NuYoRicans

AND HERE'S MORE HARD-HITTING FACTS:

Puerto Rico has the highest poverty rate among US states and territories, with roughly 43% of its residents living in poverty.

Problematic Infrastructure; with those weak ass buildings and uninhabitable structures all across the island. Polluted water and inadequate sewage system paired along with an unstable power grid and you got yourself a living nightmare. let’s not forget the long list of elected officials—natives, mind you—implicated in corruption and shady dealings. SINCE THE ISLANDS GOBERNITORIAL inception! So, who exactly are you all looking down on?

The education system down there is subpar—if that! Lower performance numbers compared to the US mainland, particularly in standardized tests are significantly lower than the US average, and some schools have graduation rates as low as 40-49%. Wtf?! Yea, OK. You all are still acting snooty though. That's mad funny man.

I love Puerto Rico. We all do. But love without honesty is just delusion. Stop side-eyeing Nuyoricans when we visit like we’re second-rate. We didn’t abandon the island—we (and/or our parents) outgrew what was holding us back. We chased opportunity and we made do.

Even the lowest NYCHA income knocks you out the park. 🫡 If you're still sitting on the island with no lights, no jobs, and nothing but pride—maybe it’s time to humble yourself. Expeditiously, because let’s be real… authenticity doesn’t have a zip code, Mamita.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve heard whispers at family cookouts and loud commentary in the living room that Puerto Ricans from Puerto Rico (yes, you all) have a certain “attitude” toward those of us born and raised in the States. Specifically, us Nuyoricans—Puerto Ricans from New York and the mainland. The consensus? Islanders act like they’re better. And let’s be real—it’s not just family gossip. This “we’re the real Puerto Ricans” superiority complex is widespread and tired.

Somehow, simply being born on the island gives certain folks the delusion that they’re purer, truer, and more authentic. Meanwhile, those of us who left (or were born from those who did) are treated like knock-off versions of the culture. GTFOH. That snobby energy is loud for people who literally have fled their own island in waves—mostly due to poverty, political corruption, natural disasters, and lack of opportunity.

Let’s not rewrite history: the mass migration of Puerto Ricans to the mainland didn’t happen because we wanted to cosplay as Americans. It happened because there were no jobs, no safety, and no damn electricity. Much of which is true til this day. People weren’t just packing up for fun—they were fleeing corruption, violence, and hopelessness. And yeah, many who left were professionals, skilled workers, or just plain survivors trying to give their families a shot at something better. But instead of being celebrated, we’re often treated like we betrayed “the culture.” Oh please.

Here’s the irony: some of the same islanders who act like they’re above us would move to the States in a heartbeat if they could. And let’s not act like thousands don’t do it every single year. But suddenly, when it comes to Nuyoricans, we’re “less than” because we speak Spanglish, because we make pasteles differently, or because we don’t roll our Rs hard enough? MISS ME WITH THAT GARBAGE.

Newsflash: Puerto Rico hasn’t been Borikén in centuries. We've been colonized, Americanized, and politicized since the 1500s. And while the island is undeniably beautiful, it’s not some sacred utopia immune to criticism. Over 40% of the population lives under the federal poverty line. Cities like Loíza, Cataño, La Perla, and even parts of San Juan have been left to the wild. Harsh statement albeit true.

El Yunque National Forest, nestled in Puerto Rico’s northeastern region, stands as the only tropical rainforest in the entire U.S. National Forest System, spanning over 28,000 lush acres. Meanwhile, Vieques boasts the brightest bioluminescent bay on the planet. These natural treasures alone should compel Congress to prioritize meaningful legislation that uplifts Puerto Rico and its people.