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I know that Puerto Rican statehood is a pretty popular proposal in Puerto Rico and among some other groups outside Puerto Rico, but I was wondering what proponents of statehood think of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Should they be included in a new state with Puerto Rico, based on proximity? Should they be their own state? Should they not be included and remain a territory?
The problem is that the USVI is that it has a mainly Black population with an Afro-Caribbean-American culture and thus entirely different from the culture and population of Puerto Rico with it's strong Hispanic roots.
I believe the US Virgin Islands should remain a US territory for the time being. I would eventually like to see all US territories either become either full fledged states or directly incorporated territories. This idea of "unincorporated territories" belonging to but not part of the US is absurd in 2013.
Now Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands merging to form a single state (name to be determined) as proposed by Guam Governor Eddie Calvo and NMI Governor Bengino Fitnal is an entirely different issue and in my view it's a good idea although it remains controversial in the Marianas as the residents are afraid they will lose all their Federal funding to Guam with it's larger population.
Not sure people in the VI would be interested in shared statehood with Puerto Rico. IMO, VI people should remain separate, as they have their own identity which is historically & culturally different from Puerto Ricans. They tend to come/descend from numerous islands and represent a completely different mix of people who are likely not as pro-statehood anyway. Surely they could assimilate over time, but that probably wouldn't be favorable to them. Puerto Rico for them (unless of PR background)...is where they fly to go shopping, and then it's time to come home. LOL.
Not sure people in the VI would be interested in shared statehood with Puerto Rico. IMO, VI people should remain separate, as they have their own identity which is historically & culturally different from Puerto Ricans. They tend to come/descend from numerous islands and represent a completely different mix of people who are likely not as pro-statehood anyway. Surely they could assimilate over time, but that probably wouldn't be favorable to them. Puerto Rico for them (unless of PR background)...is where they fly to go shopping, and then it's time to come home. LOL.
Once every couple of years the "independence/statehood" proponents crawl out of the bush to wave their arms around and spout their rhetoric but they're a tiny minority and not supported by the majority which is content with the status quo. But you're right - the two cultures are completely different and I very much doubt that anything akin to a "shared statehood" would ever be embraced.
By the way, the days of flying to PR to go shopping are pretty much over and done with now that online shopping is here!
Once every couple of years the "independence/statehood" proponents crawl out of the bush to wave their arms around and spout their rhetoric but they're a tiny minority and not supported by the majority which is content with the status quo. But you're right - the two cultures are completely different and I very much doubt that anything akin to a "shared statehood" would ever be embraced.
By the way, the days of flying to PR to go shopping are pretty much over and done with now that online shopping is here!
Yea, it's quite unlikely that shared statehood would be desired by most in the VI or PR.
Oh yea, online shopping has changed things a lot, but I still know people who go to Puerto Rico to do major shopping. Some of my friends were big on online shopping while others still prefer to try clothes on. I would even go to Tutu Park & Havensight before shopping online. Perhaps I'm just picky though! LOL.
Yea, it's quite unlikely that shared statehood would be desired by most in the VI or PR.
Oh yea, online shopping has changed things a lot, but I still know people who go to Puerto Rico to do major shopping. Some of my friends were big on online shopping while others still prefer to try clothes on. I would even go to Tutu Park & Havensight before shopping online. Perhaps I'm just picky though! LOL.
But really, how many other US states have totally homogeneous ethnic and cultural backgrounds? I think that were I a VIer, I might want to throw my hat in with the Puerto Ricans, since that might be the best bet at statehood for a long while.
And lol on the slap chop
Last edited by Asderfut; 01-31-2013 at 10:26 PM..
Reason: accidental post
But really, how many other US states have totally homogeneous ethnic and cultural backgrounds? I think that were I a VIer, I might want to throw my hat in with the Puerto Ricans, since that might be the best bet at statehood for a long while.
And lol on the slap chop
Ah, but you see the majority isn't in the least bit interested in statehood.
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