The Puerto Rican in Popular U.S. Literature: A Culturalist Perspective

Abstract

In a recent essay comparing the social status of Puerto Ricans to that of other Hispanic groups in the United States, U.S. News and World Report makes the following remarks concerning the Puerto Rican population after stressing the progress made by Cubans: At the other end of the success scale are the Puerto Ricans. In New York City, where more than half of the mainland Puerto Ricans live, this group has barely begun to build the economic and political power base needed to shape their fate. Studies show that Puerto Ricans: earn less than any other ethnic group on the mainland. In 1979, more than a third of Puerto Rican families had no workers in the household; hold a higher percentage of low-level jobs than other Hispanic workers; suffer acute education and health problems. In New York City, Puerto Ricans have the highest school dropout rate of all ethnic groups, as well as a higher mortality rate than the population as a whole from cirrhosis of the liver, drug addiction, accidents, homicides and diabetes. Notes Manuel A. Bustelo, president of the National Puerto Rican Forum: "The story of Puerto Ricans on the mainland has been a history of regression over the last 21 years. It's been difficult to point out their successes." 1