Immediate Past President at Appalachian Studies Association (ASA) 2023-25
The recent controversy surrounding offensive comments made at a Trump rally, where Puerto Rico was disparaged as a "floating island of garbage," has sparked outrage and reignited discussions about Puerto Rico's colonial status and the persistent dehumanization faced by its residents. This rhetoric not only reflects profound ignorance of Puerto Rico's rich culture and resilient people but also highlights the stark realities of Puerto Rico's political position as a U.S. territory—one where residents bear the consequences of federal policies without full representation or political power. At its core, this incident underscores an enduring issue: Puerto Rico’s colonial status enables and perpetuates its marginalization within American society, making it easier for its people to be dismissed or insulted in public forums. The following overview examines the evidence of Puerto Rico's colonial reality and explores why, despite calls for justice and self-determination, the United Nations and other international bodies have not intervened to alter Puerto Rico’s status.
