Colonized people are people who have been influenced and taken over by another country or power. Puerto Rico has been colonized by Spain and also by the United States. Spain took over Puerto Rico, a small island inhabited by the Taino Indians in 1493. Spain didn't grant freedom to the Puerto Rican people until 1897. The Puerto Ricans had freedom for a short time but soon were taken over by the United States in 1898 and the end of the Spanish-American War. After visiting Puerto Rico I witnessed three main points of the colonization including language, music, and food.
             The country of Spain had the first and longest effect on the island of Puerto Rico. The most obvious and oldest form of colonization would be the Puerto Rican language, which is Spanish. Puerto Rico's native language was Arakwan, which was spoken by the Tainos, but now they speak Spanish even today. Spanish influence on music was brought with religion. Through religion, classical music was introduced to the Puerto Rican culture through the notes and tones in classic gospel music. Spain also introduced spices, seasonings, and herbs along with a variety of other foods to the island. Spanish rice and pasta are popular and the now traditional spicier style of foods was introduced to the Puerto Rican culture.
             After the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the United States took over the island of Puerto Rico. I think the United States has had the greatest impact on the colonization of the Puerto Rican people. When I was in Puerto Rico I noticed that almost all of the people in San Juan, also spoke English as a second language, because of this I was able to meet and socialize with two Puerto Rican teens. While hanging out with the two guys they played a Puerto Rican style rap called Reggatone in their car, which originated from the American style of rap, that has artists like Eminem, Tupac, Dr. Dre, and many others. I enjoyed this music and I noticed it at one of th...