Ticos Are Racist, But Do Not Accept It

Racism in Costa Rica is a reality, according to reports from organizations seeking equality of black communities who claim that the problem is not government but is rooted in the state.

According to a study by UNICEF and the Universidad Nacional (UNA) - National University - in 2007, which surveyed 800 people nationwide, found that one in ten Costa Ricans of African descent live worse than the rest of the country, three out 10 believe they live with discrimination and half the people surveyed believed to be of African descent influences the application of justice.

"People of African descent are demanding greater justice for years, because the community of African descent have contributed greatly to the development of this country", said the President of the Caribbean Project, Arthur Samuels.

That perception is shared by Rigoberto Astorga, UNICEF program coordinator and who said that the legacy of the 'afrodescendientes' in Costa Rica has meant a lot to the country.

"Last year we conducted a study on the perception of Costa Rican descent and it came to our attention that persist opinions legitimizing certain types of discrimination or people who think they have to work harder with this population", said Astorga.

According to both organizations the main myths about people of African descent have to do with a belief that they only live in certain areas of the country, related to violent areas, with sports development but not intellectual, and the belief that we're all "igualiticos" although racism exists, but is refused to be accepted.

From CRhoy.com