deep dives with edgard: starting off!
exploring history, politics, and the imperative to decolonize
hi babies,
welcome to "deep dives with edgard," a new tuesday series where we dive into the depths of history, politics, and the pressing issues that shape our world.
this isnโt just about sharing knowledgeโit's about speaking up, standing firm in our beliefs, and advocating for what truly matters.
in a time when misinformation is rampant and nuanced discussions are rare, with this series i aim to help provide clarity, insight, and a space for thoughtful engagement.
i've always believed in the power of education and awareness. understanding the complex layers of our world helps us become more empathetic, informed, and active participants in society.
this series is born out of a desire to illuminate those layers, to peel back the curtains on the stories and histories that often go untold or misunderstood.
we're starting this journey with a topic thatโs incredibly close to my heart: the history and politics of puerto rico.
whenever i bring this subject up to my friends, none of them know much about it. usually the onus is on me to educate them. itโs annoying and exhausting, but i guess someone has to do it. and itโs not just them! many americans know little about puerto rico beyond its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.
there's a deeper, more complex narrative that needs to be understoodโone thatโs intertwined with the imperative and unfinished work america has to decolonize.
why this series is needed
puerto rico's history is a testament to resilience, struggle, and the ongoing fight for self-determination.
as an american territory, puerto rico exists in a state of political limboโneither fully integrated into the united states nor fully independent.
this colonial status has profound implications for puerto ricans and americans alike. itโs a story of exploitation, resistance, and the quest for justice that echoes the larger struggles against colonialism and imperialism worldwide.
this series is essential because it sheds light on the unfinished business of decolonization.
it's not just a puerto rican issue; it's an american one.
understanding puerto rico's history and political situation is crucial for anyone who believes in justice, equality, and the right to self-determination.
sources and approach
iโll draw from a variety of sources to ensure a well-rounded and accurate portrayal of puerto ricoโs history and politics.
one of our primary sources will be the book "puerto rico: a national history" by jorell melรฉndez-badillo. i recently included that book in my sparks of the week!
we'll also incorporate different online sources, which will be cited in each post for corroboration and deeper understanding.
the goal is to create content that is compelling, accurate, and accessible.
outline for the series
episode 1: the colonization of puerto rico
introduction to puerto rico's pre-colonial history
spanish colonization and the impact on indigenous populations
transition to american rule after the spanish-american war
episode 2: the 20th century and the struggle for identity
puerto rico under american rule in the early 20th century
the jones act and its implications
the rise of puerto rican nationalism and the fight for independence
episode 3: economic exploitation and migration
economic policies imposed by the u.s. and their effects on puerto rico
the mass migration to the mainland u.s. in the mid-20th century
the cultural and political impact of this migration, and why it happened
episode 4: the quest for political status
debates over statehood, independence, and commonwealth status
significant plebiscites and referendums
the role of the u.s. congress in puerto ricoโs political status
episode 5: modern challenges and the path forward
the economic crisis and the imposition of PROMESA
hurricane maria and its aftermath
the ongoing movement for decolonization and what americans can do to support it
episode 6: reflections and call to action
summarizing the key points from the series
why decolonization matters to all americans
actionable steps and ways to support puerto ricoโs quest for self-determination
each episode will be a blend of historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and calls to action. the goal is to not only inform but also inspire you to engage with these crucial issues.
join me every tuesday night as we dive deep into these topics, starting with the rich and tumultuous history of puerto rico.
after we conclude this series on puerto rico, we'll explore a range of other topics that matter deeply to me and hopefully to you as well.
future topics might include the history of social movements, the impact of climate change on marginalized communities, and the intersections of art and politics.
i'd love to hear your thoughts on the puerto rico series and any suggestions you have for future deep dives.
feel free to comment below with your ideas and feedback!
coming next week: episode one - the colonization of puerto rico
in our first episode, we'll journey back to the origins of puerto rico, exploring its pre-colonial history and the profound impact of spanish colonization. we'll examine the transition to american rule after the spanish-american war and set the stage for understanding the complex political status that puerto rico holds today. join me next tuesday evening as we unravel the beginnings of this rich and tumultuous history. itโs a story of resilience, culture, and the enduring quest for justice that you wonโt want to miss.
letโs embark on this journey together, fostering understanding, empathy, and a commitment to justice!
thank you for being part of this community. iโm excited to share this with you.
until next week,
edgard
Eddy, have you thought about being a teacher?
it's messed up how they don't really teach us a lot about this at school here in the US!