Jamaicans

I work around a lot of Jamaicans, many of which are very good, kind people I would consider to be my friends. As a disclaimer, let me start by saying there are good and bad people from all parts of the world, and I always judge each and every person I meet as an individual. Furthermore, I am more critical of my fellow countrymen, particularly those of my own race, than I am people of other races and nationalities. However, it would be disingenuous to say that some people (not all) from certain parts of the world display certain characteristics, many of which are shared by certain others, regardless of where they're from. However, I notice certain qualities in people from Jamaica that are more common in people from that country than in people who are non-Jamaican.

First of all, I find some Jamaicans to share some rather simple, pretty ignorant views. Things like "Halloween is an evil holiday," and "gay people are sick and wicked people." One woman at work said she believes the hurricane that hit New York City was because of all the gay people there.

I would find this laughable if it wasn't so sad in how ignorant it is, and that some (actually, many) Jamaicans actually believe this crap. Some Americans share these views, too, particularly those who are religious, ill-educated and live in the southern parts of the country.

I also notice that many Jamaicans are very conniving and quick to use people for whatever they can get out of them -- not necessarily money, but favors and whatnot... almost like they expect it. Often times they will thank you, but they rarely seem truly grateful for it.

Again, I know these traits are not limited to just Jamaicans, but it seems to be quite prevalent among them (or at least the ones I have met and worked with).

Has anyone here had any experiences with Jamaican people, good or bad?

 

never met any

 

lol

But you felt it necessary to reply anyway?

 

Jamaica is one of the most homophobic countries out there.
Combination of cultural and religious influences.
The homophobia is just one of the many reasons Rasta is a crap religion. Fuck Leviticus.
The pejorative term they use is 'botty-boy' or 'batty-boy'. You'll often hear the slurs in Reggae.

 

How did Bob Marley feel about homosexuality/female equality?

 

Whatever he felt,I'm pretty sure he kept it out of his music.

 

I'm sure (not having heard more than 6 tracks of his). Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

 

I think an artist should keep such things out of his/her music.Should be grown up enough not to offend minority groups,whatever they be.Bob Marley transcended his genre however to be a universal artist,I really don't like that bombastic homophobic reggae though.Most Rastas are generally peaceful though,there's good and bad within every group.Also as has been mentioned it's a very cultural thing.

 

yep

 

ahh ja makin me crazyy monn

 

I disagree, Bob Marley sang about smoking cannibas in his songs, not every person smokes it, that is his view, this is his art, we do not make art to stimulate others while avoiding topics that are important to us, or against the norm. We just express ourselves, we dont do it to please the masses.

 

me or be?

 

Bob Marley was mainstream. We really don't know what he kept out of his music, tbh. Do we? You are right, though.

 

Listen bruv,I've been smoking weed for 10 days solid,so no problems there.I'm not against people expressing their true feelings and opinions in their music...I personally just cannot stand homophobic hate music,and if people want to release that kind of thing that is their right,I will just do my best to avoid it.

 

i'm working with a Jamaican undergrad in my lab. she's not catching on very quickly. she's cute. that is my experience with Jamaican(s)

 

I'm only really asking what type of artist he really was. If he was a decent person that did not express hatred in anyway - both in his music or private life, that is a good thing. History sometimes forgets.

 

Bob Marely wasnt mainstream in the late 60's. Yes now he is, and his music doesnt provoke the way it used to back in that day.

 

lol! I lived in Brooklyn for 11 years, and I messed around with Hatian chicks, Badian, Trinidadian, Grenandian, Aruban chicks.

I don`t think I`ve ever gone past the first couple of sentences with a Jamaican without it turning into a huge argument. :biggrin:

The longest conversations I`ve had with them were at the roti shop, how much, etc. No thank yous, of course.

Saying thank you is not macho enough for Jamaicans! Batty boy, bomboclot. Tough customers.

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People say Nigerians are the Jamaicans of Africa, but I can asure you that Nigerians are gentle by comparison.

 

I'm Jamaican, and yes I can agree that Jamaica is one of the most homophobic countries, I can't say why, but it is sad. But i'm pretty sure it has to with religion, and some 90's reggae music that call gay men "batty boys" and they should get killed.

It's just pure ignorance


But that other shit you saying about us -_-

I think almost every culture except you to do something without saying thank you

 

What draws so many Jamaicans to NYC? Obviously NYC is a very multicultural city, but what brings so many Jamaicans to the United States, in your opinion?

What draws them away from a beautiful country like Jamaica, to a place like the US, where many come to do low-paying menial jobs?

And thanks for your reply. It's good to hear from a Jamaican on this thread.