Independence is one of the possible political status options for Puerto Rico under the U.S. Constitution. It is not a popular option — its peak popularity in a local vote is 12%, a deeper examination of the mistaken belief that U.S. citizenship could be preserved in an independent Puerto Rico would likely plunge support even further, and no Independence Party candidate has ever been elected as governor or resident commissioner — but it is a viable option.
One of the most popular arguments for independence is the idea that independence would preserve Puerto Rico’s culture. Is that a reasonable argument?
Puerto Rico is not unique in wanting to protect its culture. We can find multiple examples if we look back a few centuries. Japan expelled nearly all foreigners and forbade its citizens to travel for nearly two hundred years in order to avoid pollution from the outside world. Japan’s re-entry into the global economy in the 19th century created enormous upheaval in Japanese culture. China once severely limited foreign trade to avoid foreign corruption, causing the nation to fall behind in technology. Bhutan intentionally limited tourism, assisted by its geographic isolation, and continues to focus intentionally on preserving its traditional culture.
If a new Republic of Puerto Rico were prepared to base its economy on subsistence farming, as these three closed nations did, the Island could close its sea ports and airports, end imports and exports, and preserve 21st century Puerto Rican cultural traditions.
This is not a plausible scenario.
Is Puerto Rican Culture Endangered?
At this point, more Puerto Ricans live in states than on the Island. Puerto Rican culture is not only thriving in Puerto Rico and across the United States, but is influential around the world. Unlike, say, the Cossack songs of Ukraine or Fiji’s meke dance, reggaeton and salsa are in no danger.
The most popular language in Puerto Rico, Spanish, is the fourth most popular language in the world, after English, Mandarin, and Hindi. Spanish, unlike Saami and Alawa, is in no danger of extinction.
Puerto Rican food is also internationally appreciated. Just as many regional foods from U.S. states have become global favorites, Puerto Rico’s special foods, from pastelas to mofongo to piña coladas, have fans everywhere.
There are endangered cultures around the world. Puerto Rico’s culture is not one of them. It’s worth noting that the endangered cultures and languages were not stamped out by allowing outsiders in. They were lost as the numbers of people inside the culture dwindled. Some lost languages, including Hebrew, Irish, and Hawaiian, have been revived as populations increased. Local increases in interest in cultural traditions have in some cases reversed the loss of traditional arts and customs.
The Impact of a Shrinking Population
Puerto Rico’s decreasing population could eventually be a threat to Puerto Rican culture. However, it is the Island’s territory status that is the main cause of the population loss. Independence has not historically caused population increases for former colonies. Ironically, independence could very well lead to an immediate mass migration from Puerto Rico to the U.S. as people view a quick move stateside as the best way to protect their U.S. citizenship before the gates close.
Would Independence Reduce External Cultural Influences?
Independence is sometimes presented as a way to avoid external suppression of Puerto Rican culture. Without being part of the United States, the claim goes, Puerto Rico could express local culture without the pressure of U.S. expectations. In reality, the myriad cultures of the highly-connected modern world enrich and influence one another.
Just ask Bad Bunny. It can be argued that Bad Bunny has earned a platform larger than a single stage in San Juan. Although the rest of the world appears to be happy to come to San Juan for his concerts, Bad Bunny also deserves an opportunity to perform in the 50 states and around the world. Similarly, his massive audiences would be disappointed to be deprived the chance to hear and see him in person.
