What Not to Say!!

   As a global leader we have talked about different topics that will help us adapt well to the culture in the Dominican Republic. We have learned how to act professional, know the official languages, and different business etiquettes. It is also important though to have some knowledge of the country’s history and what topics to avoid when speaking there as a foreigner.

  The topic that I would avoid the most speaking as a foreigner in this country is about discussing the Dominican-Haitian relationship. This conservation will most likely go nowhere because many Dominicans have strong negative feelings towards Haitians. I wouldn’t bother arguing with them either about this topic, because they won’t listen much or change their point of view.

 Now you’re probably wondering as to why they dislike speaking about this topic. The reason is because the Dominican Republic and Haiti have become two nations that been divided by their history. To have a better understanding Dominicans have historically understood themselves as "not Haitian" and therefore "not black." T

  http://www.indiewire.com/2015/06/haiti-and-the-dominican-republic-a-conflict-captured-on-film-153584/

  They have had issues of race and identity in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, they are two countries that share the same island of Hispaniola, yet share little in terms of language, economic opportunities, and identification with African ancestry and heritage. The Dominican Republic was the port of entry for the first African slaves; only nine years after Columbus arrived. Blacks and mulattoes make up almost 90 percent of the population.

  There has been a longstanding tension with Haiti, particularly over the Haitian desire to migrate there. In the early fall of 1937 Trujillo's soldiers used machetes, knives, picks, and shovels to slaughter somewhere between ten thousand and thirty-five thousand Haitian civilians, claiming it was a Dominican peasant uprising. Today there is still great disdain for Haitian and other blacks.

    In conclusion, as a global leader is important to be aware of certain topics or discussions when speaking to someone in a different country. You want to start off with a good impression because remember we are here to build and keep good relationships. So in the workplace it is best to keep things neutral, and not let issues regarding gender, class or culture get in the way of your work. This is a touchy subject and you don’t want to offend anyone.

http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21654661-haitians-dominican-republic