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Second attachment for Stereotyping and Racism in the Caribbean

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Second attachment for Stereotyping and Racism in the Caribbean

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Jamaican immigration "patted down" Trinidad and Tobago Government Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy, despite the fact that her diplomatic status was disclosed to them.
Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, was part of a Trinidad and Tobago delegation which included MPs Fuad Khan and Rudy Indarsingh, who travelled to Jamaica for four days to attend a Regional Parliamentary Forum as part of the follow-up on the UN Declaration on Ending AIDS.
The parliamentarians were returning on Thursday to Trinidad and Tobago via Miami.
Khan told the Express Webster-Roy was pulled from the line by Jamaican authorities as the group was about to board the aircraft to go to Miami. He expressed alarm and dismay at the treatment accorded to a Trinidad and Tobago Government minister.
"We found out that they examined her in the most private of places. That is unheard of and uncalled for. And I believe that she was singled out as a minister of the Trinidad and Tobago Government because that doesn't happen to anybody with a diplomatic passport, especially a minister," he said.
He said while there was no strip search, she was patted down.
He said he was strongly of the view that Trinidad and Tobago should call for an apology from the Jamaican Government or an investigation in the situation. "We cannot treat that lightly," he said.
"We were leaving Jamaica around 12 noon to go to Miami. Protocol (officer) took us straight through and as we were about to board the aircraft, they (the Jamaican authorities) pulled the lady (Webster-Roy) aside and told her that she was selected for screening.
"We said 'excuse us, how could she be selected and she is a minister with a diplomatic passport'. The (Parliament) protocol officer who was with us kept telling them that she is a minister with a diplomatic passport," to no avail, he said.
Webster-Roy not speaking

Khan said by the time Webster-Roy was allowed to board the plane, all the overhead cabins were filled and she had no place to put her bag.
He said what happened was wrong.
When the Express contacted Webster-Roy she enquired who told the newspaper about the incident. "I did nothing wrong," she said, However she said she did not wish to speak about the incident just yet as she preferred to speak with the Minister of Foreign Affairs before issuing any statement on the matter.
Last year there were allegations by Jamaicans about alleged mistreatment and discrimination by Trinidad and Tobago Immigration authorities following the deportation of a number of Jamaicans.
This matter had led to calls by some Jamaicans to boycott T&T products and eventually to a visit to Jamaica by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
During his visit the Rowley assured that Jamaicans were not being targeted. There have been no complaints since then.

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fuad: t&t minister 'patted down' by jamaica immigration

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Fuad: T&T minister 'patted down' by Jamaica immigration

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Jamaican immigration "patted down" Trinidad and Tobago Government Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy, despite the fact that her diplomatic status was disclosed to them.Webster-Roy, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, was part of a Trinidad and Tobago delegation which included MPs Fuad Khan and Rudy Indarsingh, who travelled to Jamaica for four days to attend a Regional Parliamentary Forum as part of the follow-up on the UN Declaration on Ending AIDS.

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Attachment for Colorism and Skin Bleaching in the Caribbean

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Attachment for Colorism and Skin Bleaching in the Caribbean

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Vybz Kartel discusses bleaching his skin on Hot 97

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Vybz Kartel called in the morning show on Hot 97 to discuss bleaching his skin. http://www.twitter.com/ciphasounds

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Attachment for The effect of musical genres created in the Caribbean 

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Attachment for The effect of musical genres created in the Caribbean 

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Jamaican triple-platinum artiste, Marion "Lady Saw" Hill, brought down the house at Club Maracas, La Romaine on Sunday with her explicit lyrics and lewd dancing. In her first visit to T&T in three years, the raunchy Grammy Award-winning dancehall diva seemed tireless as she appeared at the club for her second stint for the night. She demonstrated and narrated all the qualities and actions she said were needed by women to satisfy their men.

She took the audience to school with songs such as Mi Train Your Man, Chat to Mi Back and Hot Gal, and showed them what her hit song, Backshot, was really about. Utilising two hyped patrons in the crowd, she gave her instructions and caused fans to roar with excitement. The artiste blitzed hit after hit, but was not outdone by San Fernando's budding soca artistes Dev and Klassy, who evoked wining sessions with their popular soca single Drinking Partner. The two ended the night in fine style with dancehall and soca combos.

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Lady Saw brings 'down the house' at Club Maracas

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Jamaican triple-platinum artiste, Marion "Lady Saw" Hill, brought down the house at Club Maracas, La Romaine on Sunday with her explicit lyrics and lewd dancing. In her first visit to T&T in three years, the raunchy Grammy Award-winning dancehall diva seemed tireless as she appeared at the club for her second stint for the night.

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Attachment for Stereotyping and Racism in the Caribbean

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Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday : newsday.co.tt :

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Portal of Trinidad and Tobago with always fresh news on sport, business, culture and entertainment

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SELF EVALUATION OF LEARNING FOR THE SEMESTER / REFLECTION

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SELF EVALUATION OF LEARNING FOR THE SEMESTER / REFLECTION

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Caribbean Civilization course has reshaped the views and opinions of many. The fact that this course is a revisionist curse identifies that new knowledge would always be found concerning the true history of the Caribbean. The Indigenous people of the Caribbean were previously described by Christopher Columbus as uncivilized according to the European definition and fables. However it is found out that through the “Middens” of the indigenous people they were not cannibals and that they were in fact a civilization.  They existed in very distinct societies and had diverse cultures. They had their win religion, engaged in sustenance agriculture, hunting and trade. They even had a system of government that was normally ruled by the religious leader called the cacique.

This course has given an in-depth understanding of slavery that was not previously understood. Slaves were sold in West Africa due to tension from rival tribes and fear of the Europeans rather than racism. An enslaved person in Africa had rights and privileges and could climb the social ladder and transcend different classes of society. Slavery also did not originate in Africa as some of us were previously taught.

Racism and stereotyping still affects modern day societies o the Caribbean and this stemmed from decades of physiological, emotional and physical abuse that still affect some of us today. Also the diverse culture and experiences of various ethnic groups provide a rigid more tolerant and vibrant society in so much that the Caribbean is well known for its music and fun living lifestyle.  The course also gave me a better understanding of the work of brilliant Caribbean scientist and professors that contributed to the understanding ad true identity of the Caribbean.  Some of them are Sir Ivan van Sertima, Dr. Selwyn Cudjoe and M.G. Smith.

This course helped students understand their identity and gave them a sense of pride and purpose for living out a Caribbean lifestyle. It reshaped our understanding of how we are taught to view ourselves. Previously, our education system in the Caribbean patterned that of the Europeans and thy had their own bias and misconception of the Caribbean people that depicted them as inferior and this was reflected in their scholarly articles that was used to write books and manuals that was used to educate Caribbean nationals. As such this course gave us a better appreciation of our own Caribbean education systems and the manner by which we learnt. Our clothing and fashion usually patterns that of the Europeans, who experience winter. The Caribbean is of a tropical climate, and as such having on intense clothing is neither suitable nor healthy for Caribbean people.

This course gave a high appreciation of the history of the Caribbean and its civilization. As such this course is an integral part of every Caribbean national and should be taught at the lower stages of education such as primary schools.

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The effect of musical genres created in the Caribbean 

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The effect of musical genres created in the Caribbean 

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Date created: 6th July, 2017

Cultural diversity within the Caribbean in terms of musical influence has evolved over the decades. Music genre such as Calypso and Reggae have evolved over the years in the manner it is performed but the format of the messages that they tell still remain the same.  Reggae, originated in Jamaica, still exists but other forms of the genre were established as well such as Dancehall. These genres have come under fire for its misogynistic and homophobic lyrical content. This can be identified as having been stemmed from colonial times where gender roles were based on the Christian bible. Women are supposed to be the care taker of the house, bear children and be submissive and obey her husband. However, with examples such as Marion Hall (i.e. Lady Saw) it is evident that these roles are transcending the rational boundary lines. According to Jamaican born professor of literary and cultural studies, Carolyn cooper highlights that in Jamaica gender correlates to language, class and governance of the nation in her book entitles “noises in the blood”

In Trinidad and Tobago, Calypso music has shaped the nation by providing a way to express the social conscience in a humorous manner by using it as a tool to address the issues of the nation. This also stems from colonial days when enslaved people could not have directly speak out and mock their captivators. Today, calypso has developed into Soul and Calypso, SOCA which is the upbeat, vibrant form of the genre. This gives Trinidad and Tobago an iconic and distinctive recognition in that its music is able to unify diverse cultures in Trinidad and Tobago as evident in the carnival season.

References

"Carnival In Trinidad - Trinidad & Tobago - The True Caribbean - Trinidad & Tobago - The True Caribbean." Gotrinidadandtobago.com. N.p., 2017. Web. 8 July 2017.

Cooper, Carolyn. Noises in the blood: Orality, gender, and the “vulgar” body of Jamaican popular culture. Duke University Press, 1995.

Felmine, Kevon. "Lady Saw Brings ‘Down The House’ At Club Maracas." The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper. N.p., 2017. Web. 8 July 2017.

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Colorism and Skin Bleaching in the Caribbean

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Colorism and Skin Bleaching in the Caribbean

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Date created: 5th July, 2017

Colourism and skin bleaching have impacted the diversity in the Caribbean. It is evident that the Caribbean cultures still feel the physiological impacts of the colonialism such as prejudice and discrimination based on the social meanings of skin colour.  The negative connotations that are associated to various skin colour often persuade people to alter the colour of their skin in order for them to have a higher self-esteem. One of the most common methods for doing so is skin bleaching.

According to political psychologist Christopher A. D. Charles skin bleaching in Jamaica suffers from physiological scars that lingered from colonial days. As a result skin bleaching is predominantly done based on self-hate and not simply low self-esteem. An example of this is identified in Jamaica by the Reggae dancehall artist “Vybz Kartel.” According to a telephone interview via “Hot  97” radio station in Jamaica, he states that his reason for skin bleaching was due to his personality and character of doing the unexpected. Jamaica predominantly comprises of people of African descent. In Trinidad and Tobago, Bleaching of private part seems to be more active than whole body skin bleaching. In an article published by the guardian newspaper states that it’s a mental decision that some people make in order to satisfy their partners. These practices can indeed cause cancer due to cancer causing agents of mercury and hydroquinone. This identifies that people rather look and feel better about themselves rather than focusing on their health.

References

Charles, Christopher A. D. "Skin Bleaching, Self-Hate, And Black Identity In Jamaica." Journal of Black Studies 33.6 (2003): 711-728. Web.

Cipha Sounds. Vybz Kartel Discusses Bleaching His Skin On Hot 97. 2011. Web. 8 July 2017.

Hassanali, Shaliza. "Bleaching Private Parts A Hot Trend." The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper. N.p., 2017. Web. 8 July 2017.

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From darkening of the private parts to sagging vaginas due to loss of elasticity-these are the harsh realities which many women face. It's a problem that make self-conscious women feel insecure and uncomfortable with their partners or spouses, and some are prepared to go to any lengths to correct it. Men, it seems, are no different as they, too, are gravitating to products that promises to lighten the colour of their penis, scrotum, anus and underarm.

The hottest rage for lightening the vagina, breast, nipple, anus, underarms, penis and scrotum is Pink Privates Intimate Area Lightening Cream, which is not sold in pharmacies or cosmetic shops but online, through www.alamodett.com Listed at a reduced price of TT$299.99 for a one-ounce bottle, the product which is made in America, promises to rid skin discolourations in eight weeks.

The Web site, pinkprivates.org, says its product does not contain dangerous ingredients such as hydroquinone, mercury or steroids. Throngs of people, both men and women, have been purchasing the product through bank deposits at FC branches and PayPal, which allows payments and money transfers via the Internet. The product is delivered to the customer within two working days.

Reviews from three customers who purchased the product on Amazon.com for US$24.98 showed mixed reviews. Two customers said they noticed a slight change in skin tone, while another described it as just a moisturiser. This, however, has not stopped people from demanding the bleaching agent or a host of others on the market.

'Bleaching cream a temporary solution'
Esther Primus, manager of Living Lovelly, a weight-management, body-sculpting and aesthetic centre in Curepe, is advising women not to use bleaching agents on their private parts. Bleaching products have been around for years, Primus said, and it is highly popular with women. She, however, said, "Bleaching cream is only a temporary solution. There are other ways to lighten your skin, one of them is with machines."

Primus said a woman's vagina becomes discoloured/darker due to constant shaving. "Also depending on the type of soap you use your vagina becomes darker," said Primus, a licensed practical nurse. As the vulva loses its elasticity and collagen, Primus said the skin also becomes discoloured. She recommended baking soda to make skin tones clear.

Primus also suggested simpler and more effective ways-the use of vitamins, minerals or non invasive surgery-to tighten and lighten the skin.

Kalloo: It's a mental thing
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Sherene Kalloo said while bleaching agents contain different ingredients, two in particular-mercury and hydroquinone-are harmful and can cause cancers. "I would not recommend a patient use a product that contains those ingredients." If a patient thinks they have dark areas that need to be whitened, Kalloo advised that they visit a doctor to ensure they do not have a pre-existing medical problem.

Kalloo said erythrasma (a skin disease that causes brown, scaly skin patch), genetic factors, yeast infections and Addison's disease can cause darkening of the skin. She urged people with discoloured skin not to buy and use creams, sprays or gels over the counter or online since they may have some pre-existing condition and may cause themselves more harm than good. In the past, Kalloo said people used lactic acid, a peeling agent.

"I think it is more of a mental thing...Some people would want to change, not for themselves but their partners...for satisfaction otherwise. I have been hearing people more and more asking about the use of bleaching agents, and what do I think about it." Asked if she would advise her patients to use bleaching creams, Kalloo said once the product has no properties to harm the consumer and will help a couple improve their relationship and oneself "basically there is no harm in it being used."
Health Minister:
Bleaching of private parts a constitutional right
Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan said while it would be difficult to police everything that enters the country, he was more concerned about consumers not reading the labels of health products. "The most we can do is to educate and inform the public. We can't seize and apprehend because then we will be going against certain rules and regulations of trade. At the end of the day, when you look at what is happening, the systems of these things and everything need a law to change it."

Khan said if people want to bleach their private parts "to make it look whatever colour, that is their right according to our Constitution. If someone choses to have their private parts bleached, no matter what I say they will still do that." Khan said online purchases must pass through Customs and Excise. "People have to take responsibility for themselves," he said.

If you must bleach private parts:
* Visit a doctor to ensure you do not have a pre-existing medical problem
* Make sure that you find a product that will work safely and effectively
* Make sure that you find a product that does not use any potentially dangerous ingredients such as hydroquinone

Some lightening creams listed on the Internet:
Pink Privates, Pink Daisy, Intilight, Secret Brights, Dr Pinks, South Beach Gel, Gentle Intimate Lightening Cream, Biofade Intimate Lightening Cream

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From darkening of the private parts to sagging vaginas due to loss of elasticity-these are the harsh realities which many women face. It's a problem that make self-conscious women feel insecure and uncomfortable with their partners or spouses, and some are prepared to go to any lengths to correct it.

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Stereotyping and Racism in the Caribbean

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Stereotyping and Racism in the Caribbean

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Date created: 4th July, 2017

Diversity has impacted the personal identity of the people of the Caribbean and as such led to stereotyping and racism across the region. Stereotyping has to do with impressions formed by a group of people or individual on another group of people or individual whereas Racism is founded on religion, nationality or ethnicity of a group or individual.  Stereotyping impacts the society in that facts that challenge our beliefs are ignored and therefore cause decisions to be made based on half-truths. Racism hinders people from being able to understand anther culture and thereby their history. These create divisions within the society and create problems in multicultural governance. Because of current multi-ethnic societies being hinged to colonial and post-colonial societies, the work of Michael Smith must be examined.

M.G. Smith is a Jamaican born poet and social anthropologist, who argued that the division in the plural society was along ethnic lines where individuals “mix but do not combine.” M.G Smith’s work was originally created for Grenada but was seen applicable to many of the colonial societies off the Caribbean. He argues that the various ethnic groups have their own family systems language, religion, economies but not political system. He states that the various ethnic groups exist politically under the dominion of an external power which was the colonial power. At present we can see examples of this “race war” or division even in the case of parliament of Trinidad and Tobago where the major political parties have an ethic division. In an article in the Trinidad and Tobago’s, “Newsday” newspaper dated April 21st 2011, highlights the United National Congress chairman Jack Warner accusing the People's National Movement of discrimination of person of East Indian descent. He pointed out that the PNM failed to place east Indians in traditionally safe seats for general elections.  Another example is the stereotypical relationship between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago which was highlighted when a Minister of Government from Trinidad and Tobago was “patted down” regardless of her diplomatic status.

References

Bagoo, Andre. "No Indian PNM MP's" Newsday.co.tt. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 July 2017.

Taitt, Ria. "Fuad: T&T Minister 'Patted Down' By Jamaica Immigration." Trinidad Express. N.p., 2017. Web. 6 July 2017.

Smith, Michael Garfield. The plural society in the British West Indies. Univ of California Press, 1974.

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The Caribbean itself cannot be properly defined due to the existence of much fragmentation. As such the Caribbean can be defined socially, politically, geographically, geologically and historically. However due to theses fragments, many various ethnic groups with the various traditions, culture and experiences were allowed to be incorporated into the Caribbean and allowed to  coexist and merge with already existing culture of the indigenous people. As such there is much diversity in the Caribbean today. To understand how diversity impacts the identity of the Caribbean national three aspects are examined in this portfolio. These are: Stereotyping and Racism in the Caribbean, Colorism and Skin Bleaching in the Caribbean and the effect of musical genres created in the Caribbean.