Today’s events were intentionally centered around the typical experiences of farm workers in The Dominican Republic. And while those differences were addressed I can’t help but feel as if today was more about the glaring similarities not just between The Dominican Republic and the United States, but the entire world. We visited the farm of Constanza’s own Pedro Reyes, the owner of a fairly large Invernadero or greenhouse. We spent the day picking cucumbers and learning the process of fertilization as well as the importance of agriculture. We also were able to share life experiences with all of the workers and really connected. What we wanted to achieve as a whole was to gain a perspective on what it means to be someone that works very hard and still be faced with challenges that may knock us off our path to reaching our full potential. I am both proud and upset to say that that was achieved.
Today we also encountered a difficult situation where a Dominican male made a culturally offensive comment towards some of the female glimpsers. This tough situation presented us with a challenge that only proved to bring us together as whole. As well as bring to light a recurring issue not only in The Dominican Republic and the United States, but the entire world. What this experience has provided us with is a higher sense of awareness in terms of the world and also a higher sense of appreciation for those who chose to move in the direction of making it a more balanced place to live in.
During nightly meeting I wanted to touch back on the topic of gender inequality and how it effects the fluidity of worldly affairs. Due to women not being treated as equals, we as a society aren’t able to move towards the ideals that we so often preach to each other. Personally what I hope occurs is that all of our current as well as future glimpsers are able to learn from experiences like this and lead by example in the movement to end gender equality.
“Who runs the world?” GIRLS. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I am sorry to hear that some of the female glimpser was faced with a negative experience today. Ladies please allow these situations to build your courage of who you are and the strong woman that you are about to become. Never allow anyone to still your joy, build on their ignorance.
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
– Maya Angelou
Lovebug I miss you. Sending you hugs and kisses. 🙂
It sounds like your group approached this situation with maturity and kindness and from what it sounds like from our staff the man who made the comment also learned a lot about cultural differences and what is offensive in the US. A lot of learning and deepening of cultural understanding, which is what Global Glimpse is all about.
Great blog Davonte.
Hello, everyone.
Experiencing difficult things with grace, and learning from them about how to make the world a better place is an important journey. Learn from the journey.
Also – Maya – you’re now in charge of the plants in 506. Let’s plant veggies!
xoxo,
Beth
Unfortunately, there will always be racism, sexism and all kinds of ugly stereotypes you will have to face in this harsh place we call “THE WORLD” but it’s how you deal with it that matters. Very proud that this group of growing young men and women were able to handle the ignorance of one individual by utilizing their own knowledge. I know that your Global Glimpse leaders, program coordinator as well as your site manager will continue to help you face all your challenges as you continue on your journey.
I look forward to reading about many more GREAT days to come for you .
Mel Mel we love and miss you.
Hi Brandon,
I am so excited you get have this wonderful experience……Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back…..
Tiffanie
It is unfortunate that this occurred but you learned a lesson that there is so much work in this world to be done. It was an eye opener and it seems that this will give you something to give thought & further discussion to. You are what You believe.
Sorry for the unfortunate situation you all faced. That is also a part of growing stronger. Good luck to all of you and you will all be great.
I know that you know that I know the correct spelling of your name.