1. Welcome to Panama Forum, Panama's online club for visitors, investors, expats and retirees! You are currently viewing our site as a guest. By joining our free Panama community you'll be able to post topics, ask questions and communicate privately with other members. Registration is fast, simple and always free so come on in and join us today!



Register to remove ads

Results 1 to 22 of 22

Thread: Is there racial discrimination in Panama?

  1. #1
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    93
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    6

    Is there racial discrimination in Panama?

    I often hear on the news that people, mostly Asians, are being discriminated when they migrate to a foreign land. I would like to ask if there is such thing in Panama. I am an Asian but I am very much interested to apply for retirement there but if there are racial discrimination, I might change my mind.

  2. #2
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    55
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    6
    I am an Asian too and I believe that all countries has racial discrimination issues but it would be on some cases only. Panamians are I think really friendly enough to accept every guests and sometimes you can only feel racial discrimination in work where you belong to.

  3. #3
    Member Array Laura's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    66
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    6
    In my opinion, racial discrimination is almost non-existent in Panama. As for Asians specifically, there are a lot of Asians living in Panama. There are streets and shopping malls that are full with shops owned by Asians, and all smaller supermarkets and fresh fruit shops (that sell veggies and fruits from all over the world) I've seen are owned by Asians, as well as some of the best restaurants, computer shops, laundry services, etc. You can also buy CDs and DVDs in Asian languages and by Asian artists. The larger banks, like HSBC bank or Continental bank have employees who speak Chinese. There are also language schools for Asians. I'd say Panama and Panamanian people know that foreign people brought them to where they are today, that's why they are treated with kindness and respect.
    Laura

  4. #4
    Junior Member Array
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    10
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    "I often hear on the news that people, mostly Asians, are being discriminated when they migrate to a foreign land."

    Hi cessy! That's a very valid and important discussion. I'm not Asian myself, but from my experience in Panama it's very much the opposite... usually Asians are seen as more intelligent and more mature than other people. In Panama you'll find all kinds of different races, respecting and learning from each other and I love that.

  5. #5
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    93
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    6

    Thanks so much for the assurance. It makes me feel more relieved and I am more encouraged that Panama is a good place to be in. It really feels good to be in a community that you are welcomed. It lessens the feeling of being homesick.

  6. #6
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    55
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    6
    Wow, that's a vast knowledge Laura. I should not be afraid to visit Panama then because they are like Asians and there are a lot of Asians there. That's very interesting.

  7. #7
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    30
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    I think racism is an issue everywhere, still. However, in Panama I think it isn't as bad as most places. There are many Asians in Panama, as well as other races.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Washington, D.C., California, Colorado and Panama
    Posts
    387
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    From my experience in Panama, if you're Asian, I wouldn't worry about it at all. P.C. has one of the largest Chinese communities south of N.A. Further south, there are the largest expat Japanese (Peru and Brazil,) and Chinese (Argentina) communities outside of the homeland.
    Check out Asian Latin American - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and see how it feels. FYI, like little corners shops in NYC are called bodegas for their Spanish-speaking proprietors, the little shops in P.C. (la tienda=small store) are called 'el chino, los chinos' for their Chinese owners. Several of my friends there are of Asian/European extraction, and I didn't see or hear any overt nasty racial commentary in the city. I did hear some some detrimental comments made in more rural areas, but it had nothing to do with being Asian, it was instead directed more towards those of Afro-Caribbean lineage. Exceptions were made for black Americans, Canadians and Europeans! I guess the uninformed/uneducated populace that was making the comments was basing it on economics--still, it sucked.

    In the cities though, there are very large Asian populations--and I still need to find my dim sum palace in P.C.! If anyone comes up with one, I would love to hear about it. Thanks!

    Cheers.
    Last edited by Lalaguayaba; 07-02-2007 at 10:08 AM. Reason: Misspelling

  9. #9
    Junior Member Array Kitty's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    20
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Hi Lalaguayaba! There are several places where you can get dim sum. The absolute best of the best in Panama City is Palacio Lung Fung! ....it can get super crowded on the weekends though.

    Their phone is: 260-4011

    Hope you like it!

    A pic for you all to feast upon


  10. #10
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Washington, D.C., California, Colorado and Panama
    Posts
    387
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    Thank you Kitty!! Thanks for the wonderful pic as well. That's awesome because dim sum is one of my favorite things. I spend a lot of time between San Diego and D.C., and there are dozens of places to choose from, but the last time I was in P.C. (March,) I didn't spend enough time looking for my dim sum palace--now it looks like I've got one! Fantastic.

    Cheers!

  11. #11
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    166
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    I have not encountered racism in Panama. If anyone is racist towards any of you, just tell your old Panama pal! I'll give you my support!

    I think after reading this thread I will order some Asian food.

  12. #12
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    318
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    I hope the racial issues isn't that serious over there as and I'm from Asia as well. Btw Kitty we have lots of Dim Sum here too

  13. #13
    Junior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    18
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    Hi lalaguayaba (what's actually the meaning of this?)

    "Exceptions were made for black Americans, Canadians and Europeans!"

    I'm from Europe and feature white colour. Is there more racism against european guys?
    Do you have any idea about this situation? I'm considering to live in or close to P.C.

    Thanks for your effort.
    Cheers,
    Stefan

  14. #14
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    318
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    I believe he meant black people from the all the countries mentioned (US, Canada and Europe) but I thought he said those are rather exceptions compare to those from Afro-Caribbean ones.

  15. #15
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Washington, D.C., California, Colorado and Panama
    Posts
    387
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    First of all, Nuaeman, I'm a woman! And yes, Stefan, white men from Europe and the U.S. are rather viewed as 'rich guys coming down to take our beautiful women.' So, learn to speak Spanish if you don't already, be extra respectful to the men around you, and let the tourists take the brunt of the b.s. directed at whites.

    As someone who is going to live there, you should be fine. Live like a local!
    As for my screen name--Lala is a nickname, and 'guayaba' means 'guava,' which is one of my favorite fruits.

    Cheers.

  16. #16
    Junior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    18
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    0
    hiya,

    thanks for the hint Lalaguayaba.
    ... coming down to take our beautiful women!
    I fully understand if someone is proud of his/their women, but if their bevavior is really like this, than it's bit cocky, to be honest.
    All in the world are beautiful women, you just need to "find" them, if you want to!

    I'll consider to live like a local even when it's not and it will not be always possible.
    I've downloaded spanish audiotapes for my mp3 player but I still understand nothing. (OK, I've just joined this system) and I've asked some spanish native speakers in my enterprise to teach (more/less) me spanish. I hope this works out!

    Thanks!
    Cheers,
    Stefan

  17. #17
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    71
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
    Rep Power
    5

    Racial discrimination

    Quote Originally Posted by cessy View Post
    I often hear on the news that people, mostly Asians, are being discriminated when they migrate to a foreign land. I would like to ask if there is such thing in Panama. I am an Asian but I am very much interested to apply for retirement there but if there are racial discrimination, I might change my mind.
    I have been to Panama 3 times and twice with my wife who is Korean. We have not experienced any problems with racial problems. In fact, Panamanians were very intrigued with her. I have heard of some discrimination against people with dark skin but have not seen it with my own eyes.

  18. #18
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    318
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by Lalaguayaba View Post
    First of all, Nuaeman, I'm a woman! And yes, Stefan, white men from Europe and the U.S. are rather viewed as 'rich guys coming down to take our beautiful women.' So, learn to speak Spanish if you don't already, be extra respectful to the men around you, and let the tourists take the brunt of the b.s. directed at whites.

    As someone who is going to live there, you should be fine. Live like a local!
    As for my screen name--Lala is a nickname, and 'guayaba' means 'guava,' which is one of my favorite fruits.

    Cheers.
    Oh dear I'm so sorry about that, frankly we have racial issues here as well and in fact I find these racial issues are the main thing that prevent people from uniting one another.

  19. #19
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    139
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    Common guys.Why care for it even if it is there ?? Enjoy the beauty of the place rather than these stuff. And frankly there is no racial problem in Panama at least. I have never experienced and never even heard about such.

  20. #20
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    318
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    Actually racial issues can be quite unpleasant for visitors as they don't want to feel unwelcome when buying things, asking for help and such. However as what I heard here Panama seems to be a friendly place and hope it will be if I took a visit there when I'm old.

  21. #21
    Member Array
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    81
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    Quote Originally Posted by zhinghur View Post
    Common guys.Why care for it even if it is there ?? Enjoy the beauty of the place rather than these stuff. And frankly there is no racial problem in Panama at least. I have never experienced and never even heard about such.
    i agree with you,we should focus ourselves on such problems there will be always be some people almost everywhere practicing it unless some radical changes happen in our society,and about panama none of my friends who've been to panama told me about the existence of such a practice.

  22. #22
    Senior Member Array
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Washington, D.C., California, Colorado and Panama
    Posts
    387
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Rep Power
    5
    Here's the sense that I got: White = fine, Asian = fine, Black English-speaker = fine.

    It just seems to be prejudice against the local Afro-Caribbean populations; if you happen to be a black North American or European, no problem.

    Cheers.



Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •