the outsider no doubt.

I hope people keep saying bad things about the coast, that measn less tourist will go, so I can have the place to myself :)

#1, I think you got your facts wrong.

The vast majority of Costa Ricans are not mestizo, they are European.

Read this:
PEOPLE: The principal ethnic majority are the Whites of European descent with many pure Spanish. Around 87% of the population are White while 7% are Mestizos who are of mixed Spanish and AmerIndian descent and 3% are Black Africans or Mulattoes.
Reference: Costa Rican Ethnicity

Lonely planet guide is not explicit on this, but I think the Moon guide is.

I envy you visiting CR for three weeks, but maybe it's just me, but I am not going to make racism a topic of my trip report to Costa Rica.

Like TicoTim says, racism exists everywhere and EVERYONE knows it.

Have a good day.
Steve.

optique, I assume by #1 you mean the OP because thats not my quote.
I agree with you that the OP has oddly chosen to take racism to heart on her holidays in a country where racism is probably overall less prevalant than in a lot of other countries.

Personally, we should all take "racism to heart", and avoid being "desensitized" because it's pervalent throughout the world. It doesn't make it any better. Discussion and awareness can lead to positive change. In visting other parts of the world, you don't just see the good parts, you take it all in, and get the full picture, the good and bad, which makes it real. I'm glad Emma included racism on her "trip report to Costa Rica", after all it was part of her Costa Rican experience... and she still managed to have a "fantastic 3 weeks"!

Boomer,

Yeah, I meant the OP. Sorry.

I really like this forum, most of the time!

Good day to all.
Steve.

As Boomer says, Racism or prejudices in CR are really subtle and not on the top 10 list of issues facing the culture...at least from I have observed in 5 years of visiting CR.

It is a very liberal society compared to most it neighbors, when it comes to marriage, family, gay lifestyle, ethnic culture, and social status.

hi emma boomer jas it spot on for historical perspective. my personal opinion is that you see less racisam here than in most of the rest of the world. that said i do notice a definate food chai there. its whites blacks asians in decending order. then comes there nicaraguan servants folowed by the dogs. eating from the garbage cans and last on the food chain are the bri bri indians. kinda sad all in all
don

Lighter skinned people have the advantage in most places in the world. In Mexico, for example, a moreno (dark skinned person), does not have the as his or her light skinned brother or sister. They say they are not racists, but admit to being classists.