https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/3jgrryx79iqd April 8th, 2017. Migration and Identity en-us 2017-04-07 02:04:40 UTC 2024-04-10 12:44:04 UTC hello@padlet.com samantha_l_barnes https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/3jgrryx79iqd/wish/165293141 ©Samantha Hillhouse 2016.]]> 2017-04-07 02:27:44 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/3jgrryx79iqd/wish/165293141 samantha_l_barnes https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/3jgrryx79iqd/wish/165294223 The integration of the Caribbean cultures promotes unity among the individual territories but each culture must still stand out.
As persons enter the island (Antigua), they bring their way of life, their culture, their food, their skills and styles with them. These qualities are added both directly and indirectly. Yes, one can say it is an advantage by gaining these characteristics, but is it? While they add to Antigua, she can lose her unique identity. Things which were once totally unique have been infiltrated by the foreign customs so it now has a mixture or other foreign customs have taken the place of those familiar to Antigua. 
 As seen in the drawing, Antigua’s territory has been greatly influenced by the movement of persons into its borders from regional and international territories. This influence has changed the 'shape' of the country both consciously and subconsciously. Being a tourist-based island, we believe and promote the integration and acceptance of a variety of cultures. However,  tourists visit to experience the uniqueness of the destination and not what they are familiar with. As the poet, William Cowper stated, “variety is the spice of life” but spices give great flavor if used in the correct proportions. 


]]> 2017-04-07 02:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/3jgrryx79iqd/wish/165294223 samantha_l_barnes https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/3jgrryx79iqd/wish/165650243  The Caribbean has been shaped by migrating groups from the past and is still evident in Antigua. These added cultures have also helped to shape my identity. I enjoy the cuisines and customs of these varying cultures. As Griffith (2001) rightfully said, one must "view the individual Caribbean identity as a product or a construct of a particular process of socialization." Many of my friends, immigrants of Antigua, share similar features and characteristics that I do due to our constant interaction and bonding; so much that sometimes I am told I speak like a Jamaican from my accent or act like a Dominican. Being a student here in Trinidad is in some way affecting me as an individual as well. Some features of home are seen, for example, the love for carnival, family traditions of going to the beach for picnics, the love for food whether local or foreign. 
I, therefore, see migration as more of a positive influence on my identity rather than negative. I have learnt so much from meeting persons from diverse ways of life. Migration has given me a greater appreciation for the Caribbean region and its people. Amidst all the segregation factors such as colonial heritage, physical nature or social stratification,  there is no total separation because of the Caribbean ethos we can relate to still connects us as one. International migration has also added to my wealth of knowledge and given me a different experience right in my country without physically traveling. Many of the aspects, cultures, way of life, norms, beliefs gained through migration I have now added to my personal life and are now apart of my daily function.

 

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