NYC poet Taina at the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, 10/9/09, Philadelphia, PA

[MrFungud]

Tainta? Does she know what is a 'tainta'?

[Dudeluv27]

@LaTainaIndia Look at IslenoGutierez featured video, You will see a swarthy looking man rapping in spanish, That is a perfect example of a canarian man with a accent similar to a puerto rican.

[Dudeluv27]

@LaTainaIndia Alot of Puerto ricans are mostly of white spanish decent, Many of them are of middle or upper class, the poor puerto ricans usually tend to be african admixed. or even native admixed, alot of them even migrate to the states in search of a better life.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@Dudeluv27 Yeah, I've met White Puerto Ricans from the island, and they were very nice. I asked them if they were proud to have European ancestry, they said of course, if they didn't they would hate themselves. But they said they were proud to be Puerto Rican. I mentioned that most P.R.'s in the U.S. were mixed race, they said because the highly mixed ones come from the poorer classes and they went to the U.S. for a better life to seek work. Most White P.R.'s on the island don't need to leave.

[LaTainaIndia]

@Dudeluv27 - Lol. Really? based on the topic of this video, why would you think I'm unaware of this? Thank you though.

[Dudeluv27]

@LaTainaIndia There is nothing wrong with being part white, like seriously ma'am lots of good white people settled in your country for a better life, Canary islanders and Puerto Rican accents sound very alike. claim everything in you family tree not just one ancestor, it would be like betraying your own self.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@Dudeluv27 I don't know why Nuyoricans are like that. I met some Puerto Ricans from the island who obviously had White blood, and they embraced it along with their Native American blood. They were not racist. But it seems that the Nuyoricans have this racist undertone about Whites and they think all Spaniards were like the soldiers. I can assure you that most of the White ancestry in Puerto Rico comes from later White immigrant families, not soldiers. Maybe cuz Nuyoricans r raised in racist USA.

[Dudeluv27]

@IslenoGutierrez Yes, sometimes i feel ashamed to be an american,.This country has a good history of racism and segregation. Alot of african americans like to blame it on the white man for their fuck ups, I think that influeced Latinos into becoming very racist against white people. Saying bad shit about spain and so on.... They are crazy! saying that white people should go back to europe. like WTF lol, Alot of latinos are part white, they should also go back to europe.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@Dudeluv27 The U.S. is one big racist country. I agree. I am not ashamed to be American, but I don't like that my fellow Americans are so racist and ignorant. Also, it seems everyone is accusing Whites of being "racist", yet it looks like most of the racism comes from Blacks and Mestizos. I don't see much racism from the Asians though, they seem ok. Most Whites can't even say the word "White" without being called a racist. Take note all the Latinos that don't wanna claim White ancestry. Racism?

[IslenoGutierrez]

@Dudeluv27 I am a Spanish-American, and my country is the U.S., but my ancestral country is Canary Islands, Spain. My entire family is from there. Nuyoricans are Americans, not Puerto Ricans, just like I am an American, not a Spaniard. Only my heritage is Spanish, just the heritage of Nuyoricans is Puerto Rican. I met an Arabian guy once, that asked me, "Why do Americans all claim to be something else? Are they not proud to be Americans? To us they are all Americans regardless of ancestry."

[Dudeluv27]

@IslenoGutierrez Embrace your ancestors, don't be like these mestizos or pardos claiming to be full amerindians

[IslenoGutierrez]

@Dudeluv27 You know what, I embrace my ancestry. Las Islas Canarias de España! I know who I am. I am an American of Spanish ancestry. I'm not claiming to be a Spaniard, like some say, oh, I'm Puerto Rican. Lol, I'm like stop lying, you are an American. I tell them their heritage is Puerto Rican only. Now I know what that Arabian guy meant. I'm not a Mestizo, but if I was, I would be proud of my Spanish and my Amerindian ancestry equally. Because I'm not racist!

[LaTainaIndia]

@Dudeluv27 - Latinos are part white because of rape. There is no welcome mat in Europe. Believe that.

[LaTainaIndia]

@Dudeluv27 - I do. But to call ourselves Spanish is incorrect. Especially since Spaniards themselves will correct you. Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean. Spain is in Europe. I know my own personal history & of course, it reflects a Spanish invasion otherwise this poem wouldn't exist. Being aware of the details of such, do not make it something one likes to mention; especially with pseudo fond memories. Kind of like a rape victim being thankful for raping its mother. In fact, exactly like.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Spanish should only be called to someone that is from Spain. Puerto Ricans should be called Puerto Ricans. Nuyoricans should be called Americans, because just like Americans of European or African descent, they are Americans of Latin American descent, not Puerto Ricans. You look at Spaniards as invaders, but most Spaniards went to Puerto Rico as farmers, fishermen and merchants like my people, the Canary Islanders of Spain. There was much more romance than rape.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - You are reiterating what I've already said. Why? And the Puerto Rican/Nuyorican topic is one that you can't change. It is what it is. Yes, I do look as Spaniards as invaders. Unless you care to dispute Bartolome De Las Casas account of what occurred. Unfortunately, the "romance" aspect was completely left out thereby indicating that it didn't exist. I encourage you to read the book then get back to me.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia So you look at Spaniards that came as fishermen, farmers and merchants with families and worked hard and were friendly to Blacks and Amerindians as invaders? Most Spaniards that came to the Americans were not soldiers. Romance was definitely part of the creation of the mixed races. Read up on Spaniard Gonzalo Guerrero, the father of the first Mestizos in the Americas. His Mestizo children were born from a romance. You must no believe lies.

[TheSpanishrican]

Jesus another nuyorican !!

[LaTainaIndia]

@TheSpanishrican - I cannot control where my parents had sex nor where my mother gave birth to me at anymore than you could. Focus on the message in this piece & embrace UNITY. Otherwise, you might as well march a KKK rally.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Why the "kkk rally" comment? That man made no mention of White anything from what I can see. Are you racist against White people are something? If so, that would be bad, because it's bad to racist to anyone.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - Reread my comment. If you are perpetuating division, then you might as well join a KKK rally.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Some Puerto Ricans are White people, some are Mestizos, some are Mulatos, some are Pardos, some are Black, etc. Very few are Native Americans, most Native American ancestry in Puerto Rico has been mixed into the White and Black races.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - Sir, I am not asking you to inform me of that which I already know. Obviously, if I wrote this piece wouldn't it be an indication of a greater understanding of the basics which you have provided? Additionally, I do not need your permission to honor the ancestors.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Obviously you do not know enough for you to take the stance you do. So you don't think it's a slap in the face of your Spanish heritage to claim Indian? You should claim all of your heritage, not be a racist and cherry pick the one you like best. That's false claim. Also, there were other Europeans that went to Puerto Rico like French, Scottish, Irish, Polish, etc. not just Spaniards. Do I have to post the DNA findings on Puerto Rico to get you to accept your White heritage?

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez -Tell me WHERE exactly I stated within this piece or ANYWHERE else that I am claiming just Indian?This piece is about the cultural history of PR tying it into the urban social issues of 2day.I know MY genetic make up which is why I can pay homage & respect to the ancestors.Not that 1 needs to be an animal to champion animal rights.Furthermore,u sound like I need your permission 2 love my roots.Negative.I know all about the various migrations to PR.U forgot Chinese as well.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia I'm not insinuating that you need my permission for anything. You are your own person, you can do what you like. I am merely attempting to spread some knowledge I acquired about Puerto Rico. My Canary Islander people contributed huge to your culture, food, music and dialect. Did you hear the Canarian accents? Puerto Rican Spanish is strikingly similar, dropped "S" and everything.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - So why are you spreading it here? What do the Canary Islands & your dialect have to do with this poem? You sound like you want me to acknowledge your country's contribution. I don't know enough about it to do so.I also, read the dropping of the S was due to W. Africa.So now there's 2 different claims.I suggest you debate w/ the author on that directly.4 me,it's so minute,I really don't care.My question is why do u care so much about MY acceptance? Create something& promote it.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez -Watch the video again because it's pretty clear research is involved.I don't know why u assume u're informing me of anything especially since this poem reflects exactly what u THINK you're putting me on 2.Also don't know why u're so concerned w/ me so called accepting my white heritage.Again,obviously,this piece is about ALL that's transpired since that invasion.Not only do I not need your permission to honor MY family.I also DON'T CARE how it makes any Spaniard feel.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Canary Islanders didn't invade Puerto Rico, they immigrated there, just like your people did to the U.S.. You are a very defensive and negative person. That's not cool. You obviously don't like us, but we influenced every faucet of Puerto Rican life. Your piece doesn't talk about Canarios that came in peace and developed friendships with Indians and Africans. But maybe you don't know that part of Puerto Rican history, only the part of the conquistadores.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - YOU'RE the 1 speaking about canary Islanders.I know nothing about you so I can't speak on you.If I was negative, how do you explain this love letter to my people?Yes,I'm defensive.You're accusing me of the very opposite of what I've written.Umm sorry,seems as if you want some trophy 4 something I don't know/see when I go home.& my piece is about MODERN DAY URBAN SOCIOPOLITICAL issues.Wtf would I be talking about a country across the Atlantic?LOL.Maybe,u wanna be friends?Sure.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Europeans? Do you even know where the Canary Islands are located? Off the coast of North Africa, but it belongs to Spain. You already have a negative outlook about White Hispanics in general or should I say Spaniards, no matter where they come from. You know, not all of us were Conquistadores! To think so is ignorance. By the way, Europeans don't focus on DNA to classify people, it's all about phenotype. The one drop rule is exclusive to the U.S., not Latin America.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - No, I don't know about Canary Islanders. I also don't know of any Europeans NOT going to other countries worldwide & committing the same catastrophes done on mine though.Yes, I do have a negative outlook on Spaniards having read about AND having worked with them. & if you focused on Phenotype, WHY are you talking about DNA then? & I was also using the 1 drop rule as an example as to how it correlates with your thought process.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Well, let me say this. There were conquistadores, then there were mainland Spaniards and Canary Islanders that came after the conquest for a better life. They were usually working class humble people. That's were most of the White Puerto Rican stock comes from, not the bad soldiers. Can you control what U.S. soldiers do in Iraq? No. Are you like the bad ones? No. Same for us. Canary Islanders came after the conquest with families as farmers and fishermen.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez -The point is not 2 forget the 1st inhabitants who still resonate thru our very core 500 yrs later.After ALL that remixing.ALL that rape.ALL that torture.ALL those attempts 2 stamp us out.WE are still here.& that's a beautiful thing.If u don't think so, then U the 1 who's NEGATIVE.We don't need your permission to love our ancestors or respect what they endured. & this piece isn't even about them but now, I will go create a piece entirely devoted 2 their memory. Stay tuned!

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Here is one for you. Most Puerto Ricans have European blood, but not all have Amerindian or African. I got some DNA studies for you to see about Puerto Rico. Oh, and I am Canarian Spanish-American. The Canary Islands of Spain is the base for Puerto Rican Spanish. Your Spanish comes from ours. It sounds just like ours. It would freak you out it's so close. Same with the Cubans. Our Spanish is the base for theirs too. We are all connected racially, culturally and linguistically.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - Let me repeat myself. You're not telling me anything I don't know. & I disagree with your statement in terms of language. I worked for Spaniards, straight from Spain, our Spanish is not the same. Puerto Ricans, in fact, those countries that Spain colonized ALL have different dialects, inflections & terms. Their respective dialects are infused with Native & African verbiage & also evolve & change just like American slang & since you're straying off topic, I will disregard it.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Obviously you have never met a Canary Islander. Your Puerto Rican accent and Spanish has come from us. I am a Canary Islander. Google acento Canario and see what it says. Or get on youtube and google acento Canario and hear it for yourself.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - No, I haven't. So what? U want me to like you so much. It's ridiculous. I like those who mesh well with me personally. I don't care about the dialect you keep stressing. I don't even know why you think it's so important. & trust me, you're not responsible for "every facet of Puerto Rican culture". We had our own before the invasion & we still have ours now. Although, a hybrid, your influence has not killed off that which was already there before.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia There are many accents in Spain. The accents that are the closest to Caribbean Spanish (Puerto Rican, Cuban, Domincan) are the accents of Canary Islands, Spain and Andalucia, Spain. But Canarian Spanish is so close, Canarians get mistaken as Puerto Ricans many places. Go to Wikipedia and read Puerto Rican Spanish, then read Canarian Spanish, you will see the origin for your Spanish is from us. The accent is almost the same. Google acento Canario on youtube and watch and listen.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - Please stop trying to twist my message to the very opposite of what inspired this entire piece. This was created as a love letter to my people, to inspire UNITY as well as provide them an informative guideline as to why their lives are the way they are so that they may honor the ancestors & therefore, make better choices with their lives. I'm not asking for your permission to pen any past or future poems. & I will, additionally, continue to do so.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Yeah, you created a love letter to Puerto Ricans that look like you. What about White Puerto Ricans? You are excluding them. Also, you are excluding your White Spanish ancestry, which to me is stupid because that is part of your blood, so you hate part of yourself if you hate White people. Not all Spaniards are responsible for soldiers, and not all Spaniards in Puerto Rico were soldiers. Most came as farmers, fishermen, merchants and had friendships with Natives and Blacks.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia According to the 2010 Census of Puerto Rico, 75.8% of people in Puerto Rico were White. According to a genetic study in Puerto Rico, 70% of Y chromosomes were European.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - That really doesn't say much considering the U.S. is who is now colonizing Puerto Rico. We do not rely upon others to define our very beings. Remember, the U.S is also responsible for very slanted representation of well, anything unless it glorifies them.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Lol, so now the people giving the tests are in on it too? Are you serious? You sound almost like the Afrocentrics. I'm sorry, but there is no grand scheme in science to make Puerto Ricans look White. Puerto Ricans are either White or heavily mixed with White. The largest ancestry found in Puerto Rico is European. 70% of Y chromosomes are European. 70%! that's not peanuts you know. You are probably triracial, do you claim African too? or you claim all but White? Racist much?

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Yeah, go to my channel, you will see a Spaniard from Canary Islands, Spain who has a Canarian accent, but it sounds close to the Puerto Rican accent if you don't believe me. Your Spanish comes from our Spanish. We don't sound like northern Spain "Castellanos", we are not Castillians, we are Canarians. We have our own accent, which is the father to the Spanish Caribbean accents of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. It is fact. Research it.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - Our Spanish is not really Spanish as it is a creole dialect now given the fact that we are mixed with West African & Taino. If it were yours as you say, how would you explain the fact that Puerto Ricans drop their "S" like the W. African tribe who does too, cut words in half and still use words like inagua, Borikua,huracan? I worked for Spaniards, not only did we have difficulty understanding each other, they made it very clear that I "butchered" it.I told them the same thing.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia Chacha, you really need to see my video I made about the origins of Caribbean Spanish dialects. The "dropped" S originated in southern Spain (Andalucia) and was brought to the Canary Islands of Spain, which the Canary Islander accent was brought to Puerto Rico and became the base for Puerto Rican Spanish and accent. Please see the video, because there are Canary Islander Spaniards speaking their native accent with dropped S's. Here it is: /watch?v=U-wqPc8lFh4

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez -Sure I'll watch it.Although I'm not sure what u hope or expect it 2 accomplish seeing as how this poem makes zero mention of dialect. There's also documentation that indicates the reason for the dropping of the 'S" as being rooted in the W.African dialect brought via slavery. whichever it is,I'm not sure what the point is to be proven.Obviously,since we speak Spanish,it's pretty clear that said language cane from Spain.Where in Spain?Not really sure why that matters.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia It's not that it's a big deal, it's only to teach. I am of Canary Islander ancestry, and our Spanish was the base for your Spanish along with Andalusian. Both ours and Andalusians drop the "S". That is where it comes from, not West Africa. I'm only trying to spread the knowledge. Puerto Ricans have our blood from Canary Islands. They're culture is influenced by ours. We got the dropped S from the Andalucians, and you got it from us. Our dialects are similar.

[LaTainaIndia]

@MrTEANNAKAI _ You are not telling me anything that I do not know. How else would this entire poem even be create if I didn't?

[MrEnemy57]

@LaTainaIndia :-) Dont get mad or anything but most puerto ricans do in fact have alot of spanish/canarian ancestry. There was a big canarian/spanish migration from 1493 to 1898.

[MrEnemy57]

@MrEnemy57 You might not be all that spanish looking but the vast majority of your country does look like it :- l

[IslenoGutierrez]

@MrEnemy57 I am Canarian, but I'm not Puerto Rican. I'm Canarian Spanish-American.

[LaTainaIndia]

@MrTEANNAKAI - Please pay attention to the message in this piece. I'm not asking for ANYONE'S permission to say what I have to say. I am Borikua & I love my people; all people. Thank you.

[rjhnyc]

Affirming Boricua indigenous roots is a universal right. Check out

youtube.com/watch?v=Aah2KYQwb9­4

and don't be chumped.

Ever- my brothers and sisters...

Roger Guayakan in Boriken!

[rjhnyc]

Puerto Ricans are champions. WEPA!

What champions do you haters have?

Boriqua- paque tu lo sepa.

Red, Black and White.

Write it down and respect.

Dummies.

[rockorocko]

despite all this negativity, it is healthy to have this conversation, good to know that people care and are aware and engaged. keep it going but please keep it respectful yall.....

[IslenoGutierrez]

@rockorocko I don't know if you are the one in the video, but Puerto Ricans come in different races, in which many are Whites or Blacks, but rarely few are Native Americans. Most Puerto Ricans are a mix of European and Native American, but some are triracial White, Native American, Black. But I know lots of middle class to upper class are White. Puerto Ricans come in many races. There seems to be some sort of racist undertone in this video against White Spaniards.

[LaTainaIndia]

@IslenoGutierrez - Yes, I am the one in the video Where did you get the impression that I am not informed of my country's history? The "racist undertone" if that is how you choose to deem it, is a reflection of that which was perpetuated against the natives of the Caribbean. truth is truth & for us to call ourselves, Spanish is not only incorrect but a slap in the face to those who suffered under their colonial rule. Do me a favor, read "A Devastation of the Indies" by Bartolomo De Las Casas.

[IslenoGutierrez]

@LaTainaIndia I didn't say you wasn't informed of your country's history, (if you were born and raised in the U.S., Puerto Rico is not your country), I just think there is a lot you are not aware of. Like thousands of Spaniards came to Puerto Rico with families, did no harm to anyone and mingled with the natives and Blacks. Canary Islanders' Spanish is the base for Puerto Rican Spanish. You may have worked with Spaniards, but their accent was different than ours. There's more than one accent.

[AztecTripleAlliance]

PUERTO RICAN IS BASED ON WEST AFRICAN AND EUROPEAN CULTURE SLIGHTLY TAINO INFLUENCE THE PUERTO RICANS IN NEW YORK GO AFTER BLACK AMERICAN WOMAN AND MEN IT IS YOUR OWN FAULT YOU GENOCIDE YOUR TAINO BLOOD BY GOING OUTSIDE YOUR RACE

[rjhnyc]

You little squeak-

You wish you can be a Puerto Rican.

But you can't be.

Hater...

[rjhnyc]

Check out Taino video to learn more about my peoples at

youtube.com/watch?v=As01jVTvLV­I

and, for more official info visit the site of

The United Confederation of Taino People

[rjhnyc]

Yes, we are all proud of being Boriquas you nitwit.

We run everything- look around you blinky.

We dominate Latin Jazz, Boogalou Blues, Salsa, Electric Boogie, Popping, Disco, Rap, Regaeton, and the art of DJ'ing.

We dominate popular culture with our talents.

We kick ass too- We outbox Salvadorians, Guatemantecos, Mexicans, Columbians, and all other beaners.

Are women are the finest. And our food is the most delicious.

Everybody is jealous of our incredible abilities.

What more can I say punk?

[rjhnyc]

You got DNA of the brains inside and out bone head.

If your mother is Jewish- you are Jewish. Ask any Jew.

If your PR mother is Indian- you are Indian. Ask any Indian.

If your PR father is Indian- you are Indian. Likewise.

If neither parent is Indian- than you are not Indian.

Got it ?

What part do you need to absorb- my foot?

Because your PR friends owe you a very serious ass whip.

What part of the world are you from grease ball?

I probably know Indians from there that also owe you an asswhip

[Dudeluv27]

@rjhnyc You are not a amerindian, you are a mixed raced individual. lots and lots of Puerto rican Amerincans have a large loads of spanish ancestry. why don't you embrace it? Are you racist to white people? What have white people ever done to you?

[LaTainaIndia]

@Dudeluv27 - read, "A Devastation of the Indies" by Bartolome De las Casas. that will tell you why. & while I cannot answer for him, I can tell you that the very same attitude does exist right now. I encounter it everyday at work. I still love my cousins who are half Caucasian. & they, when asked what their race/nationality is, say, ironically, Puerto Rican. Wonder why that is?

[rjhnyc]

Most Puerto Ricans are white. Many are Black. And alot are Indian. Plenty...

Read (from your notes)

" Another important observation is the sex-biased admixture in Puerto Rico. In a previous article using this same census-based sample, we reported that mtDNA lineages were 61.3% Native American, 27.2% African, and 11.5% European [29]. This distribution demonstrates an excess of ancestry contribution from European males and Native American females."

and get it right chump-

You racist idiot!

[rjhnyc]

I live on Monte Guillarte, in Bosque Oliympia of Las Indiearas, located in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico with alot of other Indios.

I think your tone reflects where you are from. Go back to your homeland and reflect my brother. There's a tough road ahead of you and you must prepare yourself for your own reality. Get an education and set your twisted mind right. Then, keep your mouth shut and show some respect. Do something in your lifetime. Your comments are rude. Think positive y live well. :)

[rjhnyc]

Yo LoneC-

I have.

It is what it is.

And, I don't like your newyorican comment.

Its inappropriate, and out of context.

Get a life.

And change your name. Their are no "Lone" Indians.

We are all part of a tribe...

[rjhnyc]

Right-

My mother is Indian.

So am I.

Dakar Taino

[sevengrae]

Big fan! Tell it like it is!!!

[LaTainaIndia]

@sevengrae - Thank you.

[LaTainaIndia]

@sevengrae - Thank you ;-)

[RiverQueen718]

Beautiful mami I loved the "married to our crutches part"... so proud that you are oneof my friends!!! Muahhh que dios te bendiga!

-Nadi

[LaTainaIndia]

Thank you Nadi.

Means the world ;-)

[ensightmediagroup]

thast whats up .... cant wait to hear the cd

[LaTainaIndia]

:-) I couldn't agree more.

[nowheyjose]

keep it up :-)

[LaTainaIndia]

Thank you ;-)

[Cimuya]

wow!!! really cuturely intelligent