Living in New York for quite a number of years now, I have personally had the privilege to examine cultural dimorphism as it pertains to West Indian migration to the United States. But dissecting West Indian culture is excruciating difficult as it is for any culture but more so for Caribbeanites because of the colorful blending that brands us as West Indians. And although there are many similarities among us such as victuals, vernacular, ancestral knotting, and song, we are exceptionally dissimilar because of the genesis after indentured service and slavery was halted. Nevertheless, I will focus on the consequence of migration as an influence of North American culture that has lead to intellectual disintegration, family unit dispersion, moral upholding, religious deterioration, and the influence of popular culture on dress, financial conscientiousness, and the personal demands to conform.
Where are our intellectuals? A personal examination of our intellectual rank in assessment to that of other cultures leads me to conclude that we are devoid of any representation that carries any weight relative to cultural identification on a national or global scale. I am by no means speaking of acquiring of a formal education via the attainment of degrees of higher education; i.e., doctorial, bachelors, masters etc. What I am speaking of are the poets, authors, classical musicians, artists, scientific marvels etc. It is not to say that we are incapable of such achievements but as a culture we do not charge on the ideal or personally feel the importance to accomplish beyond what we deem unnecessary. But my personal analysis leads me to conclude that such ideals are necessary for the future survival of our culture and more importantly the generations that will follow. There are many reasons why we lack national or global representation and I would have accepted the following justification during the late 1980
I am a 25 y/o Indo-Guyanese. I love my culture, and are proud to be Guyanese. I’ve since moved, but lived most of my life in NYC and can relate. Just a little background so you can get a better understanding of my perspective. I can’t speak for other caribbean folks.
I like this topic. Those of us who are young adults now who migrated with our parents at a young age, or were born here, are vastly different from our parents. Think about it.. to leave the only place you ever knew, to move to a new place (and NYC nonetheless!!) with little money and no idea what to expect. This is incredibly brave and says a lot about our their drive for a better life. Our generation doesn’t have this drive. Many of us have neglected their hopes. We have our own ideals. We are essentially american. And we will only get more american if our lineage puts an end to our nomadic history and puts down roots in the US. It sure looks like this is the case. This is what will cause our culture to not survive, not making classical music as you alluded to. Older immigrants to the US such as italians and the irish have assimilated into the american culture. They celebrate their cultures, but at the end of the day, they are American. We wave our flags at carnivals, dance to reggae and soca, and eat curry and roti, but we’re still American. This is especially true if you were raised here most of your life. The things you are complaining about in your last paragraph, such as divorce, are common problems in america. just more proof that we have adapted the culture. It’s a shame and I share your views on that subject. But even in Guyana today, you see these same issues that weren’t there 30+ years ago. I blame the media and globalization. Kids all over the world love hip-hop and pop culture. That TV is dangerous.
This caribbean renaissance you hope for has to occur in the caribbean, not here. Many of our potential intellectuals have long moved to the US and Europe. The only chance we have at survival for our culture is to keep communities like Richmond Hill, NY alive and well. It can serve as a Mecca for the guyanese and trinidadian people who move to other states. I have relatives who grew up in states such as Kentucky and North Carolina who don’t identify much with being Guyanese.
I think you are incredibly short sighted to say that the caribbean is devoid of representation that carries any weight. We do have an identity. The caribbean culture is very unique. We dont have to make classical music, write poems, or use big words to have an identity. The ideals you speak of are other cultures’ ideals which represent THEIR identity. Are you upset that most of the world thinks of bob marley when they think of caribbean culture? I’m not. He was an enormously influencial and talented ARTIST. We need more people like him. Please do some research before you post: V.S. Naipaul is an indo-Trinidadian AUTHOR who has won the Nobel Prize in Literature. We need more people like him too. Is he not an intellectual that fits YOUR definiton? Granted, our culture doesn’t promote or breed people like this regularly, they are the exception. That being said, it’s kind of hard to have a renaissance when you’re just trying to survive and make ends meet. This is what our people had to do for generations upon generations. Now is the time for us to shine.
Furthermore, you can’t generalize west indians. Countries within the caribbean are culturally different from each other. A lot of what is considered the west indies include hispanic countries whose culture is different from jamaica’s, guyana’s, tnt’s, etc.. We cannot be generalized. You can’t expect for us to be identified with one identity when we are so diverse.
The world as a whole is currently devoid of intellectuals in influential positions. Leaders are corrupt and greedy. There are no more Mahatma Gandhi’s in the world. Personally, I want to see caribbean doctors, entreprenuers, philosophers, engineers, lawyers (ehh), musical artists, and sports stars. I agree with some of what you said, thought. The current state isn’t an encouraging one.
You speak of V.S Naipaul and Bob Marley. I am well aware of their influence. But look around you and ask where is growth in the Caribbean. I am not speaking of a renaissance or re-birth as the word entails. If you traveled the caribbean fluently, you would notice intellectual death..thats what i am talking about. The world as a whole is not currently devoid of intellectuals..Leaders by far are not intellectuals and I am not speaking of Myters like Gandhi. I am talking about the reality of cultural death and keeping Richmond Hill alive would not cut it. Please enlighten me of what I have missed coming out of Richmond Hill that has had impact on cultural growth and has sustained a positive chain reaction.
Lets then for your sake assume that we are talking about the Lower Caribbean Basin. Enumerate some accomplishments that have stemed within the last twenty years that have benefited our global growth?