Caribbean Culture Expression: Festivals, Music, Sports by Fereen Ali

What is Culture?

fereen_ali — 2016-11-27 20:46:32 UTC

Culture can be defined as a collection of symbols, customs, values, interpretation and perspectives that set apart a group of persons from another. There is material (books, buildings) and non material culture (values and beliefs). While there are many factors of segregation such as social stratification, the Caribbean region can be seen to have a united and diverse culture .This culture is constantly being transmitted and evolving.

FESTIVALS

fereen_ali — 2016-11-27 20:58:25 UTC

Most islands in the Caribbean region hosts an annual event celebrating its unique culture and heritage with food, music and dance. These festivals not only unite those in the country but also interests those outside. Many persons within the Caribbean region travel to other islands to celebrate such events. These events include; Barbados Jazz Festival, Grenada Carnival Trinidad and Tobago Diwali, Jamaica Raggae Sumfest, Guyana Phagwah and many more.

Trinidad and Tobago Diwali ( Learning Activity 8.1, Self Generated)

fereen_ali — 2016-11-27 23:08:14 UTC

Deepawali or Diwali is known as the festival of lights. The origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India. It is celebrated for a five day period. The fifth day celebrations are usually where friends and families come together to exchange blessings and sweets. Along with singing and dancing. Even though Diwali is known to be a Hindu festival, many non Hindus of all ages and backgrounds opt to celebrate this festival by either visiting friends and family or simply preparing these Indian delicacies and setting off of fireworks in their own homes. Below shows a picture of preparation of Indian delicacies on Diwali at a friend's house.

MUSIC

fereen_ali — 2016-11-27 23:14:42 UTC

Within the Caribbean region, music is quite diverse and plays a crucial role in identifying and representing Caribbean culture. In the Caribbean, music is loved and creates unity amongest all. It is used for more than recreational purposes. It is also associated with religious practices and to portray critical issues and messages for example political calypso. The genres of music which exist in the Caribbean are Reggae, Calypso, Soca, Rapso, Bachata and many more. These genres have made many stages and gain popularity not only within the Caribbean region but in international waters.

SPORTS

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 00:08:32 UTC

Sports in the Caribbean region was used in colonization and as a result as shaped the region. This can be seen through the social, economic and political impacts. Sports has therefore contributed to the structure of the Caribbean cultural identity as it has built island and regional nationalism. Four of the major sports in the Caribbean that has been breaking national barriers are baseball, rugby, football and cricket. For example, Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors qualified to compete in the 2008 games in Germany which truly made a name for the region. As known, cricket is seen as one of the sport that characterizes the Caribbean region. It continues to do so as seen in the article below where both women and men continue to dominate on national levels and shine though this sport.

Types of Culture

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 01:46:13 UTC

1) High Culture
2) Popular Culture- Subcultures
3) Counterculture

Cultural Artifacts

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 01:52:28 UTC

Music, sports, festivals, dance, food, clothing, folklore, education, religious items, material artifacts, books.

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 02:02:07 UTC

"DIVIDED BY WATER, TOGETHER BY CULTURE"

Reflection

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 02:08:33 UTC

Initially I was not the most enthusiastic about pursuing this course. However, I have come to appreciate the importance of it. It was truly a learning experience as the online plenaries and tutorial sessions gave an opportunity for participation and discussion. This was quite interesting as I was given the opportunity to hear other students' point of views and contributions. I have definitely learnt a lot and got a better and more in depth understanding about the history of the Caribbean and its identity. On doing this unit for my portfolio, I was able to explore and learn more about what creates Caribbean culture.

Sports in the Caribbean

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 02:28:42 UTC

Music in the Caribbean

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 02:31:43 UTC

Work Cited

fereen_ali — 2016-11-28 21:03:33 UTC

-Dr. John F. Campbell Lecture Plenary #8, 2016.
-Caribbean Traveler, Caribbean Festivals and Events 2009. -http://www.caribbeantraveler.com/festivals-events.html
-Caribbean 360, West Indies Cricket, 3rd April, 2016
-Youtube, Cro Cro- Goodness Delayed, Dimanche Gras 2014.