Religion Between the Generations
The physical evidence of this topic may be difficult to find, but I feel like this is a very big part of the diasporic identity. The book Caribbean Diaspora in the USA: Diversity of Caribbean Religions in New York City by Bettina Schmidt explores the religions of the Caribbean and the ways in which they have been transported to the United States and specifically to New York City. The book maintains that there are book stores in New York City that include many books on the religions of the Caribbean homelands. However, many priests are very against books about religion; they feel that books challenge their authority because much of religion and culture in the Caribbean is passed on through word of mouth. This aspect of the transference of religion has an interesting effect on the difference between generations of Caribbean descendants. Many immigrants hold this tradition of passing on religion by word of mouth and social gatherings as part of their social identity. However, many second-generation Caribbean Americans are more educated and with this education brings a desire to learn through books, which completely goes against the older ways of life for other immigrants. Therefore, this article establishes a difference in social identity between the different generations as far as religion is concerned.
Religious Influences in Popular Culture
The journal article “Transnational Popular Culture and The Global Spread of The Jamaican Rastafarian Movement” discusses the development of Caribbean social practices in popular culture. The author, Neil J. Savishinsky, maintains that in current pop culture, the terms “rasta” and “reggae” are nearly synonymous although they really do not exactly have to do with one another. It is interesting that the life style of Rastafarianism has become so popularized. The source maintains that many people who develop reggae music find inspiration from Rastafarianism for their songs, therefor people associate one with the other. Furthermore, reggae is the main way in which many people learn about the Rastafarian religion. I feel that the exploration into how people can become more invested in Caribbean culture as a whole through this exposure to reggae music is an interesting one. The article helps to show that the Caribbean is becoming part of popular culture, which adds to the overall identity of the diaspora as well.
Works Cited:
Schmidt, Bettina E. Caribbean Diaspora in the USA: Diversity of Caribbean Religions in New York City. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 2008. Print.
Savishinsky, Neil J. “Transnational Popular Culture and The Global Spread of The Jamaican Rastafarian Movement.” NWIG: New West Indian Guide / Nieuwe West-Indische Gids, vol. 68, no. 3/4, 1994, pp. 259–281.
