Weekly Reading Response #8
In “Bling-Bling for Rastafari: How Jamaicans Deal with Hip-Hop” by Wayne Marshall, we dive into hip hop and how it has impacted Jamaica. As we have discussed earlier in the course, those of Caribbean descent have often wanted to keep their identity separate from African Americans due to the negative stereotypes that have been associated with them. Similarly, Jamaicans don’t feel that hip hop represents them at all (even though hip hop is a result of transnational relations), and feel that hip hop is more so an American art form. “Rastafari” is about speaking up against the oppressor, which in my opinion is similar to what many hip hop artists do in America — speak up about the racial injustices in America and the unfair treatment of African Americans. However, the majority of mainstream hip hop artists in America rap about sex, drugs, and money. The term “Bling-Bling” is used to describe this idea of showing off your wealth and success. Regardless of these ideas and stigmas, there are members of the Jamaican diaspora that respect their Rastafarian roots, while still embracing and incorporating American hip hop.
Weekly Reading Response #10
In “J’Ouvert in Brooklyn Carnival: Revitalizing Steel Pan and Ole Mas Traditions” by Ray Allen, it discusses the event called J’Ouvert, which is a celebration that occurs in Brooklyn and Harlem that honors the Caribbean culture. I must say, that one thing in particular that stood out to me was the use of steel pan music. I remember the video that we saw in class of the steel pan drummers, and I remember genuinely smiling because of how enthusiastic they were. I feel like this captured the spirit of the festival — full of pride and good vibes. For most in the New York City Caribbean Diaspora, celebrating the culture is a huge part of the Caribbean identity. Some will go as far to say that if you don’t embrace the culture, then you aren’t truly a member of the community. J’Ouvert gives those away from home a chance to celebrate and embrace their Caribbean culture.
Weekly Reading Response #11
In “Celebrating Ourselves: The Family Reunion Rituals of African-Caribbean Transnational Families” by Constance Sutton, focuses on how families stay connected, even when they are overseas. These family reunions allow families to come together and share traditions. The size of these reunions are large, ranging anywhere from 50 to 250 people. While family reunions are similar to other cultural events within the diaspora, what differentiates these reunions from other festivities is that One thing that I found extremely touching was when Sutton’s father referred to people as brother and sister. This really emphasized how the definition of family can be expanded. Family doesn’t just have to be the people related to you, but the people that you share a community with. These family reunions are all inclusive, and allow people to share and celebrate with one another.