And Once Again, Changes...

Yes, I have been thinking about changes again. The reason? I am back to the place where I learn to be the person that I am today yet, I cannot identify myself with the changes in the culture.

I was born here in Ponce, Puerto Rico. We lived in a decent neighborhood but it was very humble and simple. There where things that were pounded in my head as; be respectful of your elders, be kind, work hard, be proud and help others. I have taken those rules along my journey through the U.S. because I thought that was the best way to honor my heritage. Now, after living here for almost six months now, I discover that the new generation of Puerto Ricans are much different than my generation or those before me.

I love this Island, I love the culture I grew up in. I love the customs and traditions, the old wives tales, the food, the celebrations and the pride that emanates from every Puerto Rican. Today, I ache for this Island because it has been neglected by the very people that say they love it.  I am tired of seeing young men thinking that being "Billy bad ass" is the most important thing to define your manhood. I am tired of seeing young women thinking that they will be more attractive by showing as much skin as they can.  And while they are so concerned with their image, they dump trash along the highways, rivers and beaches ruining the beauty of the Island.

I used to live in a place where I was "different" because I listened to heavy metal while everybody else listened to salsa and merengue. Today, most of these young people listen to reggaeton which, in my opinion, is a spin from hip hop and has nothing latino or traditional about it but the mere fact that they sing in Spanish. When I am in the States and I hear salsa, I want to jump up and dance and it excites me because it is the music from my Island. When I hear reggaeton, I despise it as much as I do rap.

I am not saying that there is no hope for this Island but what I am saying is that I wish they would be less of a Newyoricans infected with the hip hop culture and be more Puerto Ricans proud of their traditions and willing to keep this Island safe, clean and friendly.