Ecuador


Ecuador is one of the most populous nations in Latin America, home to over sixteen million people. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse nations in Latin America because of its Indigenous history. Even though around seventy percent of the population is considered mestizo, (of mixed descent indigenous and European) and there are many other ethnicity's that live in the country. Around 7.2% of the population is Black or Afro-Latino and 6.1% are white and of European descent. Most of the black Ecuadorians live in the provinces of Esmeraldas and the Chota river valley. These communities have a strong sense of identity, a sense of identity which almost proves more important than their identity as Ecuadorians. That is not to diminish their sense of national pride but to exemplify the importance ethnic groups have in building a sense of community. People feel a stronger connection to their ethnic group more than their country. The situation is similar to that of the United States where many people choose to identify themselves by their race/ethnicity rather than just calling themselves American.

Significantly over 14.4% are indigenous. Indigenous populations usually stick to the culture and traditions their forefathers gave them. They mainly speak a mixture of Quechua, Spanish and their own unique language. As a child of Ecuadorian immigrants I have seen these different ethnicities co-exist whenever I visit the country. However, I have also picked up on many signs of deep-rooted colorism and anti-Black sentiments even in my own mestizo family. In Ecuador every part of the country has its own identity. People from the coast are called monos and people from the high lands are called serranos. The reason they are called monos, which means "monkeys," is supposedly because they speak Spanish very fast, almost like a monkey chattering (it does not have the same offensive racist connotation that it does in the United States). Serranos are called that because they are from the highlands otherwise known as la sierra. This information is important to understand the importance geographical regions play in the identity of Ecuadorians. The problem with the strong sense of identity in different geographical groups is that it causes division between those who aren't in the same bracket. As a result whole communities don't have access to employment and schooling opportunities. Cities like Guayaquil and Quito, which are inhabited by mostly mestizo and white Ecuadorians, are well developed with many employment opportunities. On the other hand, Esmeraldas, which is mostly inhabited by Afro-Ecuadorians, lacks crucial infrastructure needed for people to succeed. The celebration of Mama Negra has also brought great controversy. Even though the purpose of the celebration is to remember the freedom of the enslaved people that's not how it's seen by most. La mama negra is depicted by a mestizo man wearing black makeup. This complete lack of knowledge is evidence of the lack of representation Black Ecuadorians face. Every actor or television personality I’ve seen on Ecuadorian television have been white or mestizo. The lack of Black representation alienates those who consider themselves black Ecuadorians. It can make Afro-Ecuadorians feel out of place in a country that doesn't represent them.