# data[].attributes.headline
Objective 1: The Danger of a Single Story

# data[].attributes.subject
Objective 1: The Danger of a Single Story

# data[].attributes.body
In the video, Chimamanda Adichie spoke about many different instances of “single stories” in her life. Many of these can apply to the lives of Caribbean citizens and will be discussed in this entry.

Adichie spoke about reading books based on “white” people with blue eyes which aren’t what people in Nigeria look like. In the Caribbean, growing up, children are also given these books to read. However, Caribbean literature does exist but it takes a backseat to the American books.

She also spoke about the image of Africa saying that it was of people fighting diseases and poverty. In the case of the Caribbean, the image is a grand tourist destination. Tourists believe that all Caribbean people live beachside, drink from coconuts and dress beach casual all the time. Little do they know that some people live hours away from beaches and some of the beaches aren’t nearly as nice as they are portrayed to be.

It was also stated that Adichie’s roommate believed that the music in Nigeria was tribal music. This can relate to the Caribbean in that most people outside of the Caribbean believe that Caribbean music is reggae music. However, there are many other genres such as Calypso, Soca and Dancehall.

In closing, it can be noted that all these “single stories” are mainly based on what the Caribbean is portrayed to be through the media.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Caribbean Myths or Misconception?

Caribbean myths or Caribbean misconceptions are an issue I must address. I was born and lived most of my adult life in the Caribbean. I was surprised to be confronted with some of those so called myths when I took up residence in the US. I think the large number of Caribbean myths is in fact Caribbean misconception.

Misconception: Everyone from the Caribbean sounds Jamaican.

Truth: On my arrival in the US, I was asked if I was Jamaican. Everyone said my accent was Jamaican. Each island in the Caribbean has its own distinct accent and local dialect.

Misconception: Spanish is the main language spoken on most Caribbean islands.

Truth: English is widely spoken in the Caribbean because the majority of the islands were occupied and colonized by England. The non English speaking islands were occupied by Spain, France and Holland. As a result Spanish, French and Dutch is spoken on those islands. In Dominica, the indigenous Indians local dialect is now being revived as it is not widely spoken among the young generation.

Misconception: All Caribbean islands are basically the same.

Truth: Each island in the Caribbean is different in terms of size, culture, attractions and economy. The majority of the bigger islands are more developed because their infrastructure was inherited from their colonial occupiers. An integral part of numerous islands economy is based on beach tourism. Other islands like Dominica provide eco-tourism for nature lovers. That island does not have white sandy beaches which is popular among cruise tourists.

Misconception: All you can do in the Caribbean is lay on the beach.

Truth: This is completely false as Caribbean people work as hard as any nation. People enjoy the numerous beaches available on their island after regular working hours, weekends and holidays.

Misconception: Drinking Caribbean water will make you sick.

Truth: You can actually drink Caribbean water right from the tap. A lot of effort is done to maintain and protect the islands from pollution. On some islands like Dominica water can be drunk from the numerous rivers on the island.

Misconception: Only one type of ethnicity exists in the Caribbean (black)

Truth: Some islands population is mainly the descendants of African slaves. Other islands can be considered a melting pot with whites, Chinese and Indians. The local natives are also found on some islands.

Misconception: Caribbean people are always laid back and slow moving.

Truth: The pace in the Caribbean is definitely slower. That does not mean that Caribbean people do not work hard. Caribbean people have definite working hours during which the emphasis is on maximizing profits. After work there is time for leisure and recreation. Relaxation is an important component of health and production.

Misconception: There is only one type of music in the Caribbean

Truth: The well known and popular music from Jamaica is reggae. The music was known internationally because of the success of Bob Marley. Also popular in the Caribbean is calypso music which is highlighted during the carnival festive season. In addition, some islands have their own island music. Dominica is located between two French islands and its compa/zouck music caters for that market.

My analysis of the so called Caribbean Myths is intended to provide a better perspective of the Caribbean region. I do not think that they are truly Caribbean myths but should be considered misconceptions of the region.

Contact Jadd Fong Travel for more information about the Caribbean.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Caribbean myths or Caribbean misconceptions are an issue I must address. I was born and lived most of my adult life in the Caribbean. I was surprised to be confronted with some of those so called myths when I took up residence in the US.

# data[].attributes.body
The Caribbean region is responsible for a variety of music genres such as Calypso, Soca, Reggae and Dancehall, all of which relate to activities taking place in the region.

Calypso music originated from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 19th century. Calypsonians are known for singing about the issues such as politics and crime in their countries making them known.

Soca or “sokah” music was invented as an improvement of Calypso to represent East Indian culture in the early 1970’s. Soca music spread through the Caribbean the different countries all have their own form of it. Soca music is popular around Carnival. Most songs contain what sounds like dancing instructions which is why soca music is manly played in parties and “fetes.” Some soca artists have begun to sing about love and peace since the Caribbean is losing these traits.

Both reggae and dancehall originated from Jamaica. Reggae artists use their songs to talk about racism and enslavement of ‘black’ people. They sing about oppression. These artists use their music to express their feelings towards their treatment and labels. Reggae music is an expression of the ‘black’ man in the Caribbean.

Dancehall, however, is a derogatory form of music used for dancing in clubs(halls) as the name says. Some dancehall however, can be greatly influential to the youths. Songs such as “School” by Vybz Kartel which lyrics say to “study for d test, me no procrastinate,” and “don’t be a donse head” meaning to take your education.

All these genres relate to the Caribbean people in one way or another, whether it be politically, socially or emotionally. Many singers from foreign countries want their songs to be like Caribbean songs and so they partner with Caribbean artists and make music thereby spreading Caribbean culture in the form of music.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Caribbean Civilisation Objective 2 - YouTube

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We've been hard at work on the new YouTube, and it's better than ever. Try it now.

# data[].attributes.headline
Objective 3: Immigration Situation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic

# data[].attributes.subject
Objective 3: Immigration Situation between Haiti and the Dominican Republic

# data[].attributes.body
Haiti and the Dominican Republic are the two sovereign nations on the island of Hispaniola. France and Spain fought over the island and as a result they split the island into two. Haiti being the French half and the Dominican Republic being the Spanish half.

After the Haitian revolution, Haiti became independent, it was the first ‘black’ republic and as a result had to pay a debt to France. By doing this, Haiti became financially drained which stunted development whereas the Dominican Republic’s development flourished and became sustained.

The Dominican Republic’s constitution stated that anyone born in the country would have citizenship. However, the constitution changed in 2010 so that only those born on Dominican Republic could gain citizenship. It changed further in 2013 to state that any Haitian immigrant person who already had citizenship would also be striped of it. This led to over 200,000 of Dominican citizens becoming stateless.

In order to stay in the Dominican Republic these immigrants would have had to put their names on a registry in which they were given one year to do so. If not, they would have been deported. With this, over 50,000 people were deported. Over 100,00 people resorted to fleeing to Haiti.

All of this is being done as a form of racism since majority Haiti’s population would have been the descendants of the slaves which were brought during colonization by the French to exploit the country.

The history of Haiti is being repeated in the present day. They are being ridiculed based on their race and it will be a never-ending cycle.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As promised, the first Vox Borders documentary: Haiti and the Dominican Republic. These countries share an island, but their similarities stop there. The DR is richer and more politically stable....

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Post by JohnnyHarrisVox.

# data[].attributes.body
Upon registration for the University of the West Indies, I was told that I would have to do a course called “Caribbean Civilisation.” Hearing the course title, my opinion was that it would have been exactly like Caribbean Studies, a CAPE subject. However, that was definitely not the case.

Caribbean Civilisation was a course which exposed me to the different aspects of the Caribbean. The course topics ranged from Caribbean definitions and cultures to religion and family structures to the times of slavery and indentureship. The information in this course was based on events and occurrences thousands of years ago. The lecturers went into great detail to explain how the past events relate to our present-day lives. They explained how many of our traditions today stemmed from the people who migrated to the Caribbean.

Not only were the topics being thought new to me but so too was the method of teaching. The information was presented to the students of the University of the West Indies as a whole during online lecturers with lecturers from all over the region. Being able to hear the opinions of students from across the region has changed my previous thoughts on topics being discussed from the course outline.

Caribbean Civilisation has helped me to understand what our ancestors went through, where they came from, how they handled their difficulties and how our lives can be related to theirs.
All in all, this course has helped me to understand the Caribbean better and why I should be proud to be from this region.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There is no sense of pride like that of a Caribbean.

This is probably a little-known notion to most Hopkins students because there are probably about 12 and a half students in the whole university who identify as Caribbean. As someone who spent most of her life immersed in Caribbean culture as a Guyanese-American, however, I can say with authority that we are some pretty awesome people. In case you need some convincing, here are six reasons why Caribbeans are so proud of where they come from. Grab some coconut water, lean back in your beach-side hammock, and enjoy the list:

1. The landscape.

We've all seen tourism commercials for various places in the Caribbean and - I can assure you - what you see is what you get. The white sand, blue skies, and vibrant wildlife are all very real when you get to the Caribbean. Vacationing there is an amazing experience, so you can only imagine what it's like to live there. I mean, I have relatives who can walk out of their homes right onto the beach. Granted, I can walk out of my apartment onto the Beach, but it's not quite the same.

2. The music.

Bob Marley is probably the one Caribbean music artist that everyone knows, and rightfully so; the man practically changed lives. Still, there's so much more to Caribbean music than the legendary reggae artist's moving lyrics. Listen to just 30 seconds of soca (the type of music that's typically played during Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago) and I guarantee that you won't be able to stop yourself from dancing in your seat. And don't get me started on Jamaican dancehall - it seems like Jamaica produces a new (sometimes dangerous) dance every year. Proceed with caution, however; many people's necks are still recovering from the "Dutty Wine."

3. The food.

If you take away anything from this article, it's this: you have to try Caribbean food. Now, this is no easy feat. Just because two countries are Caribbean doesn't mean that they'll share the same cuisine. Even still, most Caribbean countries boast some combination of African, European, Indian, Chinese, Latin and Native American foods, since the area has long been a cultural melting pot. At the very least, you should try out Jamaican, Guyanese and Haitian restaurants just to get a feel for the various foods of the Caribbean. (Not that I'm biased, but Guyanese food is probably going to be the best food you've ever eaten. Ever. Just saying.)

4. The people.

Not only is the food diverse in the Caribbean, but the people are as well - and they are gorgeous. Skin tones range from the deepest ebony to the fairest ivory. With the exotic fruits and vegetables that cover the countries of the Caribbean, organic diets are a given, and the benefit is clear from the healthy glow that emanates from the natives. The constantly shining sun definitely adds to this radiance - it's like everyone has naturally been retouched with the perfect Instagram filter.

5. Family.

In the Caribbean, everyone is family. It's not uncommon for someone from the Caribbean to spend most of his or her life thinking someone is related to them, only to find out that the person is just a friend of the family. That's because anyone who is your parent's age is known as your "Auntie" or "Uncle," and anyone who is your age somehow becomes your cousin. Moreover, Caribbean people are always taking others under their wings, caring for distant relatives whose immediate families don't have the means to support them, so the lines between families are constantly blurred. Sure, this complicates family trees a little bit, but there's nothing like being surrounded by people who you consider to be close relatives - regardless of their actual relation to you.

6. The mentality.

The true Caribbean operates based on a simple goal: to enjoy life. Caribbeans know that we only get one life to live, so we have to make the most of it. Many people from the Caribbean come from tough upbringings, but that's no excuse to live miserably. Every breath you take is a blessing, regardless of your personal or financial circumstances. The Caribbean mentality definitely focuses on celebration but when you think about it, life is just one big party, isn't it?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Caribbean livin': six reasons why Caribbeans are proud

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There is no sense of pride like that of a Caribbean. This is probably a little-known notion to most Hopkins students because there are probably about 12 and a half students in the whole university who identify as Caribbean.