The “danger of a single story” reflects a revisionist’s point of view. In this perspective driven course, the idea of revisionism revolves around questioning the historical records of the past to ensure the findings are based on archaeological evidence rather than the bias perception from the Europeans.

The Europeans had power and were driven by the principle of ‘Nkali’ which loosely translates to ‘to be greater than another’ They were able to concretize the story of poor, helpless, cannibal, inhumane indigenous population because they possessed the power to characterize the people without question and without evidence to support their reports. Their belief of European superiority drove the colonialization of the Caribbean islands and justified their ability to enslave not only the indigenous, but also the Africans, Indians, Chinese and many more. 

With respect to the Caribbean; one should not accept what was written in history about the indigenous people. The historical accounts of the Caribbean islands were recorded with bias perspectives from the European conquistadors – who deemed that the indigenous were inferior to themselves. This can be evidenced by their description as being cannibals and “having the face of dogs.” This animalistic imagery and story of people who were cannibals with no economic or political structure to their society was reinforced to the Europeans. 

This was a very insightful piece that has enlightened me and encouraged me to ensure that I do not accept the single story of a people that is being told. 

Conclusively; we, the people of the Caribbean, are not defined by the stereotypes of our single story.

The history of the indigenous people was recorded with misguided notions that the Europeans held a sense of superiority over them. It is ironic that the accounts of the Neo-Indians in history are given by those who enslaved them and considered their culture as peripheral and meaningless. The Europeans believed the Neo-Indians were uncivilized cannibals who had no structure to their society. This belief has been disproven since modern methods of using archaeological evidence to support history has proven that they did have a hierarchy of authority throughout their society. Through ideologies of Revisionism, a plethora of contributions from the indigenous people can finally be recognized.

Not only did they have a structured society, but their technological advancements are not only recognized, but have advanced further and in some cases, are still being used today. A few examples of their contributions are: 

>Place names - Cunupia, Couva, Mayaro and Tunapuna

>Crafts - basketry and pottery, 

>Transport - canoes, 

>Tools - knives, fishing nets and harpoons

> Farming Techniques - slash and burn 

>Cuisine – cassava cakes/ bread, farine, cassareep

1. Language - We do not all “sound Jamaican.” All the various countries in the West Indies have distinct creoles, dialects and accents. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of our countries speak the language of our past colonizers such as French, Spanish and English. 

2. Bob Marley - Although, there is no question that he illuminated the rest of the world to some facets of West Indian culture, he was certainly not the only noted figure to emerge from the region. Other influential people born in the Caribbean include Grace Jones (Jamaica), Sir V.S. Naipaul and Dr Eric Williams (Trinidad and Tobago), Doug E. Fresh (Barbados) and Wyclef Jean (Haiti). 

3. Reggae is not our only art form. - Zouk stems from Martinique and Guadeloupe, and dancehall and dub are rooted in Jamaica. Calypso, Soca, steel pan, limbo and parang music all originated in Trinidad and Tobago. 

4. We are not all of African descent. - West Indian people have a wide array of influences such as colonialism, chattel slavery and indentureship that have shaped everything about our culture and people. Many of us do not identify as black. Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana are of primarily East Indian ancestry. Also, the sections of those countries’ demographics that identify as mixed are increasing.

Additionally, I believe that Caribbean governments should make it a major priority to forge both a regional identity (that is not solely Jamaicans and reggae music) and an identity for each country that promotes our key elements.

I am confused as to why such a smart region could be oblivious to the obvious fact that through unity comes strength which can then be used to build and develop the Caribbean region as one. A plethora of problems exists in our region, these include but are not limited to international recognition and sustainable development. It is only in unity we can then begin to address the problems in our region that are too big for any individual country to address on its own. 

I strongly believe that when we are able to travel the Caribbean freely and observe our differences as well as our similarities, it will encourage empathy and appreciation for our member states, which can inspire all countries. By working together, we can pool our resources to be able to better address the needs of our people and help ourselves instead of seeking help from the metropole which mostly leaves us indebted to them and hinders our development in the long run rather than benefit us. Furthermore, MDCs can invest in LDCs which are mostly better in tourism in an effort to keep our resources flowing intra-regionally rather than it being sucked out by the metropole.

The main ideology of revisionism is one that will remain perpetually in my mind; because I have been exposed to how the history of our Caribbean region has suffered from simply accepting the information being given to us about our past rather that questioning whether they are facts based on archaeological evidence.

This course sought not to change the perception of bad indigenous people and superior whites into inferior whites and superior indigenous but explored both the factual advantages and disadvantages that both groups offered and how it has moulded our society in the present day. At first, I held the perception that this course would be superfluous to be previous knowledge from Caribbean Studies at CAPE level, however, the quantity and quality of the contents that this course delved into was astounding. It far exceeded by expectations for it.

I believe it is beneficial to make this course compulsory for all students and that this knowledge should not only be given to students at the university level, but should also be disseminated to all citizens and students at lower levels of education so that they can be educated on the Caribbean’s factual history rather than the European’s bias accounts that ‘Christopher Columbus sailed on three ships and discovered the Caribbean in 1492’

Europeans interpreted women’s role of working in the fields as slaves rather than powerful providers. European religions, such as Anglicanism and Protestants faiths, were based in patriarchy ideologies and women were often marginalized.

In contrast, Taino women held authority over production and distribution of high status objects such as stools, headdress and clothes used by chiefs whilst Island Carib women were powerful enough to plan raids and older women had a central ritual role in encouraging men to go to war. Furthermore, in the Baptist faith, females played integral roles and leaders were referred to as “Mother” During the era of the Neo-Indians, despite the segregated roles between genders, each was necessary for balance in life and neither group was seen as inferior. Through their co-operation, they worked in a system of unity to provide for the people of the tribe.

Overcoming the glass ceiling does not solely revolve around the opportunity and ability for women to occupy leadership positions and benefit from equal rights, because it stems from the undervaluation of women in the workplace and for all the duties that they perform. Hence a step in breaking through the glass ceiling involves educating and creating appreciation for the duties and responsibilities that women have.

Having equal expectations and duties for both men and women is not realistic since there must be some type of separation of responsibilities. Hence, I support feminists who promote the appraisal and recognition for the duties that women have, so that they aren’t devalued.