Racism in Peru? The Case of Ricardo Apaza
Last December, I was captivated by what seemed to be a simple story that made headlines in Peru: Ricardo Apaza wasn’t allowed back into the movie theater after taking a second bathroom break and forgetting his ticket. The catch? Ricardo wore traditional Andean clothing, he was visiting from his rural hometown, and this incident happened in Lima, the busy capital of Peru. His enraged friend Pierina Papi called it racism.
- Some thought that this was all blown out of proportion. Although the administration of the theaters maintained that it was just a misunderstanding because Ricardo wasn’t clear in the way he spoke to the employee, an anonymous group of hacker activists threatened organizing a shutdown of the theater’s websites with the tagline “No to Discrimination” and the mayor of the city still closed down the theaters for a week as punishment for what was determined to be racism.
- Some pointed out that it wasn’t common for people to show up at theaters in Lima with the kind of traditional clothes Ricardo wore. These are clothes typically worn by people who sell on the street, although the marketing director of the theaters mentioned that they’ve let street children in for free before when well-meaning tourists want to take them to the movies.
- Some were furious that the employee had apparently insulted Ricardo, accusing him of trying to get in without paying for a ticket, even though she later denied it and claimed that she treated him with respect and kindness (all above links in Spanish).
Mitch Mitchell
Heck, I live in the United States; at least weekly, if not daily, there’s something that occurs because of racism. No surprises here that it can happen in other countries. I always feel we need to call it out and not be afraid of the consequences whenever we see it.
Nima
True.
I held back when I saw some people being racist to a family on a bus (not aggressively, but verbally from one end of the bus). There were five (racists) insulting this man and his daughter, I was the only other person on the bus… I held my tongue – but I was furious with them and myself. For days afterwards I was angry at the lack of my initiative in the situation.
If I did do something however, I’m sure that things would have gone wrong and could even have turned physical.
Long story short, the man was fine and said he didn’t expect me to do anything because of the situation we were in (I apologised when the racist b*****ds left).
Since this event happened, Ive changed my mind about situations like these. I’d rather be beaten up with pride than sit and cower.
Samantha Bangayan
What a saddening story to hear about a person and his child being ganged up on with racist comments. It’s so hard to stand up for people when there’s a gang of people involved, but I share your fury! And I love how you apologized again. It just goes to show that there are other ways to show support too. =)
Thanks for sharing that, Nima!
Samantha Bangayan
I love how you mention “…and not be afraid of the consequences,” Mitch. =) We’re always so concerned about what people may think of us, but standing up for what’s right shows concern for people who are wronged!
The Pepperrific Life
Racism is my daily bread. It’s something I have to contend with everyday at work, because I work at an international school. I have learned to live with it, although it really does suck. There are times when I just want to punch staples through people’s foreheads.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea, Pepper! Haha! That’s an intense fantasy. =P But I can see what you mean, especially when you have to deal with it daily. =( Strength to you!
Don
Sadly racism is alive and well all over the world. I personally have no time to spend around prejudiced or racist people. They have a lot of negativity flowing from them and that can only poison your spirit by being in their presence. It’s not easy but the best thing you can do is surround yourself with people that are cool (let your definition of cool apply). At least then you can limit the stress and negativity that they can infect you with.
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t thought about it that way, Don! I try to stay away from negativity as well and racism sure does beget negative vibes. Thanks for the advice! =)
Stuart Nager
Sam, it’s here in NY all the time: it’s the way you get looks, things tossed at you, etc. It’s sometimes really obvious, most times it’s the feeling. When I was working in NYC schools, the kids are the worst at it: they are open in their disdain, even though the school admin tries to push equality. It’s scary and sad.
Samantha Bangayan
Those are great examples of how subtle racism can be, Stu! How frustrating to see this start in youth! =(
BrowsingRome
Hi Sam, there is to some extent some racism here but fortunately I have not been a victim. One thing I did change is the way I dress!! Italians are fashion crazed and while I prefer casuals, you kind of stick out way too much. A funny story – a few months ago I took my twin nieces who are blonde out for a walk with my husband. He went into a shop and an older lady stopped to ask me if the girls are twins. I said yes and the lady was wow one has blue eyes and the other brown. She then asked – does your husband have blue eyes?? It took me a few seconds to understand what she meant and I replied almost laughing saying they are my nieces not my children!!! As you know, I have dark hair and brown eyes haha!
Samantha Bangayan
That is SOO opposite of my experience here, Diana! =) If I wore fashionable clothes in the street, I’d stick out. =P
Haha! =) I love that anecdote about your nieces. =) Although how impossible it would be for a dark-haired person to have blonde children. =) Can’t even imagine!
Hajra
Hey Sam,
There is just so much that can be said about this. Closing down the theater was an act that was required; people will learn to be more careful. But punishment does not necessarily ensure that the act will not be repeated. Maybe the employees might be careful, but who knows what acts might go unreported?
Issues like racism have a deeper cause. And that is both individualistic and society related. Who have we seen doing it and what we perceive the other person as; what messages does the society have to offer to such behavior and the repeating of such behavior? So, the discussion might be much more.
Personally I have been a victim of racism and I know it hurts. My brown skin seems to get into the way of my capability. But then don’t people judge by looks always. I know it hurts and I know it a long way before we live in a racism free world; but the fact remains that people have to be bigger, better humans. Like I said in my post, “Brown, black, beige, white are terms for trouser colors; not humans”
Have a nice day Sam! Good luck for the big day!
Samantha Bangayan
That’s so true, Hajra! And over time, the employees will eventually forget about the incident and the consequences. I guess the punishment’s purpose wasn’t only to ensure the act won’t be repeated, but also to build a consciousness in society.
You’re right that the roots of racism run deep and there’s no way a single incident can cause long-lasting changes in and of itself, but the accumulation of messages we can dispel in society can make a world of a difference, I believe! =) Thanks for your encouraging words for all of us. Love your quote! =)
Penelope J
From the way it was reported, I have to assume this was a case of racism, rather than an error. It seems like this incident was used to showcase a problem with racism and discrimination against traditional Andeans in Lima.
In Mexico, there is class discrimination and an innate tendency to regard fair-skinned people more highly than their darker counterparts – as happens in many other countries. However, it’s nothing when compared to the U.S. I was totally unprepared for and shocked by the racism and discrimination in this country that is rampant, divisive, painful, and destructive to national unity and cooperation among its citizens.
Samantha Bangayan
Now that I think about, whether or not it was actually a case of blatant and direct racism, it was a good way to bring racism against indigenous Andeans to light. How disturbing that racism is even more blatant in the US where there is more talk of freedom and equality than in Latin America! Thanks for bringing *that* to light, Pennie!
Carolyn | The Wonder of Tech
Hi Samantha, Very interesting article. From your title you seem to imply there is some question about whether the actions by the theater were due to racism. Also, I thought it was interesting that it was Ricardo’s friend, Pierina, who accused the theater of racism, not Ricardo.
Is there much controversy over this issue in Peru or is it a given that the actions of the theater were racist? Do people in Andean dress become targets for racism?
I know you have written about your struggles with racism in Peru before. What are your thoughts about this?
I haven’t been the target of racism, but I have experienced anti-Americanism and know what it feels like to be judged in a prejudicial manner.
Societies seem to be progressing, but unfortunately racism is still prevalent in many places.
Samantha Bangayan
I wish I could have copied the conversation that sprung from the initial Facebook note that Pierina posted! From what I remember at the time I sifted through the comments last December, the controversy seemed to be more over how big of a deal this issue was becoming than whether or not it should be considered racism. Unfortunately, it’s typical for people to discriminate against those who are from the Andes based on their skin, speech, or clothes.
The employee who apparently committed the act of racism denies that she treated Ricardo in a discriminatory way. Whether or not this is true, I’m glad that the incident made national news and brought up a discussion on racism again. I think we need more conversation on the issue because, as you say, “racism is still prevalent”!
Paula
I live in a small town, so I see it a lot. People are suspicious of anyone who has a different skin color. It’s sad. I’m just thankful that my parents raised me to treat everyone the same. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea small towns could be like that! In the small towns I’ve visited, there has been more a sense of curiosity and interest than suspicion!
Vinny T
Living in Peru right now, one cant help but to see the economic differences among the races here. The differences are pretty clear. The whites dominate economically, live in the best neighborhoods, and enjoy more of the best things that Peru has to offer while the Indians are for the most part economically disadvantaged, live in the worst neighborhoods, suffer the most malnutrition and who are often looked upon with disdain.The story that you wrote about reflects that sad reality, and I can assue you that most of the pitucos in Peru are probably concentrated near Larcomar where that unfortunate incident took place.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for sharing your experience, Vinny! I expected as much of Lima based on what I’ve heard, read about, and the little that I’ve experienced myself.
Adrienne
Hi Samantha,
I would have to agree with Carolyn on this one because it seems that Ricardo’s friend, Pierina, is the one that accused the theater of racism and not Ricardo. I would also like to know if this is perhaps a common occurrence among those who dress differently or speak differently.
I haven’t visited enough countries I guess to have this happen to me and living here in the US I can’t say I am a target of it at all. I do feel for those who are though. I believe we are all individuals and should be treated equally. I wish a day would come where that actually does happen.
Samantha Bangayan
Great point, Adrienne! Various have brought attention to the fact that it was Pierina and not Ricardo who complained. Some argue that she could have been exaggerating the situation, but others explain that Ricardo may not have stood up for himself otherwise. Truthfully, I also wonder if this has happened before to those who look more like natives. Racism definitely exists, but I don’t know specifically about what might happen at movie theaters.
I absolutely loved your closing sentences! =) They reveal your warm and caring heart. =)
Woof Woof
Knowing what I know about Peruvian racism, it’s definitely likely that Ricardo would not have complained.
After a couple of centuries of independence, many Andean people in Peru continue to feel (and are made to feel) inferior to others. Despite some progress, Peru still feels like a feudal society, culturally speaking, with stark differences between classes, and a social-economic hierarchy based too often on “race”. Peruvians of European descent are on top of this hierarchy, while Amerindians are at the very bottom (and Afroperuvians close to the bottom). This “feudal” culture seems to be more pronounced in Lima than in other parts of Peru.
Because of this, it’s unlikely Ricardo would have felt empowered to stand up for himself, and would probably have let the movie theater incident go. I’m glad his friends spoke up for him. Hopefully, something this will never happen to him (or anyone else) again (though I’m not holding my breath). But if it does, I hope he will feel empowered to demand respect.
If you’re inclined to read more about racism against Andean people, I recommend the short story “Paco Yunque” by Cesar Vallejo. Although it’s literature (and thus a bit exaggerated to make a point), and although the story takes place in the early 20th century, the story can be argued to reflect the continuing abuses and mistreatment of Andean people.
Samantha Bangayan
Your comment reminds me of work I did with an NGO in the Andes a few years ago. We worked with mothers in rural communities and many were just as you described — they don’t answer back or complain. Anyone who gave information as an authority was respected as an authority (whether or not they were really an authority!)
I guess that’s why work on empowerment is so important!
Thanks so much for recommending that short story, friend! I’ve been looking for more reading material. =)
Jonathan Gaurano
Hi Samantha:
As a person who has been a big advocate for people of color, culture, in my school at UC Berkeley – I’m very happy you decided to write about this issue. Not only that, but the fact that you are a poc woman – strikes a chord of how brave you are to write such a piece.
Racism is so alive and well, not only in Peru it seems, in America, but all over the world! Everyday, I listen and watch and experience racist actions against me… Remember, just because someone does something racist – doesn’t mean they’re a racist. Therefore, with this mentality in mind, I like to speak up and tell them what they did is ‘racist.’ But, also reminding them that they’re not racist – just the action of what they did was…
I think if you experience racism (in the future) this is the type of argument you can bring up?
Also, I would like to commend Adrienne and Carolyn for speaking up on such a topic. I feel people who rarely experience racism (usually non-pocs) are afraid to talk about such issues, or like to defend that they’re not a racist – instead of just accepting what they have and listening/observing people who are oppressed.
You can say I’m rambling right now – so I will end by answering your question, with two situations:
1. I was in a southwest airplane when the Flight Attendant asked me if I wanted something to drink. To which I asked: “Do you have green tea?” Then he decided to respond with: “Sorry, this isn’t an ASIAN RESTAURANT!” I was shocked and the next time he showed his face – I pulled out my recorder – and confronted him about the issue.
2. A friend (white) came over and decided to say the ‘N’ word. Not having it, I said ‘Um… Stop.’ Then, we discussed for about 5 minutes about the context and I asked him, to never do such things again.
—
Remember, race matters – it’s who are – it’s something you should always be aware of… Therefore, look in the mirror and figure out what place you have in society. How can you help others, with the skin (things) you have?
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for sharing in my concern about the issue, Jonathan! I have to admit, I’m super curious what a “poc woman” is! =)
That’s a really interesting distinction you made between racist actions and being a racist. I can see what you mean and I imagine people may be more open to hear what you’re saying when they don’t feel attacked by accusations of *being* racist.
Wow! Thanks for sharing those two scenarios! Sometimes, I can have on my rose-tinted glasses for so long that I forgot how real racism is even in North America. I’m especially surprised by the flight attendant’s comment. How inappropriate! I’m so glad there are people like you out there who aren’t afraid to voice what’s right! =) Love that concluding reflective question! =)
Deeone
It’s a sad truth, Sam; and I may be reiterating what everyone else has said above in their feedback; but as you know, I am very passionate about having this type of ignorance ended.
Racism unfortunately is alive and well here on the homefront and abroad. Here in the southeast of America, it’s so prevalent that its for that very reason I want nothing more than to escape from Atlanta. But where would I honestly go to get away from racism?
I can’t help think that it’s because we continue to allow it as a society, by not discussing it enough.
It’s completely fear based though, and those that will talk about it are few in number. It exist in every nationality, every country, in men and in women; and yes it’s definitely a learned behavior.
Prejudice is a sickness, and those that practice it, in my opinion are truly sick people. If we would treat it like the sickness it truly is we’d be alarmed to find out just how many people would be on medication if there existed a cure for it. But since there isn’t a medication for this killer of the human race… at least not yet anyways; we can only continue to do what you’ve done her. We must continue pinpointing those who are guilty of it.
If it becomes one of those issues that the majority does better about pointing out, I think we would see a dramatic turn around concerning racism. Why do I believe this? It’s simple…no one wants to be a part of the minority. Not even the ones that already are and that are made to be so.
I’m disappointed to hear this story, but it shines the very light needed in this case to show that this is a world wide epidemic that is so overdue in a need of being changed.
However, the change that needs to take place begins in the mindset, and that is a hard thing to change. It requires the individual to want to change it.
Those that hate in this manner love to hate others for their differences. So I don’t foresee it changing anytime soon. I wish I could be more optimistic about that, but I’m afraid it is what it is.
What a SAD way to go through life though, huh? Hating someone for something that neither individual have any means of changing.
Thank you for sharing this message with us. It definitely deserves to be shared with as many people that will read it. Great job!!
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! Thanks so much for your thoughts on this, Deeone! I think a lot of people shrug racism off to be no big deal, but you really underline how this is a serious issue and that it can “kill.” As such, using “sickness” as an analogy is so pertinent!
You describe what I wanted to say so well. If the majority started pointing out even the little occurrences of racism, then it would become taboo! Although the future continues to seem dreary, hopefully this discussion that we continue to have will make the tiniest bit of difference.
Martha Eisen
Racism exists everywhere and back a long time. There is the obvious racism in which one person from another race abuses another one from a different race but there is also the kind that is hidden which is as harmful as the previous. Having been born in Peru, I have been witness of many acts of racism, it is so natural over there to abuse native Indians or black people that even in my recent travels back home I could still see it. I remember the time when I was living in Lima, walking with my two young sons around the neighborhood, a lady I knew approached us, said hello to me and went straight to my fair skinned son and complimented him for being so fair and handsome and never approached or even looked at my other son who is also handsome but dark skinned, I was furious but didn’t say anything, what can you respond to ignorance?
Samantha Bangayan
Martha, it’s so great to meet you! I love getting in touch with other Peruvians both locally and abroad! =)
You bring up such a good point about the subtlety of racism. I can only imagine how much worse or direct racism here could have been in the past. And what a relevant anecdote — thank you so much for sharing that. I’ve seen how people who are fair-skinned are given advantages or looked up to more often, but I never would have expected someone to be so blatantly racist in comparing your sons!
Daniel
No racism against Peruvians here in Buenos Aires, I’m pleased to report.
Samantha Bangayan
So glad to hear that! =) Although I would always wonder if there is subtle racism that we haven’t yet heard about or seen.
Marcus Baker
Hi Sam,
Racism crops up as soon as we focus on the differences between people, comparing them using unfounded value judgements, rather than focusing on the similarities common to us all.
I’ve never understood it but maybe that’s because it comes naturally for me to see beyond external appearances. I connect with soul energy rather than with what I see on the outside.
So if it comes naturally for me to be as I am is it possible that it comes naturally for others to see and judge by external differences? I guess it must but of course this does not make it right. Does it make it easier to understand? Not for those being discriminated against, which is why we who know have a responsibility always to do something about it when we encounter it.
~Marcus
Samantha Bangayan
I love your description, Marcus, and the image of you connecting with others’ soul energy! I wonder why it’s so difficult for us to focus on our similarities when there is really so much we have in common with each other as human beings. Indeed we do have a responsibility to do something about discrimination — thanks so much for reiterating this with your wisdom!
Ruth Porter
Dear Sam,
I really liked the way you left it up to us to decide if there was racism involved in this story. Sometimes racism is so subtle. Sometimes it’s so easy to make excuses for the person who seems to be discriminating against someone. And I think you’re so right about the value of publicizing such incidents.
Once I was with my mother-in-law when a friend of hers said some horrible, racist things. We both cringed, but neither of us said anything. I guess we didn’t want to be rude. I have been ashamed of that ever since. Maybe the woman even thought I agreed with her awful statements. Since then I always try to say something when I hear a person make a racist remark. It can be as little as, “I disagree with what you’re saying, and I don’t like to hear that kind of talk.” Just something so the person knows I don’t agree.
Ruth
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much for your feedback and for sharing your own personal experience, Ruth! This is the first time I’ve ever really taken the time to consider how racism can be so subtle and it has opened my eyes to my surroundings. I really appreciate you sharing how you may face discrimination you experience or observe in the future; I think this is what we all need — more ideas. =)
Noch Noch | be me. be natural.Noch Noch | be me. be natural.
i experienced quite a bit of racism when living in Australia, but that was 20 something years ago. today i understand it, and first hand know what it feels like to be on the other hand, so always mindful to NOT make others feel that wy
Noch noch
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea! I’ve never even visited Australia or heard much about what it’s like to live there, so I really appreciate you sharing about your experiences. It’s interesting how being on the receiving end can make us more sensitive to how others may feel. Maybe it’s part of the process of being more conscious as a society!
Bryce Christiansen
Hi Samantha,
That’s sad. I love going to the movies and I can’t imagine going to movies is something Ricardo got to do that often. It makes me upset that racism can really destroy a pleasant experience.
Hope all is well with you,
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly, Bryce. It might have even been Ricardo’s first time to movie theaters. I hope you has a better experience in the future, which can replace the bad memory.
J.D. Meier
> exponential consciousness and action
What a powerful phrase and insight.
I’ve always liked Stephen Covey’s saying for fixing issues … “light is the natural disinfectant” … meaning, if you want something to improve, shine the light on it.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for your feedback, JD! =) And for sharing that Covey quote! Love that!
karla
Racism not only occurred in Peru alone, I know even in other countries. Even you dressed like a citizen in that country, but when they saw you with different color from their skin, they will look at you like an alien.
Samantha Bangayan
You describe it so well, Karla! In places all over the world, people are judged for the color of their skin. It’s so unfortunate! =(
Mac
This sounds more like a case of discrimination and not racism. The manager was wrong for assuming the man was off the street, but the man should have retained his ticket as well.
Samantha Bangayan
It’s true. Things would have gone much more smoothly if Ricardo has his ticket. He must not have known how things work at movie theaters! Thanks for your input, Mac, and it’s great to meet you! =)
Woof Woof
Mac: Unfortunately, being Peruvian and having lived in Peru until my teens, I am certain that type of incident is racism (race-based discrimination, if you will). Believe it or not, Amerindians in Peru tend to be treated terribly by most others, especially “pitucos” (snobby people who are usually wealthy and usually white) or pituco wanna-bes. In one of my trips to visit family in Peru, I actually saw that type of racism happen at a night club, but I was too young and stupid to stand up for the person who was victimized that time. (Definitely not my proudest moment).
Samantha: It’s not only that Ricardo left his ticket in the theater before he went to find the restroom, or that he didn’t know how the movie theaters work. It’s also that Spanish is not his native tongue. I saw videos of interviews with him on youtube, and could tell that he speaks Spanish with a heavy Andean accent, and doesn’t express himself in Spanish very well. For Peruvians, that’s not hard to perceive. So, the ticket person at the movies, if she really is non-discriminating as she claims to be (also saw an interview with her where she tried to make that case), should have made more than a vague attempt to ascertain if his friends were indeed inside the theater–particularly after she saw him standing there for a long while. That she didn’t bother to go the extra mile for a “cholo” customer speaks volumes, in my opinion.
Samantha Bangayan
Good point, friend! There were definitely various factors involved that led to one big fiasco. There’s understanding the system, the language barrier, feelings of inferiority, and maybe even customer service (which isn’t always top notch or emphasized in Peru as much as it is in North America, in my opinion, whether or not you’re a cholo).
Thanks again for all your thoughts! =)
Adeline
I guess at one point in our lives, we would fall victim to being judged. Never understood why, and I guess I’ll never understand ever. Hope everything turned out well for Ricardo.
Samantha Bangayan
Based on the video I saw, Ricardo seems like a good-natured guy and didn’t let it get the better of him. =)
Julie
I don’t think that it was racism in this case. It was a kind of discrimination, it’s ok, but not racism. Racism is a discrimination based on the race. But in this case, it wasn’t based on that. It was an ugly behavior from the half of the theater, but it wasn’t an ethnic discrimination, I think.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks for your input, Julie! I think Pierina considered it racism because she felt that they were discriminating based on the color of his skin. Normally, people who are darker here are from rural areas and unfortunately, are considered “inferior.”
Akos Fintor
Hello Sam,
Racism is a huge issue in my home country. There are constant physical fights between Caucasians and Roma race ( gypsies) It is out of control.
best
akos
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea about that, Akos. Do have things break out in physical struggles makes the issue all that much more serious in my eyes. And it’s all the more reason to bring racism to light!
Martha Eisen
Samantha, I’d like to share with you this recent case of racism at a cinema in Lima, it’s been recently posted in You tube but it is only in Spanish.
http://youtu.be/LU98sgooEdQ
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I’ve definitely been hearing a lot about this case. This is really complicated because it deals with supposed violence against a minor and potential arrogance of a person who is not only of a race granted “superiority” in this culture, but also a person who feels like he has authority because of the celebrity status of his parents. I’m so curious what will come out of Celine Aguirre’s charges!
Cat Alexandra @ Internet Marketing Success
Gosh Sam, this is really sad.
It is possible that to some degrees I do not always recognize, I take for granted the environment I’m blessed to live in.
I am having a hard time recalling an incident of racism that I’ve had to deal with in the recent times. It’s just not coming to me.
The first thing that comes to mind is something silly and ignorant that was said by an old high school friend’s grandpa (he was senile too, by the way).
I might just be fortunate that I’m not exposed to this so much…I know that racism is alive and “well” in some parts, though.
Cat
Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Cat! If it didn’t make the news, I don’t know if I would have been as sensitive to the acts of racism I now observe in my daily life. Family and friends have always talked about racism against natives here in Peru, but I hadn’t really felt it until this case!
You give a good example about that comment by your friend’s grandpa. It’s often ignorance that leads to racism! What’s important is recognizing it. =)
Thanks for your thoughts, friend!
Patricio
Hi Samantha,
That is such a sad story. It’s quite unfortunate and unfortunately I know how it feels to not be accepted because of race. Fortunately it hasn’t been as direct racism and in some cases it seemed more like I was being tolerated than accepted 🙁 I hope that in the end he received some sort of compensation for such bad behavior, even though compensation can never fix the pain a person goes through in an act of racism.
Samantha Bangayan
Great to meet you, Patricio! Thanks for sharing your input. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to experience racism, whether or not it was direct. In fact, thinking about indirect racism has me thinking about treatment against new immigrants to Canada (where I’m from). It’s often such subtle racism.
As far as I remember, the theaters offered Ricardo free tickets to the next movie, but he didn’t take them up on it. I’m not sure if it was because he had to head back to Cuzco already. At least the mayor closed down the theaters for a week to send the anti-racism message loud and clear!
Dante
This case of racism must be treated with caution. I heard that Ricardo Apaza went to the toilet 4 times during movie. Why the cinema staff did not stop him before the incident?
Samantha Bangayan
Hmm! I had read that when he wasn’t let back in, it was only his 2nd time. It’s an interesting question! =)
Sherry Zander
I think it is critical that we respond, not react, to racism. If we react, emotions control the situation. If we respond, wisdom is at the helm. I also believe that we must address it and not just ignore it. If we address it, we shed light on it and bring attention to it. Consistently addressing it will eventually bring about positive change — change in mindset and behavior. It takes time to realize that kind of change, but any repercussions we experience related to it are worth it when we see the difference our involvement makes.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s such an important distinction, Sherry! I sure know how “reactions” can get carried away and may be exactly how we don’t want to respond with hindsight. I’m with you on how bringing racism to attention can lead to positive change! =) Thanks for *your* wisdom here!