On
Friday, April 19th, Ramon Grosfoguel addressed
the Berkeley Caribbean Studies Working Group
in an informal meeting at the Center for Latin
American Studies. A standing- room crowd left
little space for the few who straggled in late.
Professor
Grosfoguel began the conversation with an in-depth
explanation of his views on world systems theories
and macropolitical and economic realities from
1492 to the present, before delving into his
explanation of the current state of affairs in
Puerto Rico and his proposed course of action
for the island. While he might have anticipated
some criticism from the audience concerning his
advocacy of statehood for Puerto Rico, he received
none. Nevertheless, a few audience members did
pose challenging questions regarding the possible
dangers of this approach to Puerto Rico and its
politics.
Professor
Grosfoguel did a good job of locating Puerto
Rico within a larger hemispheric and global context,
which forced his audience to come to terms with
the fact that there are few if any "good" options
for Puerto Rico at present. Independence, he
contends, will result in "the worst form of colonialism," and
commonwealth status is an untenable middle ground.
Statehood has its potential drawbacks, but as
a state, Puerto Rico should be able to mitigate
some of the abuses it currently suffers at the
hands of the U.S. Statehood will also ensure
what Grosfoguel considers to be a crucial continuing
and increasing flow of resources from north to
south. Professor Grosfoguel's talk was extremely
compelling and we look forward to another presentation
from him next semester, and hope that he will
become an active member in our group.
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Professor
Grosfoguel outlines his theories on Puerto
Rico's place in the current world system
of politics and economics, as part of his
argument that the island should seek statehood.
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