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The Caribbean is the birthplace of talented artists, musicians, writers, and highly educated individuals. Although the Caribbean comprises of unique islands all separated by a sea of water known as the Caribbean Sea, they remain united in one key aspect, History. Resulting from Europe’s demand for gold, spreading the word of God and glory, Christopher Columbus voyaged to the unknown lands now known as the Caribbean. Europe’s involvement with the Caribbean led to a large inflow of African, Chinese, East Indian and European people through the introduction of slavery and indentureship and thus the ‘melting pot’ was born. However, even though the people residing within the Caribbean islands all share the same ancestors, each island varies concerning language, food, accent, mannerisms and many other factors. Hence, the statement, ‘All ah we is one’ is not an accurate assessment of the Caribbean. The themes race, religion and family will be used to elaborate on how the Caribbean differs from island to island.

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The influence of Europeans in the Caribbean during the 14th century led to various races coexisting within the Caribbean. Nonetheless, people of different races, although all brought in by the Europeans, faced contrasting issues. As African’s were the ones enslaved, they received the harshest treatment through severe punishments and being considered property. On the other hand, as East Indians came as indentured labourers, they received benefits such as higher wages, clothing and the promise of land after their contract ended. The Africans being mistreated by the Europeans created a mindset that Africans were inferior to others who would have been employed by the Europeans. Also, with the benefits the East Indians would have received, Africans became angered and spiteful. In a case study written by Dr Kwame Nantambu, he stated, “It is this psychological legacy of slavery and indenture that permeates, fashions and condones the antagonistic and sometimes violent interaction between the Afrikan and Indian in Trinidad today,” (Nantambu 2). The evidence of racism in the historical aspect is proof that the Caribbean is not unified. The Africans were not seen as equals despite them being brought for the same purpose as the East Indians. The discrimination towards the Africans, when they should have been treated the same, is justification for how they viewed the East Indians. Yet, by doing so, the Africans were partaking in what was done to them and further intensifying the racism issue that was abundant on the plantations. The racism that existed during that time was a tool used to diminish the Africans’ self-worth and hence caused the racial prejudice that exists to this day. Africans Caribbean people who endured the worst punishments are treated with disrespect and are often stereotyped as criminals in recent times. “Afro-Trinidadians are still overly represented in public service employment when compared to the number of Indo-Trinidadian employees and that recent kidnappings had been committed against individuals of Indian descent,” (“Trinidad and Tobago” par. 4). This article, written in 2005, is a prime example of the existence of racial difference 500 years later. Although the time of slavery has long past, the psychological effects remained. Whilst most East Indians acquired high paying occupations and gained wealth, Africans were left with low paying jobs in the service industry. This may have resulted in a minor group of Africans participating in larceny which consequently formed the African Stereotype that all people with dark complexions are thieves. When focusing on Caribbean identity, the assumption is that Caribbean people all share the same identity derived from an intertwined historical experience. On the other hand, African Caribbean people being dehumanised during slavery led to them developing an ego identity of inferiority and nothingness as well as being envious of East Indian people whereas East Indian people would have felt inferior towards the Europeans but superior to the Africans. Thus, the identity of the Africans and East Indians vary tremendously due to their difference in treatment on the plantation as well as where they originated from. Although they came for the same objective, belonged to an identical colony and coexist together, there is a vast division between the races and a lack of unification between the enslaved and indentured labourers.

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Religion is diverse throughout the Caribbean. Europe’s involvement with the Caribbean during the 14th to 18th century led to people of different races residing within the Caribbean. The Africans, East Indians, and Chinese all brought their religion and culture with them. Hence, from the time of their arrival, they all had unique identities. “Slaves from Africa brought their own religious and spiritual practices with them, some of which combined with Catholic practices and became entirely new religions,” (“Religion in” par. 5). Whilst the Europeans main goal was to covert all slaves and indentured labourers to Christians, this was only successful to some extent. Although the Africans were forced into Christianity, some continued to practice their religion in secret whilst others practised both religions since they were similar in their belief of having one almighty God. Hence, a syncretic religion was created which consisted of Christianity and the religions practised by the Africans. Through the colonial era, the Caribbean became a multireligious region and people would have branched off into different communities where their religious beliefs were shared. However, the introduction of new religions did not cease with the end of slavery and indentureship. With the aid of a Jamaican political activist, Marcus Garvey, the Rastafarian religion was developed in the 1930s. “Rastafarians of Jamaica utilize elements of Christian doctrine to incorporate resistance within spirituality,” (Rasbury 1). As Rastafarianism has its views and beliefs for how people should live their lives, Rastafarians and Christians, although they may share similar beliefs for specific topics, would have a religious divide. Similarly, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians in the Caribbean all share varying beliefs and hence they would have their places of worship and make different life choices. When discussing identity, people who have ancestral roots in a different country can identify with an opposing religion. Identity is not solely based on the homeland of a person’s ancestors but rather, “The individual characteristics, style or manner that is fundamental to a person and by which that person is recognised,” (Lamsee slide 4). Hence, a Christian African Caribbean person would have an identity of belonging to Africa and would also belong to a society of Christians with other races. Some would argue that living in the same country would, in turn, result in unification. However, people can reside in one location but have differing views of life. In a country where there are many religions, people work together, live near each other or together but when they are ready to worship their almighty, they go to their different places of worship, read their religious books and interact with persons of their religion on their religion’s holy day. On account of all that has been discussed, certainly, the Caribbean is not unified on the topic of religion.

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Family structure varies from household to household within the Caribbean. During slavery, Africans would often belong to a matrifocal family structure, where females were the sole caretakers of children. This was likely a result of the fathers belonging to a different plantation or the parents of a child not being allowed to marry. B. W. Higman wrote, “The view of the slave family which emerges is one of the residential units dominated by mothers and grandmothers, in which the father or husband’s place was always insecure,” (Higman 1). On the other hand, East Indians who were brought as indentured labourers were often seen in an extended family. Due to them being indentured labourers and not slaves, they were granted benefits such as being allowed to remain with their family while they worked. The extended family structure is one which allows children to be surrounded by both male and female influences as well as grants them the opportunity to learn from elders who would have different experiences from their parents. When compared to the matrifocal family structure, there is a great difference as there is no male influence to guide young males in those times. This distinction between the two family types during the colonial era would have shaped the identity of the younger generations and likely influenced the decisions they make to this day. In recent times, many family structures are seen throughout the Caribbean. The product of this variety is every family structure having differing roles for their occupants. Nancie L. Solien stated, “The single parent may be completely unattached to any individual who might be called a spouse… for the most part, she is dependent upon herself and her consanguineal relatives,” (Solien 5). Having several family structures in the Caribbean stems from the pre-colonial era, colonial era and post-colonial era. Family structures such as the single-parent household would not have likely resulted from slavery or indentureship but rather due to modern issues such as having a custodial parent or a parent who is no longer part of the family. Although this family structure is common, it is often frowned upon by families who have both parents and families where family members play a crucial role in the success of the family. As each family type has an opinion on the others, this forms a separation between Caribbean people. Also, belonging to different family types catalyses an identity for the children within the household. Children may grow up seeking that family type in their future and may disapprove of other family types as they mature. Contrarily, there is a minority who would have grown up being taught not to judge any other person’s circumstances and they would be easily able to adjust to any family structure. However, as the majority are not able to see past what they consider flaws, the Caribbean remains in disunion.

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The Caribbean is a region filled with rich history and artistically inclined individuals. However, “all ah we is not one.” Through the research of the past and the present Caribbean it is abundantly clear that although the Caribbean has a shared history, that does not make the region “one.” Based on issues that date back to the plantations, Caribbean folk are discriminated against by fellow Caribbean folk due to the colour of their skin. Additionally, as persons share contradicting beliefs, this implies that the Caribbean is divided spiritually. Lastly, having varying family structures results in different opinions of what is perceived as right and wrong. The Caribbean is often stereotyped as one big family by foreign countries who lack the knowledge or have the research to state fact. One aim of this critical thinking assignment is to educate foreign readers on the reality that is the Caribbean whilst also bringing to light how past events within the region has impacted the identity of people who reside in the Caribbean. Although the residents have been able to coexist in the Caribbean islands, it is not without its challenges.

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Higman, B. W. “The Slave Family and Household in the British West Indies, 1800-1834.” The Journal of Interdisciplinary History, vol. 6, no. 2, 1975, pp. 261–287. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/202234. Accessed 25 Apr. 2020.

Solien, Nancie L. “Household And Family In The Caribbean: SOME DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTS.” Social and Economic Studies, vol. 9, no. 1, 1960, pp. 101–106. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/27853568. Accessed 25 Apr. 2020.

Rasbury, Michael M. Marrero. “Protestantism in the Obeah and Rastafarian Doctrines: Afro-Caribbean Religion in ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ and ‘Brother Man.’” Caribbean Studies, vol. 27, no. 3/4, 1994, pp. 458–460. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25613285. Accessed 25 Apr. 2020.

“Religion in the Caribbean.”

http://caribya.com/caribbean/religion/

“Trinidad and Tobago: New government policies regarding racial discrimination and tension between the Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian communities; levels of ethnic or racial strife currently being experienced; whether protection is available in cases of racially-motivated attacks (January 2003 - November 2005).” Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 14 December 2005,

https://www.refworld.org/docid/45f1480628.html

“Impact of Slavery in the Caribbean: A Case Study of Trinidad.” Kent State University, U.S.A, November 25, 2002,

http://www.trinicenter.com/kwame/2002/Nov/252002.htm