This picture may help illustrate the difference of opinion in cultures with the term “negro”.

Although i would never use the word myself, the Ecuadorians use it as a term of affection rather than an insult.

In this case (or as my students tell me) the menestras del negro or “The Black Guy’s Beans” is meant as a compliment as Afro-Ecuadorians are regarded as the best cooks.

The caricature maybe takes things a bit far.

I am not making any judgement with my picture as Ecuador is a very mixed, multi- ethnical, forward looking country.

One only has to look at the national football team where most of the players are of Afro-Ecuadorian origin to see how integrated the country is.

However i think this picture gives us food for thought.