Compare and Contrast Essay_Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

Compare and Contrast Essay
Sister Islands Many people who have traveled to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic would talk about the beautiful sites, clear blue beaches and savory foods. For those who may not be familiar, both Islands may seem very similar; however, they are very different. In this essay, I will go over a few of the similarities and difference from each Island. The Dominican Republic is its own independent country located in the Caribbean, with full power over its territory. The main language is Spanish. One third of its western territory is shared with Haiti. Dominicans are known for their music, mainly for Bachata and Merengue. They are also known for using a lot of plantains in their foods and dishes. It has been a very popular vacation destination for many people due to their low prices and their many all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Outside of those vacations spots, however lucks many dangers. The Dominican Republic is known for their rise in crime, specifically robberies. Tourists are warned to stay within their report area in order to ensure safety. Like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico is also located in the Caribbean. While it is smaller than the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico’s main language is also Spanish. The difference, however, is that in Puerto Rico most people also speak or at least understand English. Puerto Rico is a self-governing U.S. territory therefore making Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens. Unlike the poverty in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Ricans have the aid of the United States with programs such as Welfare and WIC making it much easier for families to feed their children. It is also much safer in Puerto Rico. Walking the streets of Puerto Rico is like walking the streets in any other U.S. city. The Island of Puerto Rico is predominantly known for its music, mainly Salsa. Our foods are very similar to Dominican cuisines since both are tropical islands. Even though both islands are beautiful and share the same waters, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans have had many issues against each other. For many Dominicans, they find offensive to be called Puerto Rican and vice versa. I think if they would sit and really think about it, they’d come to realize that our similarities are more than our differences and we should use that as a way to all get along a little better. Both Islands are predominantly Roman Catholic and Pentecostal, so the shared beliefs can help bring people together. In conclusion, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico has good and bad things about them. The Dominican Republic is known to be a melting pot of people from Spanish, French, African, Haitian and Taino descent and Puerto Rico is of Spanish, African, Taino and American descent. However the mix, we are all Latinos and both Islands are full of beauty and splendor. The battle of who has the better culture is pointless since both islands share similar dishes like mofongo, tostones, empanadillas, pasteles, bacalaitos, lechon, and sancocho. The dialect of Spanish used in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic is also similar, where it is very common to drop the “S” in some words or to pronounce “R” as “L” in other words (Carne = Caln and Puerta = Puelta). Both also share GREAT music that keeps the parties going all night: Merengue, Salsa and Bachata. They may not be identical twins, but they are sister Islands.