Jibaros. The real OGs

Destiny Morales

ILAS 100

4/2/2013

Jibaro

     The term “jibaro” dates back to 1820 by Miguel Cabrera in the poem “Coplas del Jibaro.” It refers the people of the forest, often given the stereotype of poor ignorant people or related to the American hillbilly. It’s supposed to mean the hard working people of the highest parts of the island, not well educated but not dumb they have natural wisdom, hospitality & stubbornness. It’s almost known as the “traditional” Puerto Ricans.   Jibaros are known to make their own entertainment whether it is with making their own music or telling stories. We refer to jibaros as past tense because about 50% of islanders now have at least one year of a college education meaning there aren’t many true jibaros left only jibaros at heart.

            Jibaros are in some sense have set the quota for an original Puerto Rican is or should be. I personally feel like the “jibaro” has helped give Puerto Ricans they’re prideful thoughts of their homeland and their culture. The article “NATION, MIGRATION, IDENTITY: THE CASE OF PUERTO RICANS” makes a very brief mention of jibaros. Jibaros were known for the hard work they did on the island as well as the amount of wisdom they had even though they weren’t very well educated. Though true jibaros no longer exist the idea of hard working, wise people does still exist and a lot of the Puerto Rican culture is based off that idea.