The Making of Doña Gladys

Some might wonder why I chose the title of this blog, and perhaps concluded, erroneously, that it is some adulation of humble me.  But no, it has more to do with the title Don than with me, I promise.  Stick around and I will be happy to indulge your curiosity.  

With the invention of film in 1890 by Thomas Edison and television in 1927 by Philo Taylor Fansworth; our American culture as been bombarded with cinema.  For some of us it has been a window into how other people behave and solve their problems.  It would not surprise me at all if in hearing the term Don the first inclination for most of us is to think of Don Corlene of The Godfather; or Don Quixote de la Mancha of literary fame.  But no, my pretties, Don has a rich history that resounds in the medieval halls of Spain and her Mediterranean contemporaries.

Originally, the title Don was reserved only for God, Jesus Christ and the saints.  Later, the Spanish medieval monarchy applied it to kings,  high nobles and archbishops.   Dueño or in the feminine Dueña has Latin origins, from the word "dominus" meaning "Lord of the house."  Which is why if you have had the joy of watching one our "Novelas" (Soap Operas) on TeleMundo (now, now, there is no shame, we know Americans are hooked on them too), you will notice that the stern. middle aged, handsome man who is revered by all in the ranch is addressed as "Don Emilio" or "Don Juan."  That reverence comes from the fact that he is a Landowner, a "jefe" (boss), and therefore, a decorum of respect is strictly followed.

Presently, in Spain, for example, the use has been gradually limited to writings, teachers and catholic priests.  Don is more commonly used in the south of Italy and Latin America.   Latin America is comprised of many uniquely and diverse countries.  In some areas, Don is used for someone that has gain respect throughout their community.  In others, only for those who have reached an advanced age.   In a different aspect, "The treatment of Don or Doña is used for persons of Hispanic heritage, either by birth or marriage."*  Meaning, when a woman marries she can gain or lose the use of her title.   Also, Don is more commonly used in Hispanic regions when a person reaches legal age or is married.  And in differentiating a person in a higher position in the workplace.

I started this blog believing that the term Don or Doña was strictly used as a connotation to being a landowner.  An easily arrived conclusion since dueño in Spanish means owner.  But in researching the term, I found that in the 1600's it was also used for those who achieved a great feat,  or were counts or countesses,  or were bishops or cardinals,  or of military rank; and later evolved it's usage to those whom had children, or got a diploma, or reached an advanced age.  My telenovela notion of being a Doña is shattered.  Because according to it's discovered uses, I have been Doña Gladys for quite sometime now. Thanks TeleMundo!!!!  


 *Wikipedia - Don (tratamiento) {Spanish} Last edited August 2, 2019.

State of Grace

It's not that I am not grateful;
For the graceful ways that we be today,
When you came our way we were of simpler minds
and even more simpler ways.
We dreamt of coffee fields on mountainous hills,
Of colorful mornings and wondrous sights.
We looked forward to the sounds of nature's abide
welcoming us into La Isla Del Encanto;
yes,  paradise.

It's not that I am not grateful;
For the learnt way we be today.
You brought with you fine institutions of wisdom
and established them in our small little island.
And our knowledge grew of the things you knew
For before you came
We knew only of our Mother Spain and of
our African and Taino ways.
Of 500 years, of the Old Lady's pain
and of becoming masters of healing
and music, and dance, while still appearing
humble and compliant.
Of dancing ballads from all three nations
and graceful names throughout creation.
A thousand years of Moor influence
propelled our task masters; and maritime
conquests abounded.
Of Don Quijote and fine composers,
of fine wines, architecture and fine perfumes.

Oh, what?  That is not what you heard?

You were told we were a population of illiterate peasants?
That poverty and disease ran rapid?
That we were unsophisticated and uncouth? 
Void of any true culture and therefore, in need of total
revamping and Americanization?
It is true what they say,
"Don't believe everything you read".

It's not that I am not grateful;
That our agricultural lands were paved over
and industrial buildings where erected
in place of our sugar cane, coffee and tobacco crops.
And over a century of one way trading
has left Puerto Rico totally dependent on
the United States' unilateral trading practices.
Cultivating trade with other countries is
forbidden.  Reminds me of that saying;
"First you make thieves and then you punish
them for stealing?"

It's not that I am not grateful;
For allowing us the opportunity to fight in all
your wars. 
Yet be seen as solely a mestizo race
and given our own little special place
called segregation and isolation.
That our beautiful, strong, lovely women
were chosen in medical experimentations
and thanks to them, we now have contraception.
Political prisoners where given radiation
and mental patients cancer cells.
If you believe we were the only ones;
And that that could not happen here?
You need to open your eyes and recognize.
The drug infestation in major cities
like New York, Chicago and California, of the
1930's, were orchestrated by vile men who wanted
to exterminate spics and niggers. 

Yes, you and me.

It's not that I am not grateful,
I still believe in our forefathers' vision and still believe in
their promise. 
That in this land, over here, things were
going to be different, better, and all inclusive.
That race, language, sexual preference, religious ideology
and theology, mental capacity and/or monetary deficiency
or abundance;
none of it,
none of it would matter. 
You could still have a chance at the pursuit of happiness,
only if you are brave enough to chase it.
I believe in this country enough to hand over my only two sons
and say, "Now go fight for our Nation".
I tell them, "No matter where you are; Remember who you are" and
sleep soundly knowing,
that they take those words to heart.


Dedicated to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, "Good looking out Girl!"