Intro to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology

Jamaica’s Culture

February 10, 2015

Jamaica is a tourist’s paradise. A small island of beautiful mountains and beaches, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Composed of African, Indian, Chinese, and European descent, Jamaica is a well-blended nation of people. Jamaica’s rich culture is expressed through many forms. The motto, “Out of many, one people,” supports that even though the nation has such a diverse history, their culture unites them all as one people: Jamaicans.

On a trip to search for a westward route to India and the Orient, Christopher Columbus visited Xaymaca. Now called Jamaica, the land used to be inhabited by a group of people known as the Arawaks. When Columbus arrived there with the Spanish, they made the Arawaks work very hardly. The Arawaks died out due to diseases brought by the Spanish. Slaves were brought from Africa to continue the work. This began the slave trade. To many Jamaicans, Columbus represents a greedy man who altered their history. When slaves were set free in 1838, workers from China and India were hired. (Ferguson). Jamaica’s flag is comprised of the colors green, black, and gold. Green stands for the country’s natural resources and the hope of its people. Black represents the many hardships Jamaicans endured throughout the past. Gold symbolizes sunlight and wealth. (Kwek). Jamaica’s motto, “Out of many, one people”, describes the way different kinds of people blend together to create a unique culture. Although more than 90% of Jamaicans are of African descent, at least 7% is of mixed race. Other races that live on the island are Jews, Whites, and Europeans. They are mainly descendants of indentured workers. Jamaica’s educational system has come a long way. It used to be that only upper class white children could attend school in Jamaica. They were sent to private schools at churches. (Sheehan). Many classrooms are crowded, in poor condition, and have outdated material. The majority of poor children only attend primary school. Currently, free universal education is offered to all children ages 6-15. All students are taught in English, with a heavy influence of the British educational system. At the ages of 10 and 11, students take exams that determine if they will continue with moving up to the secondary level. Unfortunately, some students do not go on to the secondary level either because they cannot afford it, or because their parents need them to go to work to help support the family. Contrary to the United States, students begin high school in Jamaica at age 11 or 12. Many students dream to attend the University of the West Indies, in Kingston. (Brownlie). Numerous adults in Jamaica are illiterate. The government has created programs for adults to learn how to read