Religion and Cultural Identity

Schmidt, Bettina E. Caribbean Diaspora in the USA: Diversity of Caribbean Religions in New York City. Aldershot, Hants, England: Ashgate, 2008. Print.

This book 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. One of the interesting elements that I looked at in a section of the book speaks about how 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.

“Dread History:.” Dread History: The African Diaspora, Ethiopianism, and Rastafari. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.

This website article focuses on the place of Rastafarianism in the diaspora and the many aspects of the religion. The section titled “The Rastafarian Vision and Culture” maintains that the Rastafarian religion has a deep “roots” culture, which builds upon the idea that whenever slavery began, people were taken away from their homeland, or from their roots. Furthermore, the overall culture surrounding Rastafarianism involves a distinct calendar, specific dialects, and a strict vegetarian diet, which is known as Ital. When we visited Flatbush, I noticed the many different shops that had themes of Rastafarian to them, especially food places that centered around a vegetarian or vegan style of preparing meals in keeping with the Ital life style. This article shows all of the rituals centered around Rastafarianism which are clearly reflected in the stores around New York City.

Iiwinc. “Rastafarianism in the Caribbean.” Rastafarianism in the Caribbean | Caribya! N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.

This website article focuses on Rastafarianism specifically in the Caribbean. In this sense, I wanted to discuss how the religion affects the more social aspects and habits of people’s lives and how that may have been carried over to New York City. For example, the article discusses the importance of Maroon Communities in Jamaica, which were important in the social structures of the Jamaican people. These communities would have communal meetings, where there is ritual smoking of marijuana, the playing of drum music, and “reasoning” which often had to do with magical beliefs. First of all, this sense of community through a certain religion was most definitely carried over to the states and can be seen in how people interact with each other, especially if they see a commonality of Rastafarianism. Also, this central theme of music, and especially drums, can be seen and heard throughout the streets of a Caribbean community, so I believe the cultural aspects that this religion has brought to New York is very prevalent to look at.

 

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.

This journal article 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. However, I feel it is important to note the differences in what is a religious practice, what is popular notion, and how these are misconstrued. 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. Clearly the music of the diaspora can and has become popular, so hopefully the rest of the culture can gain awareness as well.

Roopnarine, Lomarsh. “Indo-Caribbean Social Identity.” Caribbean Quarterly, vol. 52, no. 1, 2006, pp. 1–11.

This journal article focuses almost solely on the identity of the Caribbean diaspora and what it means for people to be from there. The author, Lomarsh Roopnarine, has an interesting take on how we develop identity. He maintains that identity is developed through a “looking glass” perspective, which is shaped by how we imagine we seem to others, how we interpret peoples’ reactions to us, and how we develop a self-concept based on those reactions. When we misjudge what other peoples’ reactions are, we often develop a negative self-image and identity. I have been discussing religion in the diaspora, and this idea does fit in to my main theme. Specifically, religion, as I have mentioned, helps to develop a strong community, even over-seas, and when there is a strong community, often there are strong reinforcements to support how a person acts based on what culture they are from. Strong support should engender a form of pride in the Caribbean community and Caribbean roots, which I believe is very prevalent when looking at the new movements going on to build up the Caribbean identity in New York City.