https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/gkdq0e4pz94f April 9th, 2017. Knowledge and Identity en-us 2017-04-10 22:04:40 UTC 2017-04-21 15:49:41 UTC hello@padlet.com samantha_l_barnes https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/gkdq0e4pz94f/wish/165867181 “The ‘truth’ of what we are is sometimes ‘as plain as the nose on my face but sometimes it is hidden and must be brought into the light,” (Alcoff 2006). Am I a ‘true’ Antiguan? Do I appreciate where I came from? Have I gravitated towards what is sold in the American media or stayed true to my roots? Has the influence of migration shaped who I am? Are the answers to those questions "as plain as the nose on my face" or are they "hidden and must be brought to light?"
Griffith (2001) states that "Caribbean identity is instantly defined when one is not in the Caribbean” but I have experienced that on a regional level. Although we, (Antigua and Trinidad) share similar attributes, being a student here in Trinidad, has given me a greater appreciation for Antigua. I have paid more attention to news broadcasts, weather, culture and any details pertaining to Antigua now, than when I was physically there. It is good to have interest and love-for-country but it should not take my absence to appreciate the significance of a place. 

]]> 2017-04-11 13:00:29 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/gkdq0e4pz94f/wish/165867181 samantha_l_barnes https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/gkdq0e4pz94f/wish/165867454 Doing this course, Caribbean Civilization, has made me realize that there is a wealth of research that I am yet to complete in my quest to knowing who I am. The myths and misconceptions that I have allowed to take root over the years must be uprooted and replaced with facts and truths. This can only be done through further research from the correct sources and personal research from other family members in Antigua and those who would have migrated, for example, my grandmother Paultine presently residing in England. A trip to Dominica may also be on the list to gather information about my mother's family and gain a first hand experience of Dominican lifestyle. Using the new information which will be discovered along the journey will lead to answers both for myself and aid in guiding others who may take the same road I am presently on. 
Caribbean Civilization has made me more sensitive to social, local, regional and international issues that most times plague our nations. It has taught me to be a more critical thinker, more observant and given me the drive to  research and test the validity of issues that are presented to me and the sources to which they come from. I have gained a greater appreciation for my country Antigua and the Caribbean on a whole. I am more aware of the misconceptions that have been fed to me especially those that are Eurocentric or American believing that if I do not act, talk, dress, look or think like them that I am not civilized, unique or of worth. 
I  know that many like me who have not been taught the truth still walk our islands today but following the saying 'each one, teach one', can start with me. Once I put into practice what I have learnt and help to clear the misconceptions then one day the truth will be widespread.]]> 2017-04-11 13:01:21 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/gkdq0e4pz94f/wish/165867454 samantha_l_barnes https://padlet.com/samantha_l_barnes/gkdq0e4pz94f/wish/166961899 With all the factors that have influenced my present identity, whether (i) positive or negative and (ii) local, regional or international, I can say that I am a Caribbean woman- Antiguan by birth but Caribbean by nature. Although I have unanswered questions and gaps in information pertaining to my past and still searching and learning in my present journey in life, I have an idea of who I am, what I want and where I am going.

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