The celebration of Carnival brings people together despite their cultural background or race and is solely focuses on a time of celebration. This promotes Caribbean cultural expression which is important as it aids in the understanding of how our ancestors faced many trials and tribulations. The Mas celebration began in the later half of the 18^th century with the owners of the French plantations planning masquerades prior to the fasting of lent. The slaves on the plantation were not able to partake in the carnival celebration and formed their own celebration called “canboulay”. Canboulay  is a originator to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, and has played an essential  role in the evolution of the local music of Trinidad and Tobago. These traditions have been preserved to bring about the annual Carnival celebrations which focuses on the many preceding cultures together with a more modern day approach. Caribbean Civilization discusses how important Caribbean cultural expression is and has an key influence on today’s society. It is critical that our cultural history is acknowledged as it can show a sense of appreciation for the efforts of our ancestors.

The above article entitled “ Is Trinidad Carnival Vulgar?” discusses how the modern day carnival celebrations has gone from a time where carnival was about calypso and costuming of the masquerade to a time where it’s society focused on the “sexy” and revealing costumes of women.

            The article discusses how the origins of the carnival is no longer present and it solely revolves around explicit, revealing costumes, vulgar behavior and commercialism. The author of this article believes that television stations are linked to this as it offers a national platform for women to have “their goods” on display as well as their ability to whine in a vulgar and indecent manner. As the years passed, the religious community has been unhappy about the exposure and the conduct of women on the stage. As time has passed, carnival has become a celebration where “skimpy” and vulgar behavior heightens their enjoyment of Carnival.

            This article only highlights the negative and disapproving consequences that may arise from the bad-mannered behavior that can be seen in recent Carnival celebrations. However, it doesn’t pay attention to the significance and importance of the soca music and Carnival celebrations. Carnival acts as a main attraction for tourists which helps out the local economy. Although overtime Carnival celebrations have changed it still manages to bring people together and celebrate and is an expression of our culture. 

            Due to the interactive online tutorials and lectures I was able to further my knowledge about the Caribbean in a very interesting and unique way. Caribbean Civilization plays an important role in both my academic life and my day to day life as it helped me clearly and fully understand and appreciate all the efforts that our people contributed to the society we have today.