How the Dominican Republic Changed My American Middle Class Life

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How the Dominican Republic Changed My American Middle Class Life

I am a product of American society. Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, I grew up in a middle class suburban neighborhood. Christian morals and values have been bestowed upon me since the day I was brought into this world. I was taught to love and respect others.

I would have liked to think that I was the result of a well-rounded educational system. After all, I studied world history. I was also exposed to the horrors of third-world countries by watching the commercials on television crying out for money to help those children with bellies bloated of air and disease eating their bodies? And of course, I will never forget the tragedies of oppressed nations so eloquently represented in the daily editions of the Journal Times.

Every morning I sat in my kitchen, scanning the daily paper over a cup of coffee contemplating my daily routine. Should I take the Nissan or the Toyota to school today? Jeans or khakis? Bagel or cereal? All of the essential elements of an average American’s schedule that clutter my brain with decisions seemed to overwhelm me early in the morning.

On a usual morning, I would choose the Nissan, a gas-guzzling beast that had become the recent fad among American consumers. I would stroll into school wearing my Gap jeans and J-Crew tee shirt, conscious of the casual look I chose to sport. I would start my day mingling amongst my friends, all remarkably similarly dressed and groomed. We would discuss the all of the pressing social issues: if Joey and Pacy broke up on Dawson’s Creek, where we could buy the latest New Balance shoes, and most importantly, who would have the party on Friday night.

Throughout my years in high school, I also became an amazingly cultured individual. Six black people attended my school and I was a friend to all of them. Anthea’s parents were even from Africa. I also familiarized myself with Indian culture as Pikul Patel was a classmate of mine since grade school and I talked to him too.

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