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In my humble opinion the course turned out to be much more challenging than I anticipated it to be. The workload, especially for this assignment in particular was very heavy and the guidelines were extremely vague. Padlet itself as a platform is very limiting and had some glitches. The topics covered in the course were interesting and provided me with new information that I appreciated a lot. The online classes were a problem as my lectures gave trouble to work and in many cases didn't work at all so I had to read the course material to learn. I did ‘O’ level history so some of the topics were easy for me to grasp and I felt right at home with the course in general. So far my grades are good and I expect a respectable final grade for this semester.

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Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos

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Uploaded by Jeruel Saunders on 2016-11-29.

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by: Jeruel Saunders
IDENTITY
They saw us as ABEL,
So they made us strike CAIN.
Took our wealth, then took our names.
Racism is a man made creation
Designed to keep the masses in division.
Its not developed naturally, its taught
Capitalistic system only cares for what is bought.
But would be better if we were all colorblind and deaf
From birth to death
Some ideas are too far fetched.

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As early as 1800’s attempts were being made to unify the Commonwealth Caribbean and particularly the West Indies. Many proposals for the federation of the British West Indies were made and several attempts at some form of federal arrangements were made in 1840, 1871, 1882, 1894 and 1896. These all failed as a result of the significant obstacles such as different cultures, language barriers, population, size, ethnic composition, income and political status. However, issues of nationalism within the proposed leadership structure and economic differences proved unsurmountable. The Federation was dismantled but attempts at unity were not. The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) was forged in 1965 and later on the Caribbean Development Bank (1970) both aimed at creating economic integration and support and removing trade barriers among Caribbean islands. The Caribbean Economic Community (CARICOM- 1973) was also later formed. It is hoped that an economic platform would bear the weight of the political superstructure needed and eventually the regional unity that is desired.

In the middle of this scenario, Sports has been able to transcend the obstacle of nationalism where the Caribbean has become ‘one region’ in the arena of sports. The West Indies Cricket Team in particular has unified us as a region drawing players from several of the islands. Jamaica’s Track and Field prowess at the Olympics and the presence Trinidad’s Soca Warriors on the World Cup Stage continue to be a source of regional camaraderie. Every Caribbean sportsman/woman has become ‘our hero’ and a sense of regional pride and ownership is afforded to each one. Names such as Brian Lara, Usain Bolt and Kirani James are household names in every Caribbean island. Sports is also seen by some as being an important part of our decolonization process as a Caribbean people and its potential for the formation of greater links in the region are evident.

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As early as 1800’s attempts were being made to unify the Commonwealth Caribbean and particularly the West Indies. Many proposals for the federation of the British West Indies were made and several attempts at some form of federal arrangements were made in 1840, 1871, 1882, 1894 and 1896. These all failed as a result of the significant obstacles such as different cultures, language barriers, population, size, ethnic composition, income and political status. However, issues of nationalism within the proposed leadership structure and economic differences proved unsurmountable. The Federation was dismantled but attempts at unity were not. The Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) was forged in 1965 and later on the Caribbean Development Bank (1970) both aimed at creating economic integration and support and removing trade barriers among Caribbean islands. The Caribbean Economic Community (CARICOM- 1973) was also later formed. It is hoped that an economic platform would bear the weight of the political superstructure needed and eventually the regional unity that is desired.

In the middle of this scenario, Sports has been able to transcend the obstacle of nationalism where the Caribbean has become ‘one region’ in the arena of sports. The West Indies Cricket Team in particular has unified us as a region drawing players from several of the islands. Jamaica’s Track and Field prowess at the Olympics and the presence Trinidad’s Soca Warriors on the World Cup Stage continue to be a source of regional camaraderie. Every Caribbean sportsman/woman has become ‘our hero’ and a sense of regional pride and ownership is afforded to each one. Names such as Brian Lara, Usain Bolt and Kirani James are household names in every Caribbean island. Sports is also seen by some as being an important part of our decolonization process as a Caribbean people and its potential for the formation of greater links in the region are evident.

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The purpose of the interviews was too shed light on the opinions of the Caribbean people themselves in relation to the idea that has been put forward. The idea that sports can be used as an avenue to unify the Caribbean and help in developing its identity. Sport over the years has done a lot and has covered a lot of ground on the journey towards Caribbean nationalism. It has remained a unifying force while other constructs have failed. The West Indies team signifies the joining of all Caribbean islands together to accomplish one common goal. Based on the responses given the general consensus was that when an athlete from one area in the Caribbean excelled we all felt proud. This is one of the strongest impacts of sport, its ability to tear down barriers and unite people that would not usually do so. The previous video before the interview bought forward many valid points when it comes to sport and showed the uncanny feats that it could achieve when applied in a proper manner. All the interviewees were from Trinidad yet all of them stated that their favorite athlete was Usain Bolt, who is from Jamaica. A hypothetical situation was brought forward which was designed to show case the bond among Caribbean sports fans. The question was asked if there was an event where no one from your nation was represented and there were two American participants, a German, a Kenyan and a Caribbean participant, which one they would support and no surprise they all said they would support the Caribbean participant. When asked if they thought sports unified Caribbean people they all agreed.

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sport

spɔːt/

noun

plural noun: sports

1. an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.

2. "team sports such as soccer and rugby"

3. synonyms: | (competitive) game(s), physical recreation, physical activity, physical exercise; pastime"he takes part in a variety of sports"

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nationalism

ˈnaʃ(ə)n(ə)lɪz(ə)m/

noun

1. patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts.

2. "an early consciousness of nationalism and pride"

3. synonyms: | patriotism, patriotic sentiment, allegiance/loyalty to one's country, loyalism, nationality;More

an extreme form of patriotism marked by a feeling of superiority over other countries.

plural noun: nationalisms

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Next we need to understand how sports affects us as humans.

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The Olympics, FIFA, and why we love sports: Crash Course Games #17

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To understand how sport unifies us first we need to understand what nationalism is.