Why is Jamaican culture so enthralling?

[BlackCryptoKnight]

There is something about Jamaican culture which facinates and enthralls people all over the world. In some parts of the world, it's like a fashion statement or fad to look or act Jamaican. What is it about Jamaica and Jamaicans that has that effect on people?

[Juliet]

There is something about Jamaican culture which facinates and enthralls people all over the world. In some parts of the world, it's like a fashion statement or fad to look or act Jamaican. What is it about Jamaica and Jamaicans that has that effect on people?


How exactly do you look Jamaican?

How exactly do you act Jamaican besides trying to fake an accent?

[Virus]

How exactly do you look Jamaican?Cooyah shirts can help, red green and gold/ black green and gold colors

I guess is the weed or the music..

[Manu]

How exactly do you look Jamaican?

How exactly do you act Jamaican besides trying to fake an accent?

Huh???

Ok....Locks is considered Jamaican. Anything to with locks is considered Jamaican. Red, Green and Gold symbolizes Jamaica sometimes even more so than our flag colour. The bright colours, the spicy food, the "irie" lifestyle and "yaardie" slang make you looka dn sound Jamaican. Come on man. Jamaica identifies the English Speaking Caribbean because we are the largest and the first to attain independence (albeit a mere 25 days before Trinidad). You see someone from the Caribbean, you identify them first as Jamaican(generally speaking) then your suspicions are either confirmed or denied and most times it is confirmed.

[Bahama Mama]

There is something about Jamaican culture which facinates and enthralls people all over the world. In some parts of the world, it's like a fashion statement or fad to look or act Jamaican. What is it about Jamaica and Jamaicans that has that effect on people?


Jamaican culture which is the prototype of the Caribbean region has simply managed to mold itself among a cast of other uniquely identifiable cultures. This is due in part to:


-Being the largest English speaking Caribbean country with a population that is large in comparison to the other English sepaking Caribbean islands. You guys have passed the 2 million mark right?

-Jamaican artists like Bob Marley who became an international artist in his own right, and by default carried Jamaican culture to the international stage. I see more Bob Marley paraphanelia (sp.) here in Canada than I do back home. His influence is widespread.

-The large migrant populations from Jamaica that have settled all over the world, most notably in NY, Toronto, South Florida, and in England. They didnt let go of the culture and as a result were able to establish sub communities in culturally diverse cities. Like 'Little Jamaica' in NY and Toronto.

All of this has kept the culture mainstream and international.

I would add though that I believe it is more North Americans, Europeans, and various Asian groups that are 'enthralled' with Jamaican culture. Just because it is in such stark contrast to theirs. In the Caribbean, many of the cultures share a more common bond and origin due to a history of African slavery and European colonialism.

[AngelsKiss]

There are various factors why Jamaica is very famous all over the world, even in Africa. A lot of it started with Bob Marley yes but there are other factors. Just a few are:

1) Bob Marley as I mentioned before along with reggae and much of our culture, including rastafarian movement. Reggae music is the father of Rap, hiphop etc. We were also popular back in the days for Ska. The group No Doubt started as a Ska band.

2) Sports - our athletes have done exceptionally well internationally and when you talk with the average European they always mention our sprinters, especially Merlene Ottey. Also our Bobsled team made us even more famous, so much so that they made a movie :) I remember in one Olympics (the last one in the US), 7/8 100m finalist were either Jamaican born or of Jamaican parents, just competing for different country. One comentator said that Jamaica must have a sprint factory down there to be turning all these atheles. Currently there is a Jamaican competing in the 2 man Bobsled team competition for Canada...they won a silver medal.

3) Coffee, our Blue Mountain coffee is ranked right up there with the worlds best coffee. In fact Japan buys most of our coffee and in fact bought some of the coffee plantation.

4) A variety of movie celebs have lived or owned property in Jamaica for many years and we have had several movies filmed in Jamaica, including a James Bond movie Dr. Bo filmed in Jamaica. In fact one of the Bond girls is Jamaican, Grace Jones. We also have several celebs in the movie industry.

5) Our women have won several international beauty competition.

6) Our food is also very famous.

7) Patios - even the way we speak is admired by many.

8) Our people are living all over the globe, even in places you would not have expected Jamaicans and they take their culture with them. Currently one of my closest friend is living in Cyprus and is married to a Cyprian:)

9) We have had several medical breakthrough, eg...the use of marijuana to treat gluacoma was developed by a Jamaican.

10) We developed a breed of cow that Australia and another country (I don't remember the name) wanted for their own country.

11) The beauty of the island and the natural warmth of the people is also a big factor. Whenever I speak with people from all over the world the first thing they say when I ask if they know anything about Jamaica their answer is, yah mon, beautiful country, beautiful girls, sunshine, beaches and great food. Many of the women seems to think that the Jamaiacn men are special too ;)

The fact is that, even with the negative aspect, Jamaica as given much to the world and it entralls people because we are seen as a tiny island in the Caribbean, people who have been able to make their mark on the world. Jamaica has much to be proud of, if only we could now get rid of the crime things would be great.

BTW BM, I don't know if you know this, but Roots the Canadian store is actually so named because the 2 guys who own it, visited Jamaica fell in love with the Roots Rock Reggae ideal.

[Virus]

10) We developed a breed of cow that Australia and another country (I don't remember the name) wanted for their own country.
???? never knew tha kinda research going on down here

[Juliet]

To me, Jamaica is enthralling because the people have managed to well preserve the history of the journey that Africans made to Jamaica; and how they influenced this nation.

I'm not too sure about the culture being enthralling though- interesting yes, but enthralling?-no.

That's as much as im willing to say on this topic

[AngelsKiss]

???? never knew tha kinda research going on down here

Have you ever heard of Dr. Thomas Lecky? He bred the Jamaica Hope, Jamaica Red & Jamaica Black, 3 breed of Cows.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

How exactly do you look Jamaican?

How exactly do you act Jamaican besides trying to fake an accent?

Realistically, Jamaicans come in all sorts of appearances, however, foreigners attempt to emulate Jamaicans by wearing the colours of our national flag, locksing their hair (rasta and dreadlocks are seen as a Jamaican symbol). As for acting Jamaican, people try to speak patois and have the accent, and they try to have what they perceive as Jamaican mannerisms.

[Juliet]

Realistically, Jamaicans come in all sorts of appearances, however, foreigners attempt to emulate Jamaicans by wearing the colours of our national flag, locksing their hair (rasta and dreadlocks are seen as a Jamaican symbol). As for acting Jamaican, people try to speak patois and have the accent, and they try to have what they perceive as Jamaican mannerisms.


Ok- this is interesting.
The colours of your flag are red, yellow, and green?
Do foreigners who have actually heard Jamaicans speak patois (Lord have mercy!) understand what is being said?
If they don't understand, which i'm sure they don't- how can they even try to speak it? Or is the watered down version of it you're referring to?
Generally speaking, what are Jamaican mannerisms?

[acidblade]

Ok- this is interesting.
The colours of your flag are red, yellow, and green?

Juliet honey, u have never seen somebody in a Black, Green and Gold shirt before? :icon_eek: eg. Busta Rhymes - Touch It music video, he is wearing one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/acidblade/Clipboard01.jpg

tell us something about trinidad nuh?

[Juliet]

Juliet honey, u have never seen somebody in a Black, Green and Gold shirt before? :icon_eek: eg. Busta Rhymes - Touch It music video, he is wearing one.


tell us something about trinidad nuh?


What do you want to know about Trinidad?

Aye- ah have a question- it might sound kinda stupid but ah askin' it anyway-
People refer to "rasta" colours as "ice, gold, and green"
What is the "ice" referring to?

[Juliet]

Busta Cut His Hair???

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooo!

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Ok- this is interesting.
The colours of your flag are red, yellow, and green?
Jamaican flag colours are black, green and gold. Red, gold and green are associated with the Rastafarian movement - which started in Jamaica.


Do foreigners who have actually heard Jamaicans speak patois (Lord have mercy!) understand what is being said? If they don't understand, which i'm sure they don't- how can they even try to speak it? Or is the watered down version of it you're referring to?

Some foreigners do understand, some don't. Patois has many flavours, and they vary in difficulty of understanding to some people. Every accent, or dialect on the planet poses challenges to somebody. Some people have difficulty understanding Trinidadians when they speak. It sounds strange to them. You can't say with certainty that no foreigner understands Jamaican patois. Ever heard of the Canadian dancehall artist, Snow? (http://www.dancehallreggae.com/snow.html) or Gentleman, the German reggae/dancehall artist. (http://www.reggae-reviews.com/gentleman.html) What about the Japanese reggae/dancehall entertainers "Ackee and Saltfish" or champion sound system Might Crown, also from Japan (http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/events/japan/mightycrown.shtml)? They understand, and speak "Jamaican" quite well. If they can understand it, many more can, and do, as well. If foreigners couldn't understand Jamaicans, as you said, then reggae/dancehall music, wouldn't be as widely accepted and loved internationally, as it is today.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Aye- ah have a question- it might sound kinda stupid but ah askin' it anyway-
People refer to "rasta" colours as "ice, gold, and green"
What is the "ice" referring to?
It's "Ites" not "ice". "Ites" = Red.

[AngelsKiss]

Ok- this is interesting.
The colours of your flag are red, yellow, and green?
Do foreigners who have actually heard Jamaicans speak patois (Lord have mercy!) understand what is being said?
If they don't understand, which i'm sure they don't- how can they even try to speak it? Or is the watered down version of it you're referring to?
Generally speaking, what are Jamaican mannerisms?

Our Flag is Black, Green & Gold. The Red, Green & Gold are Rastafarian colours which is very popular throughout the world. The rastafarian movement extends itself beyond the Jamaican borders, even though it originated in Jamaica. Again it goes to show how Jamaica has influenced much of the world that they want to adopt some of our culture.

It matters not that they understand what is being said for them to be facinated. Think of it as learning a new language. I am facinated when I hear Russians speak, however, I do not understand one word of their language. In any event you would be surprised to know how many do understand and who take some time to learn the language.

I have a friend from Holland and I can type to him in patios and he can read and understand it. He does have a bit of difficulty with the spoken word. I also have an online friend here in Canada who worked with Jamaicans for 7 years, you would be amazed at the stuf he learned. Every chance he gets he uses patios.

Jamaican mannerisms are the expressions we use on a daily basis and the way in which we express ourselves.

One thing you may not know is that we have had lots of tourist who visited the island over the years, fell in love with the country, people and culture and decide to move to Jamaica. I am sure, it happens in T&T too.

I find here in Canada, there are many who visit Jamaica on an annual basis. My former supervisor is one, every year for the last 6 years that where she goes on vacation.

[Bahama Mama]

It should be noted that 'red' 'green' and 'gold', are the colours of the Ethiopian flag. Though the colours are widely associated with Jamaica and Rastafarianism, Ethiopia is the true originator of that color scheme, since Selassie the catalyst for the Rastafarian movement was Emperor of Ethiopia. Sporting such colours can also be a mark of Ethiopian patriotism.

[AngelsKiss]

It should be noted that 'red' 'green' and 'gold', are the colours of the Ethiopian flag. Though the colours are widely associated with Jamaica and Rastafarianism, Ethiopia is the true originator of that color scheme, since Selassie the catalyst for the Rastafarian movement was Emperor of Ethiopia.
Yes many African nations use those colours, however, it was the Jamaican Rastafarian movement that made it very popular:)

[Bahama Mama]

Yes many African nations use those colours, however, it was the Jamaican Rastafarian movement that made it very popular:)


Yeah that I understand, but I am saying that not everyone that sports the colours are doing so as a symbol of Jamaica and Rastafariansim, nor should we assume as such. A girl that I work with had an embroided bag with those colours. I figured she was just sporting the look as cool, but she turned out to be Ethiopian after inquiry. It was simply a mark of patriotism on her part.

[Juliet]

It's "Ites" not "ice". "Ites" = Red.


Ites is another name for red? What language is that?

[Juliet]

Yeah that I understand, but I am saying that not everyone that sports the colours are doing so as a symbol of Jamaica and Rastafariansim, nor should we assume as such.


Ah BH! - Girl how you readin' my mind so???

[Juliet]

Jamaican flag colours are black, green and gold. Red, gold and green are associated with the Rastafarian movement - which started in Jamaica.



Some foreigners do understand, some don't. Patois has many flavours, and they vary in difficulty of understanding to some people. Every accent, or dialect on the planet poses challenges to somebody. Some people have difficulty understanding Trinidadians when they speak. It sounds strange to them. You can't say with certainty that no foreigner understands Jamaican patois. Ever heard of the Canadian dancehall artist, Snow? (http://www.dancehallreggae.com/snow.html) or Gentleman, the German reggae/dancehall artist. (http://www.reggae-reviews.com/gentleman.html) What about the Japanese reggae/dancehall entertainers "Ackee and Saltfish" or champion sound system Might Crown, also from Japan (http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/events/japan/mightycrown.shtml)? They understand, and speak "Jamaican" quite well. If they can understand it, many more can, and do, as well. If foreigners couldn't understand Jamaicans, as you said, then reggae/dancehall music, wouldn't be as widely accepted and loved internationally, as it is today.

Sure BCK:icon_eek: - Whatever you say...

[nuhsenutten]

u seem to like busta ......he has patios locked down ....he has a couple dancehall songs.......full patious..........real type :D

[AngelsKiss]

Yeah that I understand, but I am saying that not everyone that sports the colours are doing so as a symbol of Jamaica and Rastafariansim, nor should we assume as such. A girl that I work with had an embroided bag with those colours. I figured she was just sporting the look as cool, but she turned out to be Ethiopian after inquiry. It was simply a mark of patriotism on her part.

I am not sure why you would think that we would assume that. We do know for a fact that the Red, Green & Gold colours are very popular and when ever it is used in reference to Jamaica we almost always can spot it. Most times its accompanied with the word Jamaica or you see a picture of a rastafarian or something that symbolises Jamaica. ANyone with sense knows that you don't just see the red, green and gold and automatically think that is worn to represent Jamaica.

[AngelsKiss]

Ites is another name for red? What language is that?
Ites is a local Jamaican talk mostly used by the Rastafarians.

[Bahama Mama]

I am not sure why you would think that we would assume that. We do know for a fact that the Red, Green & Gold colours are very popular and when ever it is used in reference to Jamaica we almost always can spot it. Most times its accompanied with the word Jamaica or you see a picture of a rastafarian or something that symbolises Jamaica. ANyone with sense knows that you don't just see the red, green and gold and automatically think that is worn to represent Jamaica.

Uh AK, no need to get defensive, and I didnt mean that you or anyone else on this board though that way. I was simply inferring that most people are clueless to the origins of that color scheme. Most people, not all, will associate it with Jamaica, particularly the younger generation who have a habit of following fashion. It has nothing to do with common sense, but a matter of popular culture.

[AngelsKiss]

Uh AK, no need to get defensive, and I didnt mean that you or anyone else on this board though that way. I was simply inferring that most people are clueless to the origins of that color scheme. Most people, not all, will associate it with Jamaica, particularly the younger generation who have a habit of following fashion. It has nothing to do with common sense, but a matter of popular culture.

LOL...I wasn't being defensive...I was some what puzzled as to why anyone would think this. Like I said, the colours are usually accompanied by other Jamaican type logos, eg:

The words: One Love / Jah Love / Roots, Rock, Reggae, etc
A picture of a Lion, our flag, rastaman, etc.

It's just like how we know not to assume that black, green, and gold always represent Jamaica.

[Juliet]

By the way - the Ethiopian flag is red, yellow, green, and blue,- how come the rastafarians who started this religion left out the blue?

[AngelsKiss]

By the way - the Ethiopian flag is red, yellow, green, and blue,- how come the rastafarians who started this religion left out the blue?

They didn't leave it out. The blue disk with the pentagram was added in the 90s, making it a new version of the flag :)

[Izemi-Clem]

Hail

Jamaican culture stands out and is more identifiable than any other culture in the Caribbean, you might say that Jamaica has been used to identify the Caribbean.

The first thing that stands out is our patios, the accent of the other islands all sound very similar and the English influence in their speech is very prominent. Our patios shows how much we tried to hold on to our African culture, and it is one of the main things that draw people to our culture.

Our culture is enthralling because it holds an air of mysticism and rebellion, the history of people who been spent time in Jamaica and Jamaicans themselves who have changed and influenced the world is a long list.
From Simon Bolivar, to Claude McKay who led the Harlem renaissance, to Marcus Garvey, Micheal Manley (believe it or not) to Bob Marley.

We seem to be able to hold on to our identity no matter where we are, and when abroad we seem to hold on to our culture even more.

When fist visited New York my cousins told me not to tell anyone I was from Kingston but to use a Jamaican address because everybody claims to come from Kingston. I realized that people from the Caribbean were claiming to come from Jamaica as well and not everyone wearing the Jamaica colours was from Jamaica. I was told that on the street you didn't get any respect unless you came from Jamaica, Trinidad or Haiti, and Jamaica was the country of choice for most people.
This is not necessarily a good thing as the Jamaica police will tell you that the US have sent deportees to Jamaica who do not originate from Jamaica but claim to.

Izemi-Clem

[AngelsKiss]

For anyone interested in learning more about Jamaica, The Jamaica Gleaner has a section call Pieces of the Past. I find it a very good source of information. You can check it out here:

Pieces of the Past (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/history/)