Ep 6. Puerto Ricans and Puerto Rico

The show United Shades of America is a docu-series hosted by W. Kamau Bell that explores diverse cultures and communities within the United States. In season 2, episode 6, Bell dives into the vibrant culture and complex history of Puerto Ricans and Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean Sea. Bell begins the episode exploring the beautiful beaches and landscapes of the island, showcasing the many reasons why tourists flock to this tropical paradise. However, he is quick to note that not everything is perfect in Puerto Rico.

Bell uncovers the harsh realities of Puerto Rico’s financial crisis, which began in 2006 and culminated in the largest-ever municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history in 2017. With a $72 billion debt, the island struggled to provide its citizens with basic services and necessities such as electricity and clean water. Bell speaks with locals and officials to get a deeper understanding of how these issues have affected daily life on the island, and what is being done to address them.

But the episode isn’t just about the island’s fiscal troubles. Bell also delves into the rich history and vibrant culture of Puerto Ricans, both on the island and within the mainland United States. He explores the origins of Bomba and Plena, two styles of traditional Puerto Rican music and dance, and speaks with the people who keep these cultural traditions alive.

Bell also speaks with Puerto Rican activists who fight for representation and equity on the mainland. He interviews members of The Young Lords, a political organization founded in the 1960s that fought for Latinx rights in Chicago and New York City. He meets with members of Mi Casa Es Puebla, an organization that supports Puerto Rican immigrants in Pennsylvania. Through these conversations, Bell illustrates how Puerto Ricans have made significant contributions to U.S. culture and society, despite facing historical and ongoing discrimination.

The episode also dives into the devastation inflicted on Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Bell interviews residents who recall the terrible damage, and he reiterates the criticism that the disaster response from the mainland was bungled and inadequate. He also features local residents who stepped up to help their fellow citizens, organizing rescue and relief efforts themselves.

Bell’s exploration of Puerto Rico and its people reveals a complex, nuanced, and resilient community that deserves greater recognition and support. By highlighting the many facets of Puerto Rican culture and history, he humanizes a community that has often been overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream culture. United Shades of America’s Puerto Ricans and Puerto Rico is a moving testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Puerto Rican people, who continue to weather the storms of adversity and emerge stronger and more united than ever before.