From: mcbean@vax.oxford.ac.uk
Newsgroups: soc.culture.caribbean
Subject: Re: Racism in Caribbean...
Date: 11 Dec 92 17:05:00 GMT
Organization: Oxford University VAX 6620

In article <1992Dec10.010731.21708@ncsu.edu>, jasammer@eos.ncsu.edu (JOHN ASHLEY SAMMERSON) writes:
>   Glenford, yuh drop some good talk, dey. But I have to consider the ripple
>   effect from de US, just  like how I consider the "Black Power" movement a 
>   ripple of  the US' racial climate at de time. As a matter of fact, today, 
>   racial tension seems to be running rampant "worldwide";  look at Germany. 
>   But what do we see as the catalyst - economics;  increasing unemployment,
>   unfair distribution of jobs, money, prosperity.
> 
>   For the most part, the Trinis on this net have known  T&T in a prosperous 
>   light (thanks to oil). The racism that has brewed throughout our lifetime 
>   was of a more subtle, non-threatening nature...  The extent of racism was 
>   the discomfort by some of mixed-relationships. I believe "racism" in T&T, 
>   by-and-large is really prejudice; class prejudice and economic prejudice. 
>   Somehow I see  the anxiety  between/amongst  the  races as  being that of 
>   class and economic contempt moreso than just vanilla aversion.  We Trinis 
>   have always had; and what we didn't have, we could get (if we wanted to). 

I have to disagree with you there John.  I was in T&T during the height of the
oil boom, and the hostility I experienced and saw was a shock.  People unable
to carry home people of a certain race as a friend (worse as somebody to marry)
says a lot more than class or economic contempt.  It was a clear cut race
aversion.  I would say that because the oil money was flowing, it was more
convenient to ignore the reality.

>   For the most part,  that luxury  has changed.  Material fortunes are less
>   forthcoming. Nevertheless, the demography is not as racially polarized as 
>   many other countries, equal schooling is more or less available,  moreso, 
>   the aspirations of  our youth are  still constant among  different ethnic 
>   groups (ie. any  T&Tian  can still achieve whatever  he/she is willing to
>   works towards.)

If you compare the separation to say Jamaica, it is a stark contrast, but I
want to emphasize for people not familiar with the region that it bears no
comparison to the de jure segregation that you would find in Europe and the
USA.

> 
>   Ah Gone!
> 
> 
> John S.
> 100% Trini
> Racism is poison
>   For the advocators, there's no pardon
> To see friends and neighbours 
>   Become total strangers
> And calling each other names to cause injury 
>   We causing dem dam politicians to divide and rule we
> To abide politics of hate is suicide
>   When peaceful co-existence is tested and tried.
>              We Could Make It If We Try - Sparrow '91

Great quote from the man himself!

McBean
>   
> -- 
> 
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