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Aaron Perry
Professor Dabian T. Witherspoon
English Composition 101-18
30 Oct. 2014

Puerto Rico in Colonial Rage

Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial control over another
country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. Colonialism has tortured
Puerto Rico from a political standpoint. The establishment of a formal governmental system
would lead a country to naturally assume a sense of independence. Puerto Rico has always been
subject to the rules of others and has not been in control of its own destiny. Thus Puerto Ricans
feel angry and helpless however, while residing in any state of the union, Puerto Ricans can
exercise the same rights as any other citizen. Yet those living on the island were not allowed the
right to vote. Voting power gives a group of people the right of choice and the idea that
differences of opinion can be heard and not merely be dictated by individuals in control. Being
under the control of others and not having rights or privileges in ones own country prevents
growth and opportunity.
Puerto Rico established a new constitution in 1952, which was subject to the constitution
of the United States, but was never removed from under the control of the territorial clause
of the U.S constitution. Puerto Ricos representation in this Congress is limited to a single
non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives.

Puerto Rico has been struggling in

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their political position for years. They are furious about how they do not have much say so
in what happens, but the United States does. Puerto Ricans in a way feel like prisoners in
their own home because, of the fact that they are simply bossed around by the United States'
Rules and regulations. Puerto Ricans want the chance to be able to pick and choose for
them-selves, rather than to be handed one or two options. More options would lead to
independent feeling and thinking, which may encourage citizens to become motivated
enough to want to become educated, work, thus increasing the economic forecast of the
country.
Guaranteed U.S citizenship, common market, currency and defense, and permanent union
with the U.S. are the terms and conditions that are the centerpiece of two of the three formulas
that were presented to the Puerto Rican people during a referendum held in November of 1993.
Congress was not happy with this at all and they expressed that through relevant committees,
how unwilling they were to accept the terms and conditions of the commonwealth option. The
commonwealth option is better explained as a potential relationship between the United States
and Puerto Rico, in which Puerto Rico is given special rights and privileges greater than those
enjoyed by the states. Most Puerto Ricans honestly feel that if Puerto Rico were to ever become
an independent nation, its problems and needs would be handled from a radically different
economic and social perspective than if it became a state of the union. The ability to exist
economically is a specific problem that the country would face, if they were on their own. They
must also consider the difficulties they would face without our military support. Any country
would appreciate the opportunity to stand on its own, but the reality of economics and
industrialization plays a major role in establishing independence and stability. This type of
growth would be needed to maintain the countrys ability to begin to evolve into its own

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network. They know that there are too many uncertainties to consider, before thinking about
being apart from the United States. The change would cause a number of disruptions.
The beginning of change would be difficult to achieve. Many sacrifices would need to be
made. When Puerto Rico gained the right to vote in 1917 and elected its first governor in 1948,
the citizens needed a clear view of what this should have meant to the country. Instead, the
country has not been allowed to move forward, because there would be too many consequences
to suffer. The country has remained tied to the United States. The citizens do not feel as though
they are equal to the citizens of the United States. They are on their own soil, but not under their
own rule.
Colonialism has truly put Puerto Ricos people through rough times. Rights were
denied to Black citizens in the United States, as well, and oppression became the mentality that
guided the actions of everyday living. Colonialism has brainwashed Puerto Ricans into truly
believing that the only way change can be attained is through politicians and political parties.
This mentality is destroying the hope of the people. The sad fact is that there are many ways to
change, which they have not considered. They should think about restructuring the way they do
things, create opportunities for jobs, and increase the population, rather than decline. This could
be the beginning of new thinking, by believing that change is possible.

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Aaron Perry
Professor Dabian T. Witherspoon
English Composition 101-18
30 Oct. 2014
Work Cited
"Puerto Rico 51." Puerto Rico 51. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Oct. 2014