ANNEX 1: Interview Guides
INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR NICARAGUANS
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
1. What were your immediate thoughts upon arriving in Costa Rica?
2. What are some of the best and worst things about living in Costa Rica?
3. What, if anything, are some of the things you miss the most about
Nicaragua?
4. What things about Nicaraguan culture are you able to partake here in
Costa Rica?
National identity:
5. How would you describe a typical Costa Rican (features)? [peaceful,
educated, white, European, …..] or [arrogant, superior…..]
6. Do Costa Ricans like/dislike foreigners?
7. How do Costa Ricans describe Nicaraguans /Colombians/Gringos?
8. Would you say some are discriminated more than others?
9. Which group of immigrants is discriminated the most?
10. Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what
ways?
11. Do they clash?
12. Do you think Costa Ricans think T&N are more different than they actually
think?(/than Nicaraguans think)?
13. Do you feel that Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
14. Do you think CR Nat ID/Nic Nat ID is strong? Which one more
nationalistic?
15. Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the
region? Better than Nicaraguans? Why?
16. Do you think Nicaraguan culture is not respected in Costa Rica?
17. Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
18. Do you learn about Costa Rican culture in school?
19. What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How
accurate is it?
20. Is it common to mix among N&T? (mixed couples)
National ancestry:
21. Were you born abroad? Any of your parents were born abroad?
22. Do you think it is important for Costa Ricans if one looks different
([darker]) than them?
23. How important is a colour of a foreigner?
24. What do you think matters more for Costa Ricans in terms of foreigners:
immigrant’s colour/different culture/ different accent/different religion?
1
Language:
25. Do Ticos consider your Spanish different from their Spanish?
26. Do they recognise you as one of them in terms of your Spanish?
27. Do you think there are differences between Costa Rican Spanish and
Nicaraguan Spanish?
28. Do you think the differences between Costa Rican Spanish and
Nicaraguan Spanish it important for them?
29. What do you think receives more criticism: broken Spanish of gringos or
Nicaraguan accent (/Colombian or other)?
30. Do you think Costa Ricans use Nicaraguan Spanish a tool to exclude
them?
Citizenship:
31. Do you have Costa Rican nationality?
NO- do you think it would be different if you had it?
YES- do you think it would be different if you didn’t have it?
32. Do you think citizenship requirements are fair?
33. Are you considering to obtain it one day?
34. Do you think it’s important for Ticos whether you have a citizenship or you
don’t?
35. Do you think you feel more included if you had citizenship?
Belonging:
36. Do you have Costa Rican friends? In what context do you know them?
37. Are most of your friends Costa Ricans or Nicaraguans?
38. In general, is it easy to form friendships with Costa Ricans? Why yes or
why not?
39. Do you spend more time with Nicaraguans or Costa Ricans? Who do you
prefer to spend time with, and why?
40. Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you
feel (0 to 10)
41. You feel that you belong in Costa Rica?
42. What do you think would help you to belong more?
43. Do you strive to be included (belong)?
44. Do you think it is important to belong?
45. To which extent in your opinion are immigrants integrated into the
communities in Costa Rica?
46. How much do you agree that immigrants participate in the activities of the
communities where they live?
47. Do you think if you try to get involved in the society being a foreigner in
Costa Rica, it is easy to feel part of it?
48. Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
49. Does it make it more difficult to fit in the CR society if you are “darker”?
50. What effect in your opinion negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan
immigrants?
51. Do you more often eat Costa Rican food or Nicaraguan?
52. Are you familiar with national legends (like Juan Santamaría)?
53. Do you feel good (being Nicaraguan) in Costa Rica?
54. Do you see yourself staying in Costa Rica for the rest of your life?
55. Do you trust Costa Ricans?
56. Do you think Costa Ricans trust Nicaraguans?
57. Do you think there are a lot of opportunities for Nicaraguans to have a
good quality of life in Costa Rica?
2
Discrimination/xenophobia
58. How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa
Rican culture/national identity/economy/society)?
59. Why Nicaraguans are considered bad for Costa Rica?
60. Do you think that Nicaraguans drain Costa Rican welfare state?
61. Is it Nicaraguans who commit most crimes in Costa Rica?
62. Have you experienced any discrimination in Costa Rica? Could you share
a story?
63. Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased
recently?
64. Do you think poorer Nicaraguans face more discrimination than ones who
are better off?
65. How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial
slurs?
66. Do you think if an immigrant is better educated (has a better job) he/she
receives less discrimination?
67. How much do you think Nicaraguans are aware of the discrimination they
experience?
68. Is Nicaraguan community (very) segregated in Costa Rica?
69. Does this discrimination make Nicaraguans more united?
70. Do you think there should be more attention in Costa Rican priorities to
integration of immigrants?
INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR COSTA RICANS
Age:
Profession:
Education:
National identity:
1. How would you describe a typical Costa Rican (features)? [peaceful,
educated, white, European, …..] or [arrogant, superior…..]
2. How would you describe a typical Nicaraguan (immigrant) [features]?
3. Do Costa Ricans like/dislike foreigners?
4. Which one is the most discriminated minority in Costa Rica do you think?
5. How would you describe these different immigrant groups in Costa Rica:
Nicaraguans /Colombians/Gringos?
6. Are some welcome and others discriminated?
7. Would you say some are discriminated more than others?
8. Do Nicaraguans have different values from Costa Ricans?
9. How different/similar are Ticos and Nicas?
10. Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what
ways?
11. If someone would take you for Nicaraguan, what would be your reaction?
[pleased/insulted]
12. Do you think Nicaraguans think T&N are more similar than they actually
are?
13. Do you think Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
14. Do you think CR Nat ID/Nic Nat ID is strong? Which one more
nationalistic?
15. Do you feel that Costa Ricans are different from the rest of the region?
3
16. What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How
accurate it is?
Is there something you like about Nicaraguans (/their culture)?
17. Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
18. Do you think Costa Ricans are interested in learning about Nicaraguan
culture?
19. Do you learn about Nicaraguan culture in school?
National ancestry:
20. Do you think it is important for Costa Ricans if one looks different [darker]
than them?
21. How important is a colour (race) of a foreigner?
22. What do you think matters more for Costa Ricans in terms accepting
foreigners: their colour/ culture/ accent/ religion?
23. Are Costa Ricans more white than the rest of the region? Do you think that
forms an important part of CR NatID?
Language:
24. Do you think there are differences between Costa Rican Spanish and
Nicaraguan Spanish?
25. Do you think the differences between Costa Rican Spanish and
Nicaraguan Spanish are important?
26. What do you think receives more criticism: broken Spanish of gringos or
Nicaraguan accent (/Colombian or other)?
Citizenship:
28. Do you think it’s important for Ticos whether Nicaraguan has a citizenship
or not? What do you think?
29. Do you think if they had a passport, they would feel more included in the
society?
30. Do you think citizenship requirements are fair?
Belonging:
31. Do you have Nicaraguan friends?
32. Do you know any Nicaraguans personally? If so, in what context do you
know them?
33. Do you think Nicaraguans make an effort to become friends with Costa
Ricans?
34. What do you think would help Nicaraguans to belong more?
35. Do you think they try?
36. To which extent in your opinion are immigrants integrated into the
communities in Costa Rica?
37. How much do you agree that immigrants participate in the activities of the
communities where they live?
38. Do you think if you try to get involved in the society being a foreigner in
Costa Rica, it is easy to feel part of it?
39. Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
40. What effect in your opinion negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan
immigrants?
41. Do you trust Nicaraguans?
42. Do Nicaraguans trust Costa Ricans?
4
Discrimination/xenophobia
43. How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa
Rican culture/national identity/economy/society)?
44. Why Nicaraguans are considered bad for Costa Rica?
45. Do you think that Nicaraguans drain Costa Rican welfare state?
46. Is it Nicaraguans who commit most crimes in Costa Rica?
47. Does it make it more difficult to fit in the CR society if you are “darker”?
48. Have you witnessed any discrimination against Nicaraguans in Costa
Rica? Could you share a story?
49. Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased
recently?
50. Do you think poorer Nicaraguans face more discrimination than ones who
are better off?
51. How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial
slurs?
52. Do you think if an immigrant is better educated (has a better job) he/she
receives less discrimination?
53. How much do you think Nicaraguans are aware of the discrimination they
experience?
54. Is Nicaraguan community (very) segregated in Costa Rica?
55. Does this discrimination make Nicaraguans more united?
56. Would you prefer your neighbour to be: Nica/gringo?
57. Tell me your thoughts about Costa Rica in general, about the society:
-What are some of the best and worst things about living in Costa Rica?
-How has life in Costa Rica changed over the years?
58. Tell me some of your thoughts about immigration in Costa Rica:
-How is immigration affecting everyday life in Costa Rica?
-Has it affected your life? If so, how?
-What, if anything should the government do about or for immigrants?
Belonging:
59. Do you think immigrants (/Nicaraguans) make an effort to integrate?
60. What do you think one needs to do to be accepted in Costa Rica?
61. Do you think it is harder for some than for the others?
62. Do you think it would benefit Costa Rica if immigrants (Nicaraguans) would
feel more part of it?
5
ANNEX 2: Interview transcripts
TRANSCRIPT N.1: FOCUS GROUP:
Date:
Length:
Language:
30 May 2016
60min
Spanish
Participant information:
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
doña Norma
30
house wife
Primary school
6
24
Catholic
Spanish
economic
yes
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
Manuel Antonio
30
construction worker
Primary school incomplete
6
24
Catholic
Spanish
economic
yes
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
Vanesa
25
domestic worker
high school
5
20
Catholic
Spanish
economic
yes
National identity:
Do Costa Ricans like/dislike foreigners?
(09:13) Vanessa: I think so. For the economy they like foreigners.
(10:26) Vanessa: We were travelling in Easter and when we were queueing to buy tickets in the station, they attended
the foreigners before the local people because they know they are bringing the money to their country.
Would you say some are discriminated more than others?
6
(11:08) Vanessa: No, they don’t treat all foreigners the same. They treat Americans different than they treat
Nicaraguans for example. They don’t treat us like they should. They don’t give as any support! Because you know
many of us come without a visa, not legally. And here many people are hiding because they are scared and we are
put in the situation to do whatever we are told because we are scared. Other foreigners come for tourism. They come
and go, but we no, we come here to stay, to work.
(13:07) Manuel Antonio: They treat us completely different. They treat Colombians very differently too. They treat
them with respect because they have a reputation of criminals so ticos feel intimidated. But with Nicaraguansspeaking vulgarly- they treat us like filth. And I don’t know why because we are all human being. They call us
‘paisa’ 1.They call us ‘paisa’ and they don’t understand that we are also humans and it hurts us. It really offends me.
Its like this and its is because our governments never got along well and that results in discrimination against us here.
Which group of immigrants is discriminated the most?
(17:47) I believe the Nicaraguans. Despite the fact that we are the ones to sustain the economy. If you compare
Nicaraguan worker with Costa Rican, the costa Ricans are very lazy. They work for a bit and they need a break, they
are checking their phones, they are slacking.
(27:04) In this country we are the most rejected. They don’t want us here.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(05:22) Norma: Yes, everything is different.
(06:05) Vanessa: Yes, culturally we are very different. The way we speak, the food.
Do T&N have the same values?
(19:58) Values, yes.
Do you think Costa Ricans think T&N are more different than they actually think?(/than Nicaraguans think)?
(20:28) Vanessa: Yes, they exaggerate how different we are.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
(20:40) All: agree.
Manuel Antonio: Too much! There are ticos who think Costa Rica is the best country in the world. 8th miracle of the
world. They say ‘somos ticos de corazon’[we are Costa Ricans from our hearts].It is a beautiful country I agree, but
you cannot say it’s the best country in the world.
Do you think CR Nat ID/Nic Nat ID is strong? Which one more nationalistic?
(21:25) All: Of course and too much.
(21:35) Vanessa: There is a lot of showing off, others are afraid of being associated with other countries [in the
region].
(22:53) Manuel Antonio: Nicaraguan nationalism exists but it’s not so exaggerated. We know who we are and we
don’t have to shout to everyone we are Nicaraguans and we are the best.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the region? Better than Nicaraguans? Why?
(23:32) Manuel Antonio: Yes, they think they are the best. They are arrogant, proud, slimy, spoon-fed, they think they
are unique. Ah…
Do you think Nicaraguan culture is not respected in Costa Rica?
(32:28) Manuel Antonio: they just don’t care.
Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
(30:58) All: No.
(31:21) Manuel Antonio: No, it doesn’t matter to them. They know nothing about our culture.
What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How accurate is it?
1
Short term for "paisano" which translates to countryman. An inhabitant of a rural or remote area who is usually
characterized by an utter lack of sophistication and cultivation. Usually people from rural areas take this term as
derogatory. To them it is like calling them "indigenous", "ignorant" and/or "flamboyant". By Republica
Mexicana/Estados Unidos Mexicanos/Mexico August 06, 2004
7
(24:29) Vanessa: we don’t agree that we should all be blamed for things that someone did something bad.
(25:19) Manuel Antonio: it’s not our fault some ‘idiot’ came and robbed someone. But we are the ones who are
blamed for everything. They think we are all criminals.
National ancestry:
Were you all born abroad, in Nicaragua?
(32:28) Manuel Antonio: yes, thanks to God.
What do you think matters more for Costa Ricans in terms of foreigners: immigrant’s colour/different culture/
different accent/different religion?
(33: 51) All: with Americans they just welcome them, they don’t discriminate them at all.
(33:57) All: of course it matters. More white- better for them. They love Americans and they don’t want us. You are
European? Even better!
(33:08) Manuel Antonio: only by looking at us they recognise we are Nicaraguan. And from the accent. But here there
are Costa Ricans who are indigenous, who are black, who are white. But with Nicaraguans they recognise them from
the far, how they walk etc.
(36:53)Manuel Antonio: If you come from any culture but Nicaraguan- you’re welcome in this country! But for us
[Nicaraguans] they slap us and kick us out.
Language:
Do you think there are differences between Costa Rican Spanish and Nicaraguan Spanish?
(39:27) Yes, it is different. But it’s the same languages, only they have a few different words and the accent.
Do you consider your Spanish different from their Spanish?
(39:43) Manuel Antonio: oh yes, too much. They exaggerate the differences. Sometimes they pretend they don’t
understand us.
What do you think receives more criticism: broken Spanish of gringos or Nicaraguan accent (/Colombian or other)?
(41:05) Of course. They like when foreigners try speaking Spanish. They don’t mind if they make mistakes.
Do you think Costa Ricans use Nicaraguan Spanish a tool to exclude them?
Yes they use it to recognise us.
Citizenship:
(28:23) All: ticos use the fact that many Nicaraguans don’t have papers against them. They blackmail them. They say
if you don’t do this extra work, I will call the police and police well contact immigration police and you will be
deported. This way they make us to be quiet about injustice that we experience.
Do you think it’s important for Ticos whether you have a citizenship or you don’t?
(29:33) Vanessa: It infuriates them. Because we come as foreigners, as immigrants with fewer rights and if we get
the same rights as ticos, they are really angry. They are jealous of us, because we come here with our strength and
willing to work. Many of us work hard and then we get a house, some property while ticos only rent. They are lazy,
they don’t do anything and then they are jealous of what we have.
If you have a visa, you feel better?
(29:00) All: Yes, then you have rights. Then your employer can’t exploit you so easily.
Belonging:
Do you have Costa Rican friends? In what context do you know them?
(42:26) Manuel Antonio: Yes, I have many tico friends. Mainly from work.
Do you spend more time with Nicaraguans or Costa Ricans? Who do you prefer to spend time with, and why?
(44:00) Vanessa: It is easier with Nicaraguans. With ticos you have to think more of what you say…
Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you feel (0 to 10)
(45:44) Manuel Antonio: 5. Since we are here, we have to be a bit Costa Rican, even if it’s by force.
8
Vanessa: 5
Norma: 5.
You feel that you belong in Costa Rica?
(44:59) All: No.
(45:16) Manuel Antonio: with time one gets used to Costa Rican lifestyle but one will never become Costa Rican.
Do you strive to be included (belong)?
(45:06) All: No.
Do you think it is important to belong?
(48:00) In a way yes, because you are being watched in this society.
Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
(49:52) All: Yes, it is easier for you [referring to me, European]. But for us [Nicaraguenses], it is more difficult.
What effect in your opinion negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan immigrants?
(26:19) All: here if you read a story on crime in a newspaper, a headline is always ‘a Nicaraguan killed someone;
robbed someone’. That’s all you hear. It gives us a bad image.
(50:29) In the media they tend to speak more free and discriminate more. For instance they refer to someone who did
something bad as ‘Nicaraguans’, addressing this crime not only to who committed it, but to all of us.
(51:06) Manuel Antonio: It makes me angry because I try hard to do my best and then one idiot does something and
and we all look bad. It affects our image in the society but also while looking for jobs.
Are you familiar with Costa Rican culture (like legends such as Juan Santamaría)?
(53:57) Manuel Antonio: Not so much, a few things but not really.
Discrimination/xenophobia
How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa Rican culture/national
identity/economy/society)?
(54:28) Manuel Antonio: Westerners don’t affect much, but we Nicaraguans we spent a lot of what we spent. But
ticos don’t want to recognise it.
Is it Nicaraguans who commit most crimes in Costa Rica?
(15:09) If we talk about who commits more crime, I think Costa Ricans are worse than us. If you look at the news..
Yes, there are people who committed crimes, but… We come here to work, to make our lives less miserable but then
there are these pricks that come and steal, steal some tourist’s phone. And for that prick we suffer all of them.
Have you experienced any discrimination in Costa Rica? Could you share a story?
(23:22) Vanessa: If we go to a health clinic, they ask us are you a Nicaraguan? We say yes and they make us pay.
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased recently?
(18:48) Vanessa: Now there is more discrimination because now there is more Nicaraguans when ever before. And
they say Nicaraguans come to take over our country. But even my employers say ‘Nicaraguans work better than
ticos’.
How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial slurs?
(37:34) Manuel Antonio: Ticos say we are like tadpoles. We are all the same.
Do you think if an immigrant is better educated (has a better job) he/she receives less discrimination?
(56:26) Manuel Antonio: no, they treat all Nicaraguans equally badly.
Does this discrimination make Nicaraguans more united?
(57:02) Manuel Antonio: No, we are very distanced. If you ask for a favour, it is very hard to find who could help.
There is no community. Nicaraguan doesn’t trust one another.
9
TRANSCRIPT N.2: FOCUS GROUP:
Date:
Length:
Language:
30 May 2016
36min
Spanish
Participant information:
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
doña Vilma
65
domestic worker
high school
25
40
Catholic
Spanish
economic
yes
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
doña Angela
82
pensioner
Primary school incomplete
22
67
Catholic
Spanish
economic/family
yes
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
Sandra
37
domestic worker
University (bachelors ongoing)
16
21
Catholic
Spanish
economic /family
yes
National identity:
How would you describe a typical Costa Rican (features)? [peaceful, educated, white, European, …..] or
[arrogant, superior…..]
(10:40) Sandra: they feel superior. Mainly because they have more access to education. They say
Nicaraguans speak bad Spanish. They criticise Nicaraguans a lot about that.
Which group of immigrants is discriminated the most?
(09:26) [Unanimously] Nicaraguans.
Why?
(09:58) Sandra: I think it’s because they are taught specific stereotypes about Nicaraguans. For example a
10
Nicaraguan man- is violent and a drunk head. And a woman- submissive. And it’s true in a way. So they have
this perception. And unfortunately they have true in them.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(04:31) Sandra: No, it’s very similar.
Do you think Costa Ricans think T&N are more different than they actually think?(/than Nicaraguans
think)?
(04:54) Sandra: No, both reject each other. Both claim we are different.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
Vilma: not so much nationalistic, but egoistic.
Do you think CR Nat ID/Nic Nat ID is strong? Which one more nationalistic?
(05:21) Vilma: I think Nicaraguans are more welcoming, they are not as arrogant as ticos.
(05:41)Sandra: But it’s because they never had to migrate.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the region? Better than Nicaraguans?
Why?
(06:03) [All agree]
(06:09) Vilma: according to them, Costa Rica is Switzerland of Central America.
Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
(03:55) Vilma: No.
Do you learn about Costa Rican culture in school?
(04:23) Vilma: No.
Is it common to mix among N&T? (mixed couples)
(34:07) Sandra: Yes, a lot.
National ancestry:
How important is a colour of a foreigner?
(11:56) Sandra: it’s not about your skin colour. Although they are racist but only towards the Afro
Caribbean’s. They say ‘if you are darker, you are Nicaraguan’, but then there are many ticos that are darker
too!
You do not think ticos consider themselves whiter?
(13:11) Vilma: Yes, they do.
What do you think matters more for Costa Ricans in terms of foreigners: immigrant’s colour/different
culture/ different accent/different religion?
(13:36) Sandra: social level. You need to look like you have money. Here they have markers, for example
clothes brand, shoe brands, phone. And Nicaraguans are known for not having much money even they work
so hard because they send everything back to Nicaragua to their families.
Language:
Do you think the differences between Costa Rican Spanish and Nicaraguan Spanish it important for them?
(26:12) Sandra: I think it is important for them. One of the reasons why I am accepted is because I don’t have
a Nicaraguan accent. But I think it would be different if I had it. They wouldn’t consider me one of them.
Citizenship:
Many people do not have papers?
(23:00) Sandra: majority do not have papers. If they had they weren’t so exploited. And most don’t have
them because it’s very expensive to buy a visa.
Do you think it’s important for Ticos whether you have a citizenship or you don’t?
(17:50) All: No, they don’t care. You are a ‘Nica’ and nothing is going to change it.
Belonging:
Do you have Costa Rican friends? In what context do you know them?
(27:11) All: Yes.
(27:38) Sandra: Yes, my relationships with Nicaraguans are only my family.
What do ticos think about Nicaraguans?
11
(24:53) Sandra: That they are ignorant, brutos, chauvinists, alcoholics, women are submissive. I have a friend
who is tica and she tells me I hate Nicaraguans. I tell her, but I am Nicaraguan too. And she said no, you are
different.
Do your course mates treat you differently because you are Nicaraguan?
(23:57) No, they don’t treat me differently but that is because they do not know I am Nicaraguan. But then
they start talking bad about Nicaraguans I always talk back. I tell them my family is Nicaraguans, you cannot
speak bad about them. And they tell me: but you don’t look like Nicaraguan? And I tell them: ‘But I am!’. It’s
interesting because they exclude me from that group.
How being Nicaraguan in Costa Rica change over time?
(29:16) Sandra: I think they get used to it and tolerate it more. It becomes like a normal thing. They just
ignore it because one gets tired of this discrimination. Whoever has just arrived is more sensitive to the
comments than someone who has been here for a long time and by now is used to it.
You feel that you belong in Costa Rica?
(07:41) Vilma: NO. I don’t.
(07:49) xx: No.
(07:54) I do. I did my bachelor’s degree here.
What do you think would help you to belong more?
(18:43) Sandra: follow their habits and their lifestyle. You need to keep an eye on what to wear… For
example here it is very popular to go out on the weekend, drink… In Nicaragua, people go to a local bar and
get drunk there. In Nicaragua people don’t have money so they can’t afford as much as ticos can. They are
more materialistic and greedy. They like showing off. They like spending more than they have.
Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
(16:52) Sandra: it is more difficult for Nicaraguans. They have to first deny the stereotypes that ticos have
towards them.
Discrimination/xenophobia
Are there more immigrants now than before?
(06:32) Vilma: Yes.
Do you think they have become even more xenophobic in effect?
(07:06) Vilma: they just love Americans! Colombians they also don’t like too much, a bit like us. Because
there are many.
Why Nicaraguans are discriminated in Costa Rica?
(02:42) Vilma: I think it’s something that has been transferred from their parents. Because there are people
who never had a problem with anyone from Nicaragua, but they are told from above ‘these Nicas are bad,
they are like this and like that’. They are told we come here to steal their jobs.
And parents are teaching their kids to dislike Nicaraguans first, because of territorial issues, then they are
jealous because Nicaraguan men come and rob Costa Rican women, then because they don’t want to work
much and then want to have a lot and because Nicaraguans work hard, it makes them look in contrast. And
then they complain we steal their jobs.
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased recently?
(01:30) Vilma: To be honest, it hasn’t changed much. They don’t want us, they discriminate us.
(01:39) xxx: They call me a crazy old women. They tell me I shouldn’t be here; I should be in my own country.
This happens in public transport, in shop. Without any reason, just for being Nicaraguan.
Does this discrimination make Nicaraguans more united?
(08:25) Sandra: there is no Nicaraguan community. There is a meeting point, Parque de la Merced, but it’s
not a community. They sit there, talk, and discriminate the same as Costa Ricans.
(09:01) Vilma: it’s true, there is no unity.
12
TRANSCRIPT N.3:
Date:
Length:
Language:
1st May 2016
98 min
Spanish
Participant information:
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
Everth
32
student
university (ongoing Master’s degree)
5
27
Catholic
Spanish
economic, education
yes, given the opportunity
What were your immediate thoughts upon arriving in Costa Rica and now?
(03:30) Expectations weren’t met because I came to look for a job but I couldn’t find one. But when I came
back for studying, I realise I am very privileged as a Nicaraguan and studying in Costa Rica.
(04:36) Relationship between Costa Rica and Nicaragua historically has always been conflictive because both
governments never managed to come to an agreement and have a harmonious political relationship. People
from Nicaragua come to work here because of the lack of opportunities in Nicaragua. There is a certain lack
of appreciation, discrimination, xenophobia, that I have been a victim of myself.
(03:40) You will see that I am a strange case for a Nicaraguan in Costa Rica. There are very few who come
here to study. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Latin America.
(02:30) People ask: ‘Why are there so many Nicaraguans in Costa Rica?’ Simple- for economic reasons.
National identity:
Do Costa Ricans like/dislike foreigners?
(23:05) I think they like tourists. They see it as an income for their country. But if you come to stay- they don’t
like it.
Would you say some are discriminated more than others?
(25:26) Absolutely. They always prefer a foreigner from Europe than that from Central America. But worst is
an immigrant from Nicaragua.
Which group of immigrants is discriminated the most?
(21:36) Most discriminated are Nicaraguans of course. Least- Americans and Europeans.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(12:33) Through the explanation of how Costa Rica and Nicaragua differ in terms of historical and economic
development, he was explaining how countries are different. It uses this to explain the austerity.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
(38: 43) A lot! Very much! I think it’s because of the welfare state they have here.
Do you think CR Nat ID/Nic Nat ID is strong? Which one more nationalistic?
(39:35) I think both have a lot of pride. Even though Nicaraguans live poorer, they are still proud. Even if I
have a good life here, I still love my poor Nicaragua. And I miss Nicaragua and I will always be Nicaraguan.
There is assaying in Nicaragua: ‘I am Nicaraguan thanks to God’. I don’t like it.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the region? Better than Nicaraguans?
Why?
(26:03) Totally! Costa Rica doesn’t consider itself part of Central America. For instance, rest of the countries
of central America have always got on well and in terms of migration, they have an agreement for visa free
13
entry among those countries. While Costa Rica (and Panama) have completely different logic. It is very hard
to get a visa for Costa Rica for Nicaraguan.
(28:15) Its superior because of political development, they have good human rights record, they have high
education rates, there is not as much inequality as in other Central American countries.
Are T&N cultures similar /different?
(49:28) If we are talking about cultural clashes, no, there is none if it here. For instance cuisine is very
different. If we try to look for differences- popular sports, education and attitudes towards education. But
really, there are no clashes.
Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
(54:10) Even though they talk about how different we are, they know really little about Nicaraguan culture.
And that is because Costa Ricans always are looking outside of Central America. They are interested in
Europe, US, even Mexico, but not this region. For example in the class [at university] whenever discussion is
about central America, Costa Rican classmate don’t have anything to say, because they no nothing because
they are not interested. And that is because they think they are better than rest of the countries in the region
and they consider that there is nothing to learn from them.
What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How accurate is it?
(12:48) In general Costa Ricans’ perceptions towards Nicaraguans is that they are inferior. I would say at
least 80% of Costa Rican population have a negative opinion about Nicaraguans. They also think that all
Nicaraguans are of violent nature. And they apply this image to all Nicaraguans. It’s true that in general men
in Nicaragua are more violent, they drink a lot and they are chauvinistic. For instance I can see how
Nicaraguan men behave in public here. They are very accusador (mean someone who’s looking for a fight).
They approach women with shouts in the streets, they tell them things, give them compliments, vulgar things
some time. This is normal in Nicaragua, but here it’s not ok to behave like this. Ticos don’t like it. This gives
them negative perceptions. Of course there are people who commit crimes. But not all. But this one that
commits a crime, damages the image of all Nicaraguan immigrants in Costa Rica. Then people stereotype
and make it a norm [that Nicaraguans are violent].
(1:08:48) Then they are very uniform, they follow the norms very much. Also they are very politically correct.
They never express their opinion if they don’t agree. They don’t like confrontation. While we, Nicaraguans,
we always say that we think. Another thing, here people never invite you to their houses. But in Nicaraguayou are a friend instantly.
National ancestry:
How important is a colour of a foreigner?
(29:05) Physically, Costa Ricans stand out from the rest of the region. While we, Nicaraguas, have a visibly
different physique. For example myself, I am very quickly recognised as Nicaraguan. In central valley they
have much more physical heritage from Europe. And they have very racist attitudes. For example I have been
stopped by police...24-25 times. That is because I look much darker. Some years ago, they had a policy that
black people [from Caribbean coast] cannot enter central valley! Just because they are black. And now even
though there is no such policy, you can notice racism and preference to white people in the collective
imagery.
Is being darker a characteristic of being from Nicaragua?
(31:14) Yes, in general people in Nicaragua are much darker than in Costa Rica.
Language:
Do Ticos consider your Spanish different from their Spanish?
(35:44) Yes, it’s different. Costa Rican think they sound Spanish (from Spain).
Do they recognise you as one of them in terms of your Spanish?
(1:03:02) I’ve noticed that after living here for some time Nicaraguans modify their accent to sound more
Costa Rican. I can see it is happening a lot. Some even only after 6 months, change their accent. I think it’s
because having Costa Rican accents (or not having Nicaraguan accent) allows them to be more included in
the Costa Rican society. I think it works like a defence mechanism. It reduces the discrimination. But it indeed
helps a lot. Because if you don’t sound Nicaraguan you already loose one of the identifying features of being
a Nicaraguan. Nicaraguan accent is very symbolic.
14
What do you think receives more criticism: broken Spanish of gringos or Nicaraguan accent?
(37:53) I think they pay more attention to the nationality than to the accent. It related to the image of the
nationality. It doesn’t matter when foreigners make mistakes when they try to speak Spanish. They still
prefer that than to Nicaraguan Spanish.
Do you think Costa Ricans use Nicaraguan Spanish a tool to exclude them?
(34:21) They quickly recognise if you are from Nicaragua by your accent.
(1:07:00) I think often society replicates State’s action. If a State has welcoming policies, usually society is
also more open. Or if the State has decided that a certain foreigner deserves to have a citizenship, then
society also agrees.
(1:07:54) On the other hand, even though legally Costa Rican, my nephews (whose parents are Nicaraguan)
are experiencing a lot of discrimination, because their mommy and daddy are ‘Nicas’.
Citizenship:
Do you think it’s important for Ticos whether you have a citizenship or you don’t?
(56:44) Citizenship is ‘a big word’ here. Most people can’t even get a residency permit, a right to be in Costa
Rica. No one really dreams about having a citizenship.
(57:41) Yes, there is certainly a difference how Costa Ricans treat a Nicaraguan who was born here or
naturalised and a Nicaraguan who doesn’t have papers. It also is important how one obtained a citizenship.
There are only 2 ways currently in Costa Rica how Nicaraguans can obtain residency: have a child with a
Costa Rican national or marry a Costa Rican national. There is no other way for Nicaraguans. Not having a
residency also prevents one from getting a job. It is one of the ways to exclude Nicaraguans. It is very difficult
for us.
Do you think you feel more included if you had citizenship or it’s only a document?
(1:18:06) No, it’s only for convenience, a formal belonging but not socially.
Belonging:
Do you have Costa Rican friends? In what context do you know them?
(1:08:17) Yes, I have some Costa Ricans friends but they are quite different from typical Costa Ricans.
In general, is it easy to form friendships with Costa Ricans? Why yes or why not?
(1:09:02) I think among people with lower skilled jobs, it is very difficult because many Costa Ricans do those
jobs too. But at the university, it’s easier.
Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you feel (0 to 10)
(1:16:50) 6. But to really feel like part of the society, it would have to be at least 30 years until I could feel
included.
What do you think would help you to belong more?
(1:19:13) Nicaraguans here don’t get involved in national festivities and in general in things that people do in
Costa Rica. I think it’s because Nicaraguans in general come here to work. They go to work, home and to a
bar. Sometimes to churches or evangelical religions’ institutions. Typical festivities really don’t interest them;
they just don’t get the point. Some ticos don’t mind, but some say, since you are here, you should participate.
What effect in your opinion negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan immigrants?
(16:29) Media plays very important role in informing and publishing information. Media highlights the
negativity of the image of Nicaraguans. Now there is a lot of media attention on organised crime. There are
many nationalities involved- Costa Ricans, Salvadorians, Columbians, etc. But one that is highlighted the
most are Nicaraguans. There even are comic TV shows that mock the lifestyle of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica.
Basically, there is a negative stereotype about Nicaraguans in Costa Rica already, but media emphasize it
even more.
Who makes media to emphasise the negativities of Nicaraguan image?
(19:12) Both Costa Rican, media and politicians. Because the state, the government dictates and people
follow. Policies also affect how people think.
Are immigrants integrated well in Costa Rica?
(1:22:29) Costa Rica is an excluding society. For instance I feel accepted more or less in the university, in the
15
academic environment. But as soon as I go out in the street- I feel unwanted. It annoys me a lot that I am
constantly stopped by police to search me. University is like a shelter to me.
Discrimination/xenophobia
How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa Rican culture/national
identity/economy/society)?
(53:26) Costa Ricans say that it does affect their country in a negative way. I think they exaggerate a lot.
Because Nicaraguans come here because Costa Ricans need labour force, they need someone who could do
the jobs they don’t want to do themselves. Nicaraguans being and working in Costa Rica contribute to the
development of Costa Rica, not of Nicaragua.
Have you experienced any discrimination in Costa Rica? Could you share a story?
(05:55) I was on the bus with a Honduran friend. There was a man who was staring at us too much. He asked
my friend: ‘Are you a Nicaraguan too’? My friend said: ‘No, I’m not’. A man stood up in the middle of the bus
and started shouting: ‘No more ‘Nicas’ in Costa Rica! […] [inappropriate language referring to racism]’. It
made me feel very bad. But my reaction was pacific because I am always aware I am a Nicaraguan in Costa
Rica. I feel under a constant surveillance. So me, as a Nicaraguan, whatever I do, I will always loose against a
Costa Rican. My Honduran friend was very affected too. He simply didn’t believe that xenophobia towards
Nicaraguans exist in this country before this indecent.
(07:39) I was studying in the library and there was some Costa Rican students behind me. They started
saying very disrespectful things about Nicaraguans: that they come only to steal. It made me really angry, so
I told them: ‘I am Nicaraguan and I am a student from this university and I think you shouldn’t be talking
about Nicaraguans in this way’. They stopped but the point is they said what they said. I also have read in
various studies that in general Costa Ricans perceived Nicaraguans as an inferior ethnicity. And it is true. And
one cannot escape this. I lived it myself and I have spoken to many other Nicaraguans who have similar
experiences. But since they come here without rights and their families back in Nicaragua rely on them for
the remittances, they put up with this discrimination.
(1:25:22) One day I was queueing for a bus and I can see police looking at me. And I thought: these are
coming after me. And that was true. They came to ask for my papers. Once I showed my ID they said:’ A! You
are Nicaraguan [with emphasis]’. I said: ‘Yes, why?’ They asked me what I was doing here and if I have a
visa. I showed them my passport and they saw I also have a visa for the USA. So they ask me ‘Is this a fake
visa? I confirmed that it is real. So they ask me again: ‘How is it possible that ‘Nica’ has a visa for the US?!’ I
immediately felt discriminated. I explained them the process but they still couldn’t believe me. It hurts me a
lot how there is so much open institutional discrimination here.
Do you think poorer Nicaraguans face more discrimination than ones who are better off?
(22:40) Yes, ones who are more skilled, more educated, receive less discrimination.
(1:12:41) Yes, it’s easier, also depending on what migratory status you have. Vast majority doesn’t have
papers.
Is Nicaraguan community (very) segregated in Costa Rica?
(1:28:44) Yes, a lot. La Carpio is for instance one neighbourhood which is extremely poor and ticos use it as
an example of how Nicaraguans live.
Does this discrimination make Nicaraguans more united?
(1:29:47) Absolutely. They immediately connect. There is a network and support for each other. It’s because
they all feel equally excluded so they try to find an alternative space where they can feel good, among each
other.
16
TRANSCRIPT N.4 :
Date:
Length:
Language:
3rd May 2016
68 min
Spanish
Participant information:
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
Maite
28
professional, student
university (ongoing bachelor’s degree)
12
16
Evangelist
Spanish
economic
yes
What were your immediate thoughts upon arriving in Costa Rica?
(04:44) I imagined it as a very prosperous country.
What are some of the best and worst things about living in Costa Rica?
(05:39) Worst thing was this then one my lecturers at university didn’t let me pass a course. For xenophobic
reasons.
What, if anything, are some of the things you miss the most about Nicaragua?
(06:12) Food and my family.
National identity:
How would you describe a typical Costa Rican (features)? [peaceful, educated, white, European, …..] or
[arrogant, superior…..]
(06:57) They are very hypocritical. You can never know if they are genuine or not. I think it’s a national
characteristic. Many foreigners think so too.
Do Costa Ricans like/dislike foreigners?
(08:27) They don’t really like foreigners who stay: Once we were doing instructions at in the class [at
University] and when I said I work in the good company. They told me why foreigners come and have better
jobs than we do. It shouldn’t be like that. They think foreigners only can do jobs that they don’t want to do.
(08:50) I think they are very classist, it depends on the foreigner.
How do Costa Ricans describe Nicaraguans /Colombians/Gringos?
(09:01) They love Americans. In fact they imitate them a lot. Nicaraguans are the most discriminated.
Which group of immigrants is discriminated the most?
(09:31) Nicaraguans are the most discriminated. Firstly because they say Nicaraguans steal their jobs. They
really see them like someone inferior.
(10:20) As there is so much discrimination towards the Nicaraguans, Nicaraguan knowing that also dislike
Costa Ricans, like revenge. Like a reaction to the discrimination.
(13:23) I think this discrimination is transmitted through generations.
Why?
(13:42) This thing about Nicaraguans stealing their job and I also think it’s for our president (Daniel Ortega)
who is a bad representative. What he has done is creating a conflict with Costa Rica and Costa Ricans often
use it as a representation of all Nicaraguans. I feel that he feeds into this discrimination against us.
(15:18) Here I noticed in the news if there is some crime that has been committed by a Nicaraguan, it’s a
highlight, but if it was committed by a Costa Rican, they don’t put so much importance to it. I think this
image of a Nicaraguan as very violent is influenced a lot by the media. Media plays an important role in
17
forming stereotypes and creating information.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(20:15) Yes, very similar.
Do they clash?
(22:22) Nicaraguans are more confrontational. In Nicaragua there is more chauvinism. Nicaraguans are very
hard working people, while here ticos think they don’t need to do anything and have a good life. They don’t
do anything and want to have a lot.
Do you think Costa Ricans think T&N are more different than they actually think?(/than Nicaraguans
think)?
(25:49) Neither wants to be compared with each other.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
(30:41) Yes. They are very united for their country. Although I recall one event, I think it was Olympics when a
Costa Rican got a good place and everyone was so happy for him. But in another match, he lost and
everyone was talking really bad about him. I think this is so hypocritical. In Nicaragua we support our people
in their good and bad days.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the region? Better than Nicaraguans?
Why?
(33:37) Yes, a lot. And most of all I think its people who never been abroad, or never been abroad to other
Central American countries and are only following the image that politicians and media transmit about
Costa Rica- that it is the best country. They are in their bubble and even though they have no idea about the
countries outside Costa Rica, they think they know it all and they are the best.
Do you think Nicaraguan culture is not respected in Costa Rica?
(41:01) They don’t respect Nicaraguan culture here, especially the accent.
What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How accurate is it?
(17:38) I don’t think it’s true. Many Nicaraguans pay into insurance service. I personally have been paying
since I came and only used public health facilities once. And it’s not even good.
National ancestry:
Do you think it is important for Costa Ricans if one looks different ([darker]) than them?
(26:34) Many ticos say they are white even though they are mestizos. They always make fun of people who
are darker. They don’t respect people from other cultures.
How important is a colour of a foreigner?
(29:49) Now not so much because they have people from the Caribbean. But also they exclude them a lot.
But if you are white, blond with blue eyes- you will be the most welcome here.
What do you think matters more for Costa Ricans in terms of foreigners: immigrant’s colour/different
culture/ different accent/different religion?
(27:23) I think they are classist. Depends on the social class. Also nationality. They prefer Europeans and
Americans.
Language:
Do Ticos consider your Spanish different from their Spanish?
(39:34) Yes some words, accent is very different.
Do you think the differences between Costa Rican Spanish and Nicaraguan Spanish it important for them?
(39:39) They say it’s worse than their Spanish and that it’s ugly. They mock Nicaraguans for the way they
speak.
What do you think receives more criticism: broken Spanish of gringos or Nicaraguan accent (/Colombian
or other)?
(40:44) Yes, of course they prefer broken Spanish of non-Spanish speakers than Nicaraguans Spanish. They
are very forgiving and they are pleased when foreigners try to speak at least a bit of Spanish.
Citizenship:
Are you considering obtaining it one day?
18
(41:55) I would, to be honest. Because with Costa Rican passport there are more countries you can go to to
without a visa than with a Nicaraguan passport. But it would certainly not mean I would become more tica. I
would still be 100% Nicaraguan.
Belonging:
Do you have Costa Rican friends? In what context do you know them?
(44:31) 80% foreigners.
Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you feel (0 to 10)
(44:57) I feel well. I learnt I have to adapt and make an effort to include myself in this society. 6. Sometimes I
don’t understand them. I feel much better socializing with foreigners than with ticos.
You feel that you belong in Costa Rica?
(38:19) when I tell people I’m form Nicaraguan they say, but you’ve lived here for 12 years, by now you are
more tica than Nicaraguan. But I tell them: NO. I am Nicaraguan!
Do you strive to be included (belong)?
(46:25) No, I will never be tica. I just try to do all I have to do but I am not striving to become tica.
Do you think it is important to belong?
(48:22) Yes it is important. You have to adapt to the country you immigrate to but its ok to keep your identity
too.
To which extent in your opinion are Nicaraguans integrated into the communities in Costa Rica?
(49:09) I think majority come here to work and they are not so interested in the rest of the things here. They
socialise among each other but not much with ticos.
Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
(51:37) Yes.
What effect in your opinion negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan immigrants?
(53:38)It produces the conflict and emphasise the discrimination.
Are you familiar with national legends (like Juan Santamaría)?
(54:14) I know about them but they don’t mean much to me.
Discrimination/xenophobia
How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa Rican culture/national
identity/economy/society)?
(54:38) Positive.
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased recently?
(57:13) I feel like with time it’s less. But that it perhaps because one gets used to it and just doesn’t pay
attention to it anymore.
How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial slurs?
(57:58) Yes, you can hear it a lot. Even among lecturers it happens often that a lecture says here we can
speak honestly and he starts talking negatively towards Nicaraguans. I tell him: I am Nicaraguan. And then
they are a little embarrassed. That upsets me because they are the people who have a lot of influence on
their students and if they speak negatively about Nicaraguans, students think that it is ok to also be
discriminating towards Nicaraguans.
Do you think if an immigrant is better educated (has a better job) he/she receives less discrimination?
(36:41) Yes, ones that are the poorest receive most discrimination, The ones who live in poor neighbourhoods
especially. They say: Nicaraguans bring poverty to our country. And if you go to those poor neighbourhoods
you see that there is a lot of ticos too, but they don’t like talking about it. But if you have a better job and
good education.
Is Nicaraguan community (very) segregated in Costa Rica?
(50:34) Yes, they voluntarily distance themselves from the ticos society. Like a mechanism for self-protection
because they are aware of the discrimination.
Does this discrimination make Nicaraguans more united?
(51:07) Yes.
19
TRANSCRIPT N.5:
Date:
Length:
Language:
16th May 2016
98 min
Spanish
Participant information:
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Years in Costa Rica:
Age on arrival:
Religion:
Language:
Reasons for coming to Costa Rica:
Plans to stay in Costa Rica:
Yescárleth
25
professional
university (ongoing bachelor’s degree)
24.5
0.5
Catholic
Spanish
family, political, economical
not sure
National identity:
How would you describe a typical Costa Rican (features)? [peaceful, educated, white, European, …..] or
[arrogant, superior…..]
(24:19) We are all white, all farmers. Someone who always does things rights, superior to the rest of Central
America. But it is not true. In order to understand why there is discrimination towards the Nicaraguans it is
important to understand how Costa Ricans see themselves.
Do Costa Ricans like/dislike foreigners?
(51:06) It’s a selective taste/liking. Depending on the status; whether they see a foreigner of their level or
lower. For instance Europeans are very welcome, people are very happy to receive people from Europe. The
acceptance is based on the stereotypes. For instance depending on what I know of a certain country, I will
either accept you or I won’t.
Which group of immigrants is discriminated the most? Why?
(53:55) Nicaraguans. Because they are the majority, because they are the most noticeable accent and
physique wise, they are pegged with the image of violent, it is also a political issue. Also for being
neighbours.
(24:19) Because to understand why there is this discrimination towards the Nicaraguans it is also important
to understand how Costa Ricans see themselves. Nicaraguans do not fit in this image. Also for the amount,
biggest groups of minorities usually produce fear among local population. Then Nicaraguans bring poverty;
steal jobs, exhaust social services, health services. In contrast to Costa Rican self-image there is a
construction of an image of Nicaraguans, as if all Nicaraguans are the same. And then say use jokes as a way
to discriminate but hide behind those jokes what they actually want to say. I really cannot stand that.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(1:00:00) I think they are quite different. In Nicaragua people are very straightforward, very direct. Here
people never say things to your face. Here people like saying that we are very pacific, even though I don’t
agree. Here people are passive, while in Nicaragua – reactionary. Education is different. Values- in CR- peace,
nature, ‘pura vida’. In N- nationalism, there are things that stayed after civil war, oppression.
Do they clash?
(1:02:32) No, all these differences can coexist. Conflicts surge only when there is some political conflict.
Usually the increase of discriminatory feelings towards Nicaraguans happens according to political events.
If you confused Tico with Nicaraguan?
(1:03:02) It would be a big insult. If you are brave enough you should do a social experiment telling ticos
things like: ‘A, I thought you were Nicaraguan!´; ‘You sound Nicaraguan’; ‘I always thought you were from
Nicaragua’. I am sure you would make many enemies.
20
Do you feel that Costa Ricans are nationalistic?
(1:05:57) Nicaraguans are more. Costa Ricans become very nationalistic only when there is a political
problem. While Nicaraguans- always. It’s very strong because of wars. When I told my mum I am planning on
getting a citizenship she was very angry. As if I was disowning being a Nicaraguan. In general, Costa Ricans
are not so nationalistic about their own country because they always want to be like those western
countries, like United States or European countries.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the region? Better than Nicaraguans?
Why?
(1:09:13) Yes, unfortunately yes. And I have to say, they are politically the best. They do not want to enter
any Central American unions.
Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
(1:17:55) No, there is no interest.
Do you learn about Nicaraguan culture in school?
(1:17:55) No, there is no attention to this in schools.
What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How accurate is it?
Chauvinistic, violent, not educated, steal jobs, indigenous (negative connotation). Nicaraguan is always
perceived to be poor. And always grouped into one unity. Nicaraguans are like animals who kill without
much thinking.
National ancestry:
How important is a colour of a foreigner?
(25:57) Nicaraguans are seen as more indigenous. My brother has very light skin tone, and no one ever
beliefs he is Nicaraguans. Because here there is this stereotype that all Nicaraguans are indigenous and
‘ugly’.
(26:40) Yes, it is important. According to your skin tone people judge your origins. And if one Nicaraguan
happens to be of lighter skin tone they don’t want to recognise that he or she is a Nicaraguan. Depending on
how dark or light skinned you are, you receive or don’t receive attention- from friends, boyfriends and society
in general. It defines your status. And in adolescence this could define your place in the group. It’s always
Nicaraguans and Afro Caribbeans who are aside from the ‘cool’ kids.
(27:48) Your skin colour here also defines your education, your economic class. As darker as lower class you
are perceived.
(28:20) Very few Nicaraguans make it to university.
(58:08) It is quite important. Darker women are objectified; they are not taken seriously as an individual.
They are seen only as an object with a sexual connotation.
Does racism exists in Nicaragua?
(1:04:28) Yessss, it’s very very racists. But they don’t have the image of ‘white nation’.
Language:
Nicaraguan Spanish?
(19:29) They make fun of it. Costa Rica is a culture of mocking. They don’t like confrontation, arguing. So
their jokes about Nicaraguan accent are a hidden discrimination. It’s not only that Nicaraguan accent is
different but also is seen as worse. They speak barbaric, gross.
Citizenship:
Do you think citizenship requirements are fair?
(1:07:25) It is very difficult for Nicaraguans. First of all it’s very expensive. For an average Nicaraguan
immigrant it’s an unthinkable amount of money. When I was planning on getting it, it was for very practical
reasons.
Do you think it’s important for Ticos whether you have a citizenship or you don’t?
(1:08:27) I can’t think of anyone that I know who has a citizenship… It is very rare. Most people don’t even
have a visa, not even talking about ever obtaining a citizenship.
21
Belonging:
Do you have Costa Rican friends? In what context do you know them?
(43:55) I don’t have many Nicaraguan friends I think because there are barely any at the university and in my
environment.
Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you feel (0 to 10)
(29:04) Maybe 8 (later says 7). Even though I grew up here but I always feel that I don’t want to live here.
Because I never feel like I’m fully part of this society. I constantly have to fight the prejudice. There are many
things that I don’t like about this society. For instance the culture of mocking, no space for debates or
opinions, especially if they are opposing the mainstream ideas. I always find it very difficult to make friends
because people here are very superficial. For this I only have a very closed group of friends. Here people don’t
read for example. Also I know that if I go abroad, I only have to deal with prejudice of being an immigrant,
but not for being a Nicaraguan. Because it is only in Costa Rica that being a Nicaraguan is seen as a bad
thing. Abroad I’m only ‘Latina’, exactly the same as Costa Rican person abroad. I think I’m looking for a way
how I can get rid of this label of being unwanted and discriminated that I have pegged on me here. I want to
be taken for who I am which I haven’t been able to achieve here, despite being raised, educated and having
all my friends and life here.
(37:58) experience that I had when I went to Europe has affected me a lot. I went to France and I was in the
environment with people from many different parts of the world. And all of a sudden I felt like I was valued
for what I was, not from where I was. All of a sudden I was popular, people wanted to talk to me and that
made me realise that this stigma of being a Nicaraguans is not part of me and that it is part of Costa Rica
and Costa Ricans who imposed it on me. This made me much more confident and I stopped being so very shy
and I felt like I could stand for myself and stand for myself when people speak badly about me or other
Nicaraguans. That is why I want to leave Costa Rica and go abroad, because I learnt that abroad I can feel
more valued for what I actually am and not what people assume I am because of my ethnicity.
(40:16) My parents feel less part of the society. It was very difficult for them. I think it was easier for me and
my brothers than for my parents and it will be easier for my children than it was for me.
My mother doesn’t have any Costa Rican friends. She is always at home. They call her ‘a lady from the slum’,
she was never included in the neighbourhood.
Mixed couples?
(42:18) Maybe in the rural areas, but not in the San Jose. It is more complicated here…I haven’t seen many.
Do you think it is important to belong?
(57:23) Yes, of course. There are a lot of people that live here but don’t really live here.
Do you think if you try to get involved in the society being a foreigner in Costa Rica, it is easy to feel part
of it?
(55:36) I think it is difficult. Especially for me, for Nicaraguans. When I go out and a bouncer asks me to show
my ID, they always change the attitude. As if they were saying, ‘you cannot come in, we don’t want
Nicaraguans in here’. I think I have this as a trauma since I was a child. I was always excluded for not being
Costa Rica.
I also heard that people find it difficult to feel part of the society because people are very shallow. It is
difficult to actually develop close relationships.
What effect, in your opinion, negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan immigrants?
(17:27) They make Nicaraguan immigrants in Costa Rica more insecure; one grows up feeling that it is bad
being a Nicaraguan. Even if one feels certain value, you always feel like no matter what you do, you will
never be an equal with a Costa Rican. You will always be different, be less. To the point that people start
hating this place.
Do you feel good being Nicaraguan in Costa Rica?
(02:24) It has been a complex experience. School years have been very very difficult, with a lot of very open
discrimination. Discrimination discourse used to be much stringer and much more open than now.
Discrimination I and other Nicaraguans used to receive was based on the accent, for being darker, or just
simply for being Nicaraguan. These kinds of things really have affected my childhood and left some
significant traumas for the rest of my life. I became a very quiet child, I wasn’t talking to people. I distanced
myself to avoid people making fun of me. So I decided to focus on studying, and became a good student. It is
22
very strong because I was growing up with an idea that being Nicaraguan is bad; that being Nicaraguan is a
synonym of discrimination. Later in high school discrimination was not so severe. I was good in sports but I
couldn’t participate in international competitions because I wasn’t Costa Rica. It was very hard for me
because I felt like I had the skills but I couldn’t use them because of these political issues. And then later at
university there was even less discrimination.
Do you feel Nicaraguan or Costa Rican?
(07:56) Its strange because I know I am Nicaraguan but often I don’t feel like Nicaraguan because there are
many things I don’t know about Nicaragua, like culture, values, etc.
It’s a first time now, being 25, when I don’t feel bad anymore saying I’m from Nicaragua.
Discrimination/xenophobia
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased recently?
(08:54) It used to be worse, people used to be very open with discrimination. It was much more common to
hear someone calling you ‘Nica’ or saying that we steal jobs, or that we are ugly (because we are so dark), or
the accent, or that we are stupid and uneducated.
(13:49) Before discrimination was very aggressive, I feel, like now it’s more passive aggressive. I think now
discrimination is not expressed in such open ways because maybe the topic is a little more sensitized.
Nowadays surge of discrimination coincides with political confrontations between the two governments. Also
I think the knowledge of human rights is more widespread than 10 years ago. Maybe also now teachers take
more notice of this, so they [teachers] are not so quick to discriminate Nicaraguan pupils because they know
they could get in trouble. While before it was very common.
(17:06) 20 years ago open discrimination was entirely normal. Nowadays people recognise that
discrimination is a type of violence.
Do you think poorer Nicaraguans face more discrimination than the ones who are better off?
(45:50) Yes, if you are professional at least you are good at something. For ‘us’, however, it is very hard
because we are poor. That also prevents us from getting education.
(47:14) Being an educated Nicaraguans has a collateral effect because I could share my knowledge with
people who have no education. It sets a good image and gives people hope, like ‘if she can, I also am able to’.
Or when I don’t have children being 25, I break the stereotype that all Nicaraguan women have loads of
children from the young age.
How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial slurs?
(10:23) to call someone ‘Nica’ is very very offensive.
(11:22) A Nicaraguan man was breaking into someone’s property trying to steal something and there was a
big dog, Rottweiler. A dog had bitten a thief to death while people were standing and looking but no one
helped him. As an aftermath, there were many anecdotes and funny stories with messages similar to ‘thanks
to Rottweiler Costa Ricans are saved from ‘Nicas’’; ‘A Rottweiler saves Costa Ricans’, ‘a Rottweiler- a
national hero of Costa Rica’, etc. This story is very sad to me.
(48:54) I know now that all these jokes are discrimination, but many people don’t know it. And they don’t
know much about human rights and that is not right to discriminate.
Do you think there should be more attention in Costa Rican priorities to integration of immigrants?
(1:11:45) Yes, of course. I also noticed that for instance for the International Migrants Day here it was only
talked about refugees. No one talks about economic migrants who are the majority. There is certainly a lack
of attention to the integration topic.
23
TRANSCRIPT CR.1 :
Date:
Length:
Language:
1st April 2016
35 min
Spanish
Participant information:
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Religion:
Language:
Junior
43
taxi driver
secondary school
Catholic
Spanish
National identity:
How would you describe a typical Nicaraguan (immigrant) [features]?
Tell me some of your thoughts about immigration in Costa Rica:
How is immigration affecting everyday life in Costa Rica?
Has it affected your life? If so, how?
How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa Rican culture/national
identity/economy/society)?
They are violent, they are like animals. It is because they don’t have education. You know, no one really goes
to school in Nicaragua. They live in war and have lived like that for years. So for them killing families and
families of Costa Ricans is normal. You will see, on the news they tell us everything. These Nicaraguans… I
don’t even go out anymore. I am scared. They go to bars; they drink and become even more aggressive. They
drink and then they want to fight. Its so easy to get stabbed just because you were nearby when a
Nicaraguan was drunk and in a bad mood.
Some of them come to work, but majority just do crime. Do you know how much Costa Rica spent on all
those immigrants!? We spent millions on Cubans recently. No no, tourists can come we like tourists. But we
don’t want anyone to stay here. Even Americans, they come and buy our lands, increase the prices, take
away business from local people. We, Costa Ricans start feeling like guests in our own country! We don’t like
that.
Costa Rica used to be such a beautiful safe country, now with ‘Nicas’ everything is changing. They are like a
plague. It’s dangerous, crime everywhere, no jobs. Life has become really difficult for us Costa Ricans. ‘Nicas’
can go back to their country, we don’t need them here.
Would you say some are discriminated more than others? How important is a colour (race) of a foreigner?
Very important. Here people are racist. For you, blond white girl, it’s easy, but for these people [pointing at a
black lady crossing the pedestrian] life is not easy here… They are almost as bad as Nicaraguans. Especially
here in the capital, people don’t like that they move here from the Caribbean [coast].
How different/similar are Ticos and Nicas?
Oh no, very different. Here in Costa Rica we care about education. Everyone goes to school. But in Nicaragua
there is no civilisation. They still live like as if it was war- killing, robbing, drinking all day. No one goes to
school. It’s mostly lack of education. We care about nature, family. They don’t have values, a little like
animals. They don’t even respect women. They beat them, even their own wives. Also they don’t know how
to speak Spanish. That is also because they never been to school.
If someone would take you for Nicaraguan, what would be your reaction? [pleased/insulted]
No, ask anyone here, no tico wants to be associated with ‘Nicas’. We are very different.
Do you think Nicaraguans respect CR laws and institutions?
They don’t respect Costa Rica at all. First of all they all come here without papers. They don’t pay taxes and
then they go and use socials securities that we have to pay for! Also they steal a lot, and do all types of
24
crime.
Belonging:
Do you have Nicaraguan friends?
No, I don’t associate with them.
To which extent in your opinion are immigrants integrated into the communities in Costa Rica?
No, they like living in their own communities. Here we have a place that is called La Carpio. All of people
there are ‘Nicas’. It’s a good representation of Nicaraguans- they bring poverty to Costa Rica. That place is so
dangerous and dirty. That’s where a lot of criminals come from.
TRANSCRIPT CR.2:
Date:
Length:
Language:
10th May
117 min
Spanish
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Religion:
Language:
Alexander Jimenez
xx
Professor
University (PhD)
Catholic
Spanish
National identity:
(07:17) This topic is very important for this country. However Costa Ricans don’t want to talk about it- neither
people from the society, nor the politicians; not even academics. It’s only a few of us that have been insisting for
years that this is an important topic. It is very important to coexist because they constitute a big number of the
population in Costa Rica and they will not go away.
(08:08) However I think here the conflicts between Costa Ricans and Nicaraguans are not constantly aggressive
or as intense as in some other countries of immigration. It’s the kind of coexistence with mocking, jokes and
xenophobia but it is not the kind like Germans have with Turkish or Spanish with Moroccans.
(11:03) Many researchers while talking about xenophobia, don’t distinguish between prejudice and
discrimination. Prejudice is very prominent here, very strong, but discrimination (that refers to rights and
equality, equal access to material things and things like scholarships etc.) which also exists here and it has been
proven by various studies, but it is important to recognise that government does make an effort to fight
discrimination. By laws, jurisprudence, constitution made various mentions of anti-discriminatory policies.
How do you think immigration from Nicaragua affects Costa Rica (/Costa Rican culture/national
identity/economy/society)?
(15:11) Immigrants’ wellbeing is significantly important not only for immigrants but also for Costa Ricans, for
democracy; immigrants in this country are an enormous opportunity for development. And Nicaraguans is not
just any migrant groups. It’s a group of immigrants who come in their most productive years, between 20 and
40 years of age, opposite to North Americans and Europeans who come to retire. It’s Nicaraguans who bring
most investment in the country, not the Americans.
(23:09) The invention that Costa Ricans are superior is a historical process.
Do you think it is important for Costa Ricans if one looks different [darker] than them?
(25:15) I reassure you that racial division in Costa Rica is very important. Whiteness is a fundamental concept to
understand the construction of Costa Rican imagery. However, it is true that with time and the development of
democracy, whiteness is marked not so much as exactly the colour of the skin, but more as statements of
following type: ‘white people are more rational, better educated and more democratic’. Therefore, the supposed
white supremacy reflects in Costa Ricans saying statements such as: ‘we are more rational, better educated and
more democratic than Nicaraguans’. To explain why we are less ‘barbaric’ and more pacific and educated, is
because ‘we are European’, meaning we are white.
25
I follow the comments that people make on the articles and in the press. People express loads of prejudice. And
majority of the prejudice are racial.
Why it could’ve been difficult to encounter racism (including whiteness) in the press and in scientific studies, its
because people avoid talking about it. Even scientist and especially in Costa Rica. People find it very difficult to
acknowledge this tendency. It seems like a politically incorrect topic, like as if it doesn’t go well with the idea of
democracy and therefore no one wants to talk about racism.
I’ve had issues with this myself. People tell me I don’t love this country because I talk about how racist we are as
a country.
(28:40) This (racial) image was created in ninetieth century when Costa Rica entered international market of
coffee production. In order to gain more credibility they intended to create the image of white Costa Rica. At
that time UK and France were extremely racist, so Costa Rica did this to ‘please’ them. This was to mark the
difference towards the outside of Costa Rica, but also towards the inside, after the arrival of the Caribbean
people to work in mass projects such as railway, it was necessary to draw the line between white people in
Costa Rica. There are tons of documents encouraging people to whiten the blood, not to mix with mestizos,
black or indigenous.
(31:31) if you read latest four immigration laws, it is obvious that what Costa Rican government is encouraging
is welcoming of North American and Europeans while creating impassable barriers for poor immigrants, mainly
from neighbouring Central American countries.
Is Costa Rica welcoming towards Western immigrants?
(33:39) Costa Rica always had an obsession with European immigration. In the second half of the ninetieth
century, in the narrations of travellers it was very evident that there were many Europeans invited and paid by
Costa Rican government to write stories about how prosperous and white Costa Rica is in order to transmit
these reports back in Europe, so that Europeans would want to come to Costa Rica. In other words Costa Rican
government was trying to find ways how to attract European immigration to Costa Rica. It is one of the
examples of the European racial whitening project.
(35:25) Historically, Costa Rica used to compare itself only with Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Only because
these three countries are the ones who have biggest numbers of European immigrants in Latin America.
(36:46) In most of immigrant countries, there are immigrants that are desired and immigrants that are not
desired. This has to do with the irrational nature of identity construction, like a mirror in which one allocates
ones’ aspirations. We want to be compared to Europe or United States, but not with Nicaraguans or other
neighbours.
(44:26) Costa Rica in terms of ethnic composition has always been a country with a mestizo majority, opposite to
what the national imagery is stating.
(44:52) Even though people don’t want to accept it, I think one of the biggest reasons why people do not accept
Nicaraguans is a fear that they will disturb the white (self)image of Costa Rica and with the process of
intermixing Costa Rica will become darker.
National identity
(45:06) National identity is a very powerful tool. It’s a fabrication and its not necessarily based on any real facts,
but it is very powerful.
(46:56) Costa Rican national identity is not discriminatory only towards the Nicaraguans; it is discriminatory also
towards other internal groups. This is an exclusionary society. Against indigenous, against disable people, but
Nicaraguans too. But Nicaraguans were not first to mention. Therefore Costa Rican national identity is not
exclusionary exclusively towards Nicaraguans, but also towards other groups. When we study the link between
national identity and immigrants, it is also important to study the link between national identity and other
minority groups. Groups that do not look like the successful groups, become unwanted and eventually
marginalised. This is typical among almost all middle classes in Latin America.
Who Costa Ricans were always so obsessed to be like Europeans?
(48:38) It’s a country with a colonial mentality. Costa Rica is a colonised country that stayed with the colonial
mentality up until now. After colonialism, instead of developing a reactionary mentality, they have developed
the necessity to look like their conquerors.
(51:32) Costa Rica is however one of the most egalitarian countries in Latin America. Here lower social classes at
least know that they have rights. It is not the case in most of the other Latin American countries.
(56:13) Here, at least, we don’t have discrimination taking a violent action. Like organised groups initiating
26
violence against the immigrants for instance. Here we have more of prejudice than discrimination. And even
when it converts to discrimination, never into violent discrimination. Not that I know of.
(59:26) Accent is the strongest marker of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica. Maybe even more than the skin colour, the
Nicaraguan accent is what is being picked on by Costa Ricans. Most of prejudice is based on the accent and
specific words and phrases that Costa Ricans find appalling. There is a claim that they don’t speak good Spanish.
There are tons of TV shows that mock Nicaraguan accent.
→Tom Pettigrew
(1:05:13) Our neighbours are the ‘troublemakers’. According to Freud, when a neighbour is a lot like you, you
intend to exaggerate the small differences in order to accentuate how different you are. Its called “Narcissism of
the small differences”. There’s also something historical.
(1:06:30) these accents are ‘barbaric’, not refined, not educated. In Costa Rica one of very important national
identity images is education. As part of the colonial mentality, we have to look like our colonisers, Spanish and
later other Europeans; to follow certain mannerism. And these people from rest of Central America, they don’t
take care of how they speak, they shout, they don’t pronounce words right. They associate it with lack of
education, not refined, not civilised.
While, for example, Cuban accent, which phonetically speaking is more different from Costa Rican accent causes
no problems in Costa Rica.
(1:14:27) Accent is a very important identity marker.
(1:17:50) Despite the discrimination, being more positive, I think Nicaraguans are slowly integrating. The
second, third generation are participating in education, there are more mixed couples, etc. There is a lot of
talking and prejudice, but then in real life there is some coexistence.
If one only listens to radio and the media sees slightly different reality than what is actually happening in the
society. There is more interest in including Nicaraguans in education system and providing them with
scholarships etc. now.
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or has it increased recently?
(1:20:36) Nicaraguans in Costa Rica haven’t always been a problem. Before the 1990s’ the numbers were not so
overwhelming and they didn’t use to migrate to the central valley. They used to be on the borders, banana
plantations, other agricultural areas, but not in the center of the country (i.e. central valley). Even though they
have been present for centuries, but never before in the center of the country. I think now, that Nicaraguans are
so much more present in the central part of Costa Rica, it will bring some changes. Because it is only now that
government start seeing it as an issue that needs to be prioritised.
Nicaraguans moving into central valley, made them more visible and more of a problem. Before, even though
people knew there are a big number of them but because they were in faraway places in the rest of the country,
no one paid a lot of attention. But now they are too visible to ignore.
(1:25:20) As an example of migration that didn’t produce xenophobic reaction from Costa Ricans was migration
form El Salvador. However it wasn’t so big in numbers, and population that arrived there were mainly highly
educate.
(1:26:07) I think one of the reasons for xenophobia against Nicaraguans is them coming from poor, poorly
educated background.
(1:31:17) An increase in xenophobia always resonates with political events (i.e. border conflicts).
Do you think poorer Nicaraguans face more discrimination than ones who are better off?
(1:34:07) Aporofobia- odio a los pobres. A dimension of xenophobia that is very present in Costa Rica.
What do you think one need to do to be accepted in Costa Rica?
(1:36:17) Its very dependent on what condition did a migrant enter Costa Rica. If a migrant came with good
economic resources, there will be no difficulties to integrate. Irregardless of the nationality.
First generation of immigrants will never be part of this society. Second generation, if educated, could become
part of Costa Rican society.
Details that are important- accent, Costa Rican cannot stand when Nicaraguans shout, always group together.
There is no expectation that Nicaraguans will be integrated. But acceptance becomes more likely when there is
interaction. And interaction through art, events, and gatherings could really improve the likelihood and quality
of contact.
(1:40:40) I have a hope that in Costa Rican with Nicaraguans it will be easier than Turkish in Germany or
Moroccans in Netherlands. I am hopeful that prejudice and xenophobia towards Nicaraguans in Costa Rica will
27
be diminishing and we will never arrive to a conflict. Also because there won’t be an increase of Nicaraguan
immigrants any time soon.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways? Do they clash?
(08:46) Nicaraguan and Costa Rican culture is basically the same, especially if we are comparing with how
different some European immigrants are from their host nations.
What image Costa Ricans have of Nicaraguans in your opinion? How accurate it is?
(09:53) You hear a lot of mocking of Nicaraguans in the media, social media, some jokes, but then in the daily
life, Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans coexist and don’t really have many conflicts, like migrants and host
populations have in other countries.
Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
(1:39:08) No, there is a lot of ignorance.
TRANSCRIPT CR.3
Date:
Length:
Language:
11th May 2016
55:36 min
Spanish
Name:
Age:
Profession:
Education:
Religion:
Language:
Elma
xx
government advisor
university (bachelor’s degree)
Catholic
Spanish
National identity:
(05:21) The current migration law has been in place since 2010. For the first time Costa Rican migration law was
not only about controlling the migration, but also about human rights and integration of migrants. Last
government had developed the integration plan, as part of this, this Integration directorate was created.
However the plan hasn’t been realised yet. It is due to the lack of staffing which is caused by the lack funding.
The idea of integration here is integration as a two way process. Both parties are required to participate in the
process of integration.
(18:56) Since the new government has come into power the direction of integration strategy has changed quite
drastically. After all the work, initiatives, reports and campaigns produced with the support of the previous
government, current government has seized the funding for integration. Now all the funding goes to police and
migration officers’ training.
(19:54) Integration initiatives that have been piloted until now haven’t received adequate response. Feedback
received has put it down to a lack of interest from the immigrants and inadequate initiatives.
(26:32) Currently we are working on producing a report to measure the achievements and challenges of the
integration activities in the last 5 years. And I honestly don’t have expectations that it will present good results.
Why?
(26:32) Because integration is a long process and there hasn’t been any sustainability or following up.
Everything was left up in the air. The priority now has been to strengthen the policing of immigration instead of
social integration of migrants.
(31:47) Costa Rica is the only country that has integration of migrants, in the sense of human rights, in its
immigration law in Central America. Maybe even one out of very few in the entire Latin America.
(35:28) Now the focus is on Cuban and extra continental migrants and refugees. Topics like integration of
immigrants who have been here for a long time is not a priority for the current government.
(39:17) I personally think it should be a priority area. It should be a privilege to be able to help the integration of
the immigrants that we have. Especially because Costa Ricans are very xenophobic. Not so much towards white
people, but a lot towards Nicaraguans. Skin colour is very important for Costa Ricans. Because according to
Costa Rican national identity, Costa Ricans see themselves as a ‘white’ nation. Also for the accent. People
28
complain that they don’t even understand what Nicaraguans are saying sometimes.
But I never received any criticism or negative feedback on my Spanish…
(40:57) It’s because you are white, blond, with blue eyes. It doesn’t matter how good your Spanish is.
(41:30) I think Costa Ricans have their self-esteem too high. They think they are the best in the whole of Central
America. We think that we are white! That’s ridiculous!
Are there any initiatives to fight discrimination and prejudice against Nicaraguans in Costa Rica?
(42:58) The idea is to strengthen the sensitization.
Why Nicaraguans are the most discriminated?
(46:32) Costa Ricans see them as inferior because they come here to do the jobs that we don’t want to do.
Others say they steal jobs. This complaint usually comes from the poorer people who compete with Nicaraguans
for jobs. For being darker. But all in all it is not Nicaraguans’ fault that they are the most discriminated minority
in Costa Rica. Its Costa Rican national imagery that is xenophobic and excluding. And this incentivises
Nicaraguans to seclude themselves in order to avoid discrimination.
Did both parties demonstrate interest?
(53:03) Nicaraguans were interested for sure. Many by now have children who are Costa Ricans. Of course they
want to be part of this society.
29
ANNEX 3: Thematic analysis- themes
COSTA RICAN NATIONAL IDENTITY
Norma
Sandra
Everth
Do you think CR Nat ID/Nic Nat ID is strong? Which one more nationalistic?
(21:25) All: Of course and too much.
(21:35) Vanessa: There is a lot of showing off, others are afraid of being associated with other countries [in the region].
(22:53) Manuel Antonio: Nicaraguan nationalism exists but it’s not so exaggerated. We know who we are and we don’t have to
shout to everyone we are Nicaraguans and we are the best.
Manuel Antonio: Too much! There are ticos who think Costa Rica is the best country in the world. 8th miracle of the world. They
say ‘somos ticos de corazon’[we are Costa Ricans from our hearts].It is a beautiful country I agree, but you cannot say it’s the best
country in the world.
(10:40) Sandra: they feel superior.
Superior?
(06:03) [All agree]
(06:09) Vilma: according to them, Costa Rica is Switzerland of Central America.
You do not think ticos consider themselves whiter?
(13:11) Vilma: Yes, they do.
They are more materialistic and greedy. They like showing off. They like spending more than they have.
Do you feel that Costa Ricans consider themselves exceptional in the region? Better than Nicaraguans? Why?
(26:03) Totally! Costa Rica doesn’t consider itself part of Central America. For instance, rest of the countries of Central America
have always got on well and in terms of migration, they have an agreement for visa free entry among those countries. While Costa
Rica (and Panama) have completely different logic. It is very hard to get a visa for Costa Rica for Nicaraguan.
Do you think Costa Ricans are familiar with Nicaraguan culture?
(54:10) Even though they talk about how different we are, they know really little about Nicaraguan culture. And that is because
Costa Ricans always are looking outside of Central America. They are interested in Europe, US, even Mexico, but not this region. For
example in the class [at university] whenever discussion is about central America, Costa Rican classmate don’t have anything to
say, because they no nothing because they are not interested. And that is because they think they are better than rest of the
countries in the region and they consider that there is nothing to learn from them.
(1:08:48) Then they are very uniform, they follow the norms very much. Also they are very politically correct. They never express
their opinion if they don’t agree. They don’t like confrontation. While we, Nicaraguans, we always say that we think. Another thing,
here people never invite you to their houses. But in Nicaragua- you are a friend instantly.
30
Maite
Yescarleth
Alexander
Elma
(29:05) Physically, Costa Ricans stand out from the rest of the region. While we, Nicaraguas, have a visibly different physique. For
example myself, I am very quickly recognised as Nicaraguan. In Central Valley they have much more physical heritage from Europe.
And they have very racist attitudes. For example I have been stopped by police...24-25 times. That is because I look much darker.
Some years ago, they had a policy that black people [from Caribbean coast] cannot enter central valley! Just because they are
black. And now even though there is no such policy, you can notice racism and preference to white people in the collective imagery.
How would you describe a typical Costa Rican (features)? [peaceful, educated, white, European, …..] or [arrogant, superior…..]
(06:57) They are very hypocritical. You can never know if they are genuine or not. I think it’s a national characteristic. Many
foreigners think so too.
(08:50) I think they are very classist, it depends on the foreigner.
(09:01) They love Americans. In fact they imitate them a lot. Nicaraguans are the most discriminated.
Exceptional?
(33:37) Yes, a lot. And most of all I think its people who never been abroad, or never been abroad to other Central American
countries and are only following the image that politicians and media transmit about Costa Rica- that it is the best country. They
are in their bubble and even though they have no idea about the countries outside Costa Rica, they think they know it all and they
are the best.
(24:19) We are all white, all farmers. Someone who always does things rights, superior to the rest of Central America. But it is not
true. In order to understand why there is discrimination towards the Nicaraguans it is important to understand how Costa Ricans
see themselves.
(24:19) Because to understand why there is this discrimination towards the Nicaraguans it is also important to understand how
Costa Ricans see themselves. Nicaraguans do not fit in this image. In contrast to Costa Rican self-image there is a construction of
an image of Nicaraguans, as if all Nicaraguans are the same.
(1:09:13) Yes, unfortunately yes. And I have to say, they are politically the best. They do not want to enter any Central American
unions.
(19:29) They make fun of it. Costa Rica is a culture of mocking. They don’t like confrontation, arguing. So their jokes about
Nicaraguan accent are a hidden discrimination.
(23:09) The invention that Costa Ricans are superior is a historical process.
(48:38) It’s a country with a colonial mentality. Costa Rica is a colonised country that stayed with the colonial mentality up until
now. After colonialism, instead of developing a reactionary mentality, they have developed the necessity to look like their
conquerors.
(39:17) I personally think it should be a priority area. It should be a privilege to be able to help the integration of the immigrants
that we have. Especially because Costa Ricans are very xenophobic. Not so much towards white people, but a lot towards
Nicaraguans. Skin colour is very important for Costa Ricans. Because according to Costa Rican national identity, Costa Ricans see
31
themselves as a ‘white’ nation. Also for the accent. People complain that they don’t even understand what Nicaraguans are saying
sometimes.
(41:30) I think Costa Ricans have their self-esteem too high. They think they are the best in the whole of Central America. We think
that we are white! That’s ridiculous!
But I never received any criticism or negative feedback on my Spanish…
(40:57) It’s because you are white, blond, with blue eyes. It doesn’t matter how good your Spanish is.
(46:32) Costa Ricans see them as inferior because they come here to do the jobs that we don’t want to do. Others say they steal
jobs. This complaint usually comes from the poorer people who compete with Nicaraguans for jobs. For being darker. But all in all it
is not Nicaraguans’ fault that they are the most discriminated minority in Costa Rica. Its Costa Rican national imagery that is
xenophobic and excluding. And this incentivises Nicaraguans to seclude themselves in order to avoid discrimination.
WHY NICARAGUANS? PERCEPTIONS OF NICARAGUANS (→DISCRIMINATION)
Norma
Sandra
Everth
(33:57) All: of course it matters. More white- better for them. They love Americans and they don’t want us. You are European? Even
better!
(36:53)Manuel Antonio: If you come from any culture but Nicaraguan- you’re welcome in this country! But for us [Nicaraguans]
they slap us and kick us out.
(09:58) Sandra: I think it’s because they are taught specific stereotypes about Nicaraguans. For example a Nicaraguan man- is
violent and a drunk head. And a woman- submissive. And it’s true in a way. So they have this perception. And unfortunately they
have true in them.
What do ticos think about Nicaraguans?
(24:53) Sandra: That they are ignorant, brutos, chauvinists, alcoholics, women are submissive. I have a friend who is a tica and she
tells me I hate Nicaraguans. I tell her, but I am Nicaraguan too. And she said no, you are different.
(12:48) In general Costa Ricans’ perceptions towards Nicaraguans is that they are inferior. I would say at least 80% of Costa Rican
population have a negative opinion about Nicaraguans. They also think that all Nicaraguans have violent nature. And they apply
this image to all Nicaraguans. It’s true that in general men in Nicaragua are more violent, they drink a lot and they are chauvinistic.
For instance I can see how Nicaraguan men behave in public here. They are very accusador (mean someone who’s looking for a
fight). They approach women with shouts in the streets, they tell them things, give them compliments, vulgar things some time.
This is normal in Nicaragua, but here it’s not ok to behave like this. Ticos don’t like it. This gives them negative perceptions. Of
course there are people who commit crimes. But not all. But this one that commits a crime, damages the image of all Nicaraguan
immigrants in Costa Rica. Then people stereotype and make it a norm [that Nicaraguans are violent].
What effect in your opinion negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan immigrants?
(16:29) Media plays very important role in informing and publishing information. Media highlights the negativity of the image of
32
Maite
Nicaraguans. Now there is a lot of media attention on organised crime. There are many nationalities involved- Costa Ricans,
Salvadorians, Columbians, etc. But one that is highlighted the most are Nicaraguans. There even are comic TV shows that mock the
lifestyle of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica. Basically, there is a negative stereotype about Nicaraguans in Costa Rica already, but media
emphasize it even more.
(05:55) I was on the bus with a Honduran friend. There was a man who was staring at us too much. He asked my friend: ‘Are you a
Nicaraguan too’? My friend said: ‘No, I’m not’. A man stood up in the middle of the bus and started shouting: ‘No more ‘Nicas’ in
Costa Rica! […] [inappropriate language referring to racism]’. It made me feel very bad. But my reaction was pacific because I am
always aware I am a Nicaraguan in Costa Rica. I feel under a constant surveillance. So me, as a Nicaraguan, whatever I do, I will
always loose against a Costa Rican. My Honduran friend was very affected too. He simply didn’t believe that xenophobia towards
Nicaraguans exist in this country before this indecent.
(07:39) I was studying in the library and there was some Costa Rican students behind me. They started saying very disrespectful
things about Nicaraguans: that they come only to steal. It made me really angry, so I told them: ‘I am Nicaraguan and I am a
student from this university and I think you shouldn’t be talking about Nicaraguans in this way’. They stopped but the point is they
said what they said. I also have read in various studies that in general Costa Ricans perceived Nicaraguans as an inferior ethnicity.
And it is true. And one cannot escape this. I lived it myself and I have spoken to many other Nicaraguans who have similar
experiences. But since they come here without rights and their families back in Nicaragua rely on them for the remittances, they
put up with this discrimination.
(1:25:22) One day I was queueing for a bus and I can see police looking at me. And I thought: these are coming after me. And that
was true. They came to ask for my papers. Once I showed my ID they said:’ A! You are Nicaraguan [with emphasis]’. I said: ‘Yes,
why?’ They asked me what I was doing here and if I have a visa. I showed them my passport and they saw I also have a visa for the
US. So they ask me ‘Is this a fake visa? I confirmed that it is real. So they ask me again: ‘How is it possible that ‘Nica’ has a visa for
the US?!’ I immediately felt discriminated. I explained them the process but they still couldn’t believe me. It hurts me a lot how
there is so much open institutional discrimination here.
(05:39) Worst thing was this then one my lecturers at university didn’t let me pass a course. For xenophobic reasons.
(09:31) Nicaraguans are the most discriminated. Firstly because they say Nicaraguans steal their jobs. They really see them like
someone inferior.
(10:20) As there is so much discrimination towards the Nicaraguans, Nicaraguan knowing that also dislike Costa Ricans, like
revenge. Like a reaction to the discrimination.
(13:23) I think this discrimination is transmitted through generations.
(13:42) This thing about Nicaraguans stealing their job and I also think it’s for our president (Daniel Ortega) who is a bad
representative. What he has done is creating a conflict with Costa Rica and Costa Ricans often use it as a representation of all
Nicaraguans. I feel that he feeds into this discrimination against us.
33
Yescarleth
Junior
(15:18) Here I noticed in the news if there is some crime that has been committed by a Nicaraguan, it’s a highlight, but if it was
committed by a Costa Rican, they don’t put so much importance to it. I think this image of a Nicaraguan as very violent is
influenced a lot by the media. Media plays an important role in forming stereotypes and creating information.
(41:01) They don’t respect Nicaraguan culture here, especially the accent.
Do you think the differences between Costa Rican Spanish and Nicaraguan Spanish it important for them?
(39:39) They say it’s worse than their Spanish and that it’s ugly. They mock Nicaraguans for the way they speak.
How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial slurs?
(57:58) Yes, you can hear it a lot. Even among lecturers it happens often that a lecture says here we can speak honestly and he
starts talking negatively towards Nicaraguans. I tell him: I am Nicaraguan. And then they are a little embarrassed. That upsets me
because they are the people who have a lot of influence on their students and if they speak negatively about Nicaraguans, students
think that it is ok to also be discriminating towards Nicaraguans.
(53:55) Nicaraguans. Because they are the majority, because they are the most noticeable accent and physique wise, they are
pegged with the image of violent, it is also a political issue. Also for being neighbours.
(24:19) Because to understand why there is this discrimination towards the Nicaraguans it is also important to understand how
Costa Ricans see themselves. Nicaraguans do not fit in this image. Also for the amount, biggest groups of minorities usually
produce fear among local population. Then Nicaraguans bring poverty; steal jobs, exhaust social services, health services. In
contrast to Costa Rican self-image there is a construction of an image of Nicaraguans, as if all Nicaraguans are the same. And then
say use jokes as a way to discriminate but hide behind those jokes what they actually want to say. I really cannot stand that.
What image Costa Ricans have about Nicaraguans in your opinion? How accurate is it?
Chauvinistic, violent, not educated, steal jobs, indigenous (negative connotation). Nicaraguan is always perceived to be poor. And
always grouped into one unity. Nicaraguans are like animals who kill without much thinking.
They are violent, they are like animals. It is because they don’t have education. You know, no one really goes to school in
Nicaragua. They live in war and have lived like that for years. So for them killing families and families of Costa Ricans is normal. You
will see, on the news they tell us everything. These Nicaraguans… I don’t even go out anymore. I am scared. They go to bars; they
drink and become even more aggressive. They drink and then they want to fight. Its so easy to get stabbed just because you were
nearby when a Nicaraguan was drunk and in a bad mood.
Some of them come to work, but majority just do crime. Do you know how much Costa Rica spent on all those immigrants!? We
spent millions on Cubans recently. No no, tourists can come we like tourists. But we don’t want anyone to stay here. Even
Americans, they come and buy our lands, increase the prices, take away business from local people. We, Costa Ricans start feeling
like guests in our own country! We don’t like that.
Costa Rica used to be such a beautiful safe country, now with ‘Nicas’ everything is changing. They are like a plague. It’s dangerous,
crime everywhere, no jobs. Life has become really difficult for us Costa Ricans. ‘Nicas’ can go back to their country, we don’t need
34
Alexander
Elma
them here.
How different/similar are Ticos and Nicas?
Oh no, very different. Here in Costa Rica we care about education. Everyone goes to school. But in Nicaragua there is no civilisation.
They still live like as if it was war- killing, robbing, drinking all day. No one goes to school. It’s mostly lack of education. We care
about nature, family. They don’t have values, a little like animals. They don’t even respect women. They beat them, even their own
wives. Also they don’t know how to speak Spanish. That is also because they never been to school.
If someone would take you for Nicaraguan, what would be your reaction? [pleased/insulted]
No, ask anyone here, no tico wants to be associated with ‘Nicas’. We are very different.
Do you think Nicaraguans respect CR laws and institutions?
They don’t respect Costa Rica at all. First of all they all come here without papers. They don’t pay taxes and then they go and use
socials securities that we have to pay for! Also they steal a lot, and do all types of crime.
To which extent in your opinion are immigrants integrated into the communities in Costa Rica?
No, they like living in their own communities. Here we have a place that is called La Carpio. All of people there are ‘Nicas’. It’s a
good representation of Nicaraguans- they bring poverty to Costa Rica. That place is so dangerous and dirty. That’s where a lot of
criminals come from.
(59:26) Accent is the strongest marker of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica. Maybe even more than the skin colour, the Nicaraguan accent
is what is being picked on by Costa Ricans. Most of prejudice is based on the accent and specific words and phrases that Costa
Ricans find appalling. There is a claim that they don’t speak good Spanish. There are tons of TV shows that mock Nicaraguan
accent.
(1:05:13) Our neighbours are the ‘troublemakers’. According to Freud, when a neighbour is a lot like you, you intend to exaggerate
the small differences in order to accentuate how different you are. Its called “Narcissism of the small differences”. There’s also
something historical.
(1:06:30) these accents are ‘barbaric’, not refined, not educated. In Costa Rica one of very important national identity images is
education. As part of the colonial mentality, we have to look like our colonisers, Spanish and later other Europeans; to follow
certain mannerism. And these people from rest of Central America, they don’t take care of how they speak, they shout, they don’t
pronounce words right. They associate it with lack of education, not refined, not civilised.
While, for example, Cuban accent, which phonetically speaking is more different from Costa Rican accent causes no problems in
Costa Rica.
(1:26:07) I think one of the reasons for xenophobia against Nicaraguans is them coming from poor, poorly educated background.
(46:32) Costa Ricans see them as inferior because they come here to do the jobs that we don’t want to do. Others say they steal
jobs. This complaint usually comes from the poorer people who compete with Nicaraguans for jobs. For being darker. But all in all it
is not Nicaraguans’ fault that they are the most discriminated minority in Costa Rica. Its Costa Rican national imagery that is
35
xenophobic and excluding. And this incentivises Nicaraguans to seclude themselves in order to avoid discrimination.
DIFFERENCES
Norma
Everth
Maite
Yescárleth
Junior
Alexander
(05:22) Norma: Yes, everything is different.
(06:05) Vanessa: Yes, culturally we are very different. The way we speak, the food.
Clashes?
(49:28) If we are talking about cultural clashes, no, there is none if it here. For instance cuisine is very different. If we try to look for
differences- popular sports, education and attitudes towards education. But really, there are no clashes.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(20:15) Yes, very similar.
Do they clash?
(22:22) Nicaraguans are more confrontational. In Nicaragua there is more chauvinism. Nicaraguans are very hard working people,
while here ticos think they don’t need to do anything and they can have a good life. They don’t do anything and want to have a lot.
Are Costa Rican and Nicaraguan cultures similar or different? In what ways?
(1:00:00) I think they are quite different. In Nicaragua people are very straightforward, very direct. Here people never say things to
your face. Here people like saying that we are very pacific, even though I don’t agree. Here people are passive, while in Nicaragua –
reactionary. Education is different. Values- in CR- peace, nature, ‘pura vida’. In N- nationalism, there are things that stayed after
civil war, oppression.
Do they clash?
(1:02:32) No, all these differences can coexist. Conflicts surge only when there is some political conflict. Usually the increase of
discriminatory feelings towards Nicaraguans resonates with the political events.
If you confused Tico with Nicaraguan?
(1:03:02) It would be a big insult. If you are brave enough you should do a social experiment telling ticos things like: ‘A, I thought
you were Nicaraguan!´; ‘You sound Nicaraguan’; ‘I always thought you were from Nicaragua’. I am sure you would make many
enemies.
How different/similar are Ticos and Nicas?
Oh no, very different. Here in Costa Rica we care about education. Everyone goes to school. But in Nicaragua there is no civilisation.
They still live like as if it was war- killing, robbing, drinking all day. No one goes to school. It’s mostly lack of education. We care
about nature, family. They don’t have values, a little like animals. They don’t even respect women. They beat them, even their own
wives. Also they don’t know how to speak Spanish. That is also because they never been to school.
(08:46) Nicaraguan and Costa Rican culture is basically the same, especially if we are comparing with how different some European
immigrants are from their host nations.
36
RACISM
Norma
Sandra
Maite
Yescarleth
Junior
Alexander
(33: 51) All: with Americans they just welcome them, they don’t discriminate them at all.
(33:57) All: of course it matters. More white- better for them. They love Americans and they don’t want us. You are European? Even
better!
(33:08) Manuel Antonio: only by looking at us they recognise we are Nicaraguan. And from the accent. But here there are costa
Ricans who are indigenous, who are black, who are white. But with Nicaraguans they recognise them from the far, how they walk
etc.
How important is a colour of a foreigner?
(11:56) Sandra: it’s not about your skin colour. Although they are racist but only towards the Afro Caribbean’s. They say ‘if you are
darker, you are Nicaraguan’, but then there are many ticos that are darker too!
Do you think it is important for Costa Ricans if one looks different ([darker]) than them?
(26:34) Many ticos say they are white even though they are mestizos. They always make fun of people who are darker. They don’t
respect people from other cultures.
How important is a colour of a foreigner?
(29:49) Now not so much because they have people from the Caribbean. But also they exclude them a lot. But if you are white,
blond with blue eyes- you will be the most welcome here.
How important is a skin colour of a foreigner?
(25:57) Nicaraguans are seen as more indigenous. My brother has very light skin tone, and no one ever beliefs he is Nicaraguans.
Because here there is this stereotype that all Nicaraguans are indigenous and ‘ugly’.
(26:40) Yes, it is important. According to your skin tone people judge your origins. And if one Nicaraguan happens to be of lighter
skin tone they don’t want to recognise that he or she is a Nicaraguan. Depending on how dark or light skinned you are, you receive
or don’t receive attention- from friends, boyfriends and society in general. It defines your status. And in adolescence this could
define your place in the group. It’s always Nicaraguans and Afro Caribbeans who are aside from the ‘cool’ kids.
(27:48) Your skin colour here also defines your education, your economic class. As darker as lower class you are perceived.
(28:20) Very few Nicaraguans make it to university.
(58:08) It is quite important. Darker women are objectified; they are not taken seriously as an individual. They are seen only as an
object with a sexual connotation.
Would you say some are discriminated more than others? How important is a colour (race) of a foreigner?
Very important. Here people are racist. For you, blond white girl, it’s easy, but for these people [pointing at a black lady crossing
the pedestrian] life is not easy here… They are almost as bad as Nicaraguans. Especially here in the capital, people don’t like that
they move here from the Caribbean [coast].
Do you think it is important for Costa Ricans if one looks different [darker] than them?
37
(25:15) I reassure you that racial division in Costa Rica is very important. Whiteness is a fundamental concept to understand the
construction of Costa Rican imagery. However, it is true that with time and the development of democracy, whiteness is marked
not so much as exactly the colour of the skin, but more as statements of following type: ‘white people are more rational, better
educated and more democratic’. Therefore, the supposed white supremacy reflects in Costa Ricans saying statements such as: ‘we
are more rational, better educated and more democratic than Nicaraguans’. To explain why we are less ‘barbaric’ and more pacific
and educated, is because ‘we are European’, meaning we are white.
I follow the comments that people make on the articles and in the press. People express loads of prejudice. And majority of the
prejudice are racial.
Why it could’ve been difficult to encounter racism (including whiteness) in the press and in scientific studies, its because people
avoid talking about it. Even scientist and especially in Costa Rica. People find it very difficult to acknowledge this tendency. It seems
like a politically incorrect topic, like as if it doesn’t go well with the idea of democracy and therefore no one wants to talk about
racism. I’ve had issues with this myself. People tell me I don’t love this country because I talk about how racist we are as a country.
(28:40) This (racial) image was created in ninetieth century when Costa Rica enters international market of coffee production. And
to gain more credibility they intended to create the image of white Costa Rica. At that time UK and France were extremely racist so
Costa Rica does this to ‘please’ them. This is to mark the difference towards the outside of Costa Rica, but also towards the inside,
after arrival of Caribbean people to work in mass projects such as railway, it was necessary to draw the line between white people
in Costa Rica. There are tons of documents encouraging people to whiten the blood, not to mix with mestizos, blacks, indigenous.
(31:31) if you read latest four immigration laws, it is obvious that what Costa Rican government is encouraging is welcoming of
North American and Europeans while creating impassable barriers for poor immigrants, mainly from neighbouring central
American countries.
(33:39) Costa Rica always had an obsession with European immigration. In the second half of the ninetieth century, in the
narrations of travellers it was very evident that there were many Europeans invited and paid by Costa Rican government to write
stories about how prosperous and white Costa Rica is in order to transmit these reports back in Europe, so that Europeans would
want to come to Costa Rica. In other words Costa Rican government was trying to find ways how to attract European immigration
to Costa Rica. It is one of the examples of the European racial whitening project.
(35:25) Historically, Costa Rica used to compare itself only with Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Only because these three countries
are the ones who have biggest numbers of European immigrants in Latin America.
(36:46) In most of immigrant countries, there are immigrants that are desired and immigrants that are not desired. This has to do
with the irrational nature of identity construction, like a mirror in which one allocates ones’ aspirations. We want to be compared
to Europe or United States, but not with Nicaraguans or other neighbours.
(44:26) Costa Rica in terms of ethnic composition has always been a country with a mestizo majority, opposite to what the national
imagery is stating.
38
Elma
(44:52) Even though people don’t want to accept it, I think one of the biggest reasons why people do not accept Nicaraguans is a
fear that they will disturb the white (self)image of Costa Rica and with the process of intermixing Costa Rica will become darker.
(39:17) I personally think it should be a priority area. It should be a privilege to be able to help the integration of the immigrants
that we have. Especially because Costa Ricans are very xenophobic. Not so much towards white people, but a lot towards
Nicaraguans. Skin colour is very important for Costa Ricans. Because according to Costa Rican national identity, Costa Ricans see
themselves as a ‘white’ nation.
DISCRIMINATION
Norma
Vilma
Everth
Yescarleth
(28:23) All: ticos use the fact that many Nicaraguans don’t have papers against them. They blackmail them. They say if you don’t
do this extra work, I will call the police and police well contact immigration police and you will be deported. This way they make us
to be quiet about injustice that we experience.
(02:42) Vilma: I think it’s something that has been transferred from their parents. Because there are people who never had a
problem with anyone from Nicaragua, but they are told from above ‘these Nicas are bad, they are like this and like that’. They are
told we come here to steal their jobs. And parents are teaching their kids to dislike Nicaraguans first, because of territorial issues,
then they are jealous because Nicaraguan men come and rob Costa Rican women, then because they don’t want to work much and
then want to have a lot and because Nicaraguans work hard, it makes them look in contrast. And then they complain we steal their
jobs.
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased recently?
(01:30) Vilma: To be honest, it hasn’t changed much. They don’t want us, they discriminate us.
(01:39) xxx: They call me a crazy old women. They tell me I shouldn’t be here; I should be in my own country. This happens in public
transport, in shop. Without any reason, just for being Nicaraguan.
(57:41) Yes, there is certainly a difference how Costa Ricans treat a Nicaraguan who was born here or naturalised and a
Nicaraguan who doesn’t have papers. It also is important how one obtained a citizenship. There are only 2 ways currently in Costa
Rica how Nicaraguans can obtain residency: have a child with a Costa Rican national or marry a Costa Rican national. There is no
other way for Nicaraguans. Not having a residency also prevents one from getting a job. It is one of the ways to exclude
Nicaraguans. It is very difficult for us.
Do you think if you try to get involved in the society being a foreigner in Costa Rica, it is easy to feel part of it?
(55:36) I think it is difficult. Especially for me, for Nicaraguans. When I go out and a bouncer asks me to show my ID, they always
change the attitude. As if they were saying, ‘you cannot come in, we don’t want Nicaraguans in here’. I think I have this as a
trauma since I was a child. I was always excluded for not being Costa Rica.
Do you feel good being Nicaraguan in Costa Rica?
(02:24) It has been a complex experience. School years have been very very difficult, with a lot of very open discrimination.
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Junior
Discrimination discourse used to be much stronger and much more open than now. Discrimination I and other Nicaraguans used to
receive was based on the accent, for being darker, or just simply for being Nicaraguan. These kinds of things really have affected
my childhood and left some significant traumas for the rest of my life. I became a very quiet child, I wasn’t talking to people. I
distanced myself to avoid people making fun of me. So I decided to focus on studying, and became a good student. It is very strong
because I was growing up with an idea that being Nicaraguan is bad; that being Nicaraguan is a synonym of discrimination. Later
in high school discrimination was not so severe. I was good in sports but I couldn’t participate in international competitions
because I wasn’t Costa Rica. It was very hard for me because I felt like I had the skills but I couldn’t use them because of these
political issues. And then later at university there was even less discrimination.
Have Costa Ricans always disliked Nicaraguans or it has increased recently?
(08:54) It used to be worse, people used to be very open with discrimination. It was much more common to hear someone calling
you ‘Nica’ or saying that we steal jobs, or that we are ugly (because we are so dark), or the accent, or that we are stupid and
uneducated.
(13:49) Before discrimination was very aggressive, I feel, like now it’s more passive aggressive. I think now discrimination is not
expressed in such open ways because maybe the topic is a little more sensitized. Nowadays surge of discrimination coincides with
political confrontations between the two governments. Also I think the knowledge of human rights is more widespread than 10
years ago. Maybe also now teachers take more notice of this, so they [teachers] are not so quick to discriminate Nicaraguan pupils
because they know they could get in trouble. While before it was very common.
(17:06) 20 years ago open discrimination was entirely normal. Nowadays people recognise that discrimination is a type of violence.
How often do you hear people being called offensive nicknames or racial slurs?
(10:23) to call someone ‘Nica’ is very very offensive.
(11:22) A Nicaraguan man was breaking into someone’s property trying to steal something and there was a big dog, Rottweiler. A
dog had bitten a thief to death while people were standing and looking but no one helped him. As an aftermath, there were many
anecdotes and funny stories with messages similar to ‘thanks to Rottweiler Costa Ricans are saved from ‘Nicas’’; ‘A Rottweiler
saves Costa Ricans’, ‘a Rottweiler- a national hero of Costa Rica’, etc. This story is very sad to me.
(48:54) I know now that all these jokes are discrimination, but many people don’t know it. And they don’t know much about human
rights and that is not right to discriminate.
How different/similar are Ticos and Nicas?
Oh no, very different. Here in Costa Rica we care about education. Everyone goes to school. But in Nicaragua there is no civilisation.
They still live like as if it was war- killing, robbing, drinking all day. No one goes to school. It’s mostly lack of education. We care
about nature, family. They don’t have values, a little like animals. They don’t even respect women. They beat them, even their own
wives. Also they don’t know how to speak Spanish. That is also because they never been to school.
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INTEGRATION & BELONGING:
Norma
Vilma
Vilma
Everth
Maite
Yescárleth
(45:44) Manuel Antonio: 5. Since we are here, we have to be a bit Costa Rican, even if it’s by force.
Vanessa: 5
Norma: 5.
You feel that you belong in Costa Rica?
(44:59) All: No.
(45:16) Manuel Antonio: with time one gets used to Costa Rican lifestyle but one will never become Costa Rican.
Do you strive to be included (belong)?
(45:06) All: No.
Do you think it is important to belong?
(48:00) In a way yes, because you are being watched in this society.
Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
(49:52) All: Yes, it is easier for you [referring to me, European]. But for us [Nicaraguenses], it is more difficult.
(44:00) Vanessa: It is easier with Nicaraguans. With ticos you have to think more of what you say…
(48:00) In a way yes, because you are being watched in this society.
Is it more difficult for ones than for the others?
(16:52) Sandra: it is more difficult for Nicaraguans. They have to first deny the stereotypes that ticos have towards them.
(07:41) Vilma: NO. I don’t.
(07:49) xx: No.
(07:54) I do. I did my bachelor’s degree here.
Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you feel (0 to 10)
(1:16:50) 6. But to really feel like part of the society, it would have to be at least 30 years until I could feel included.
Do you see yourself as part of a society in Costa Rica? How close do you feel (0 to 10)
(44:57) I feel well. I learnt I have to adapt and make an effort to include myself in this society. 6. Sometimes I don’t understand
them. I feel much better socializing with foreigners than with ticos.
You feel that you belong in Costa Rica?
(38:19) when I tell people I’m form Nicaraguan they say, but you’ve lived here for 12 years, by now you are more tica than
Nicaraguan. But I tell them: NO. I am Nicaraguan!
(29:04) Maybe 8 (later says 7). Even though I grew up here but I always feel that I don’t want to live here. Because I never feel like
I’m fully part of this society. I constantly have to fight the prejudice. There are many things that I don’t like about this society. For
instance the culture of mocking, no space for debates or opinions, especially if they are opposing the mainstream ideas. I always
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find it very difficult to make friends because people here are very superficial. For this I only have a very closed group of friends. Here
people don’t read for example. Also I know that if I go abroad, I only have to deal with prejudice of being an immigrant, but not for
being a Nicaraguan. Because it is only in Costa Rica that being a Nicaraguan is seen as a bad thing. Abroad I’m only ‘Latina’,
exactly the same as Costa Rican person abroad. I think I’m looking for a way how I can get rid of this label of being unwanted and
discriminated that I have pegged on me here. I want to be taken for who I am which I haven’t been able to achieve here, despite
being raised, educated and having all my friends and life here.
(37:58) experience that I had when I went to Europe has affected me a lot. I went to France and I was in the environment with
people from many different parts of the world. And all of a sudden I felt like I was valued for what I was, not from where I was. All
of a sudden I was popular, people wanted to talk to me and that made me realise that this stigma of being a Nicaraguans is not
part of me and that it is part of Costa Rica and Costa Ricans who imposed it on me. This made me much more confident and I
stopped being so very shy and I felt like I could stand for myself and stand for myself when people speak badly about me or other
Nicaraguans. That is why I want to leave Costa Rica and go abroad, because I learnt that abroad I can feel more valued for what I
actually am and not what people assume I am because of my ethnicity.
(40:16) My parents feel less part of the society. It was very difficult for them. I think it was easier for me and my brothers than for
my parents and it will be easier for my children than it was for me.
My mother doesn’t have any Costa Rican friends. She is always at home. They call her ‘a lady from the slum’, she was never
included in the neighbourhood.
What effect, in your opinion, negative media rhetoric has on Nicaraguan immigrants?
(17:27) They make Nicaraguan immigrants in Costa Rica more insecure; one grows up feeling that it is bad being a Nicaraguan.
Even if one feels certain value, you always feel like no matter what you do, you will never be an equal with a Costa Rican. You will
always be different, be less. To the point that people start hating this place.
Do you feel Nicaraguan or Costa Rican?
(07:56) Its strange because I know I am Nicaraguan but often I don’t feel like Nicaraguan because there are many things I don’t
know about Nicaragua, like culture, values, etc.
It’s a first time now, being 25, when I don’t feel bad anymore saying I’m from Nicaragua.
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