Interview, Ramon Diaz Jr.

Ramon Diaz Jr. (b. 1970) was born in Rochester, New York, to two Puerto Rican parents. Ramon attended school in Puerto Rico and Rochester. Though he initially faced language barriers, he learned English quickly. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1988 and went on to attend the College at Brockport and Monroe Community College before leaving school to become self-employed in the fields of construction and real estate.

In this interview, Ramon Diaz Jr. discusses his childhood and education in both Puerto Rico and Rochester. He talks about his family and its observance of Puerto Rican traditions and holidays such as Christmas and Tres Reyes. Diaz Jr. elaborates on Latino stereotypes and relates his personal experiences with prejudice in Puerto Rico. He also discusses religion, contrasting his lack of faith with the beliefs of his father. Finally, Diaz Jr. addresses the generation gap in the Puerto Rican community, observing that a lack of identity and respect exists among younger Puerto Ricans.