Bob Marley reading the Holy bible

Religion has always been used as a socialising agent. The European colonisers used it as a tool to instil their values, norms and expectation, it was used as a control mechanism. Roman catholic was the religion they brought to the Caribbean and used. However, as time passed Caribbean people started to develop their own religion, firstly, they used it as a coping mechanism, then as a means of resisting the colonisers. They formed religion such as Shouter Baptist, Rastafarian these were linked closely to African practices. It should be established however, that different Caribbean territories held different beliefs to high esteem. For example, Rastafarianism in Jamaica is extremely popular. A social construct was created, it pushed the development of reggae music. This genre was the foundation which Jamaicans built their belief, they socialised individuals into. In the Caribbean region, there are many religious festivals celebrated which help socialise us and strengthen our beliefs.

         Religion helps us understand deviant behaviour and ways we can alter persons involved in it, based on our religious belief we deal with these behaviours differently, this could be as a result of different religion using different guides, for example Christians use the holy bible, which in itself have different versions, also Muslims use the Quran, which guides our behaviours and have an impact on how we are socialised.  

            Firstly, cultural identity, is a sense of belonging. This includes a shared sense of companionship, beliefs, interests and basic principles of living. When a person identifies with their culture, they often embrace traditions that have been passed down through the years. The cultural identity links a person to their heritage it can help them to identify with others who have the same traditions and basic belief systems.

            Secondly, national identity is one's identity or sense of belonging to one state or to one nation. It is the sense of a nation as a cohesive whole, as represented by distinctive traditions, culture and language. National identity is not an inborn trait and it is essentially socially constructed.

          Integration forges a sense of identity, in the context of the Caribbean; for example, music as a form of integration since other Caribbean regions incorporates ‘soca, dancehall, and reggae’ in their festivals, like reggae being introduced into jazz festival which takes place in Tobago annually. This speaks to integration and adds to cultural diversity in the Caribbean.

As a part of the Caribbean civiisation Whatsapp group I was able to identify myself as a member of a diverse region, being able to recognise different creole used is amazing learning new linguistic formation. I was able to identify with the diverse dishes eaten throughout the region, learning about pepper pot.

            There are more ways a person can identify themselves, this can be done through race, ethnicity. Some individuals also use gender to identify themselves. However, I choose to expand on culture and nationality sense they show diversity of individuals and Caribbean people.

               Caribbean countries have generally made some progress in diversifying their economies, but production and exports are still relatively concentrated in agricultural fields. This could be directly linked to slavery and the monocrop culture which existed, so that we are still dependant on Europe and America to create the finish products from our raw material. The number of tourists to the Caribbean has grown, but, it is difficult in the tourism business, due to all Caribbean territories advertising the same products, “sun, sand, sea”.

          Additionally, Caribbean Civilisation was an “eye opener”, I got a chance to explore themes and artefacts which integrates yet uniquely separates the Caribbean region and showcased our diversity. Sir Murray, my tutor ensured we understood our linguistic culture, and the different ways we influenced each other as Caribbean people, also he taught us what was considered a classic shot in cricket. It intrigued me to realise that a Caribbean person was the first to break away using “bad technique” as it was/is classed by Europeans who in recent times find themselves using.

          In conclusion I'm greatful for the Whatsapp group the flow with persons who I've never met, the sharing ideas and help giving for all the assignments is an experience I didnt expect but appreciated and hope other students doing this course in the future have.