Foreigners' Thoughts of Jamaicans (Video)

Top 10 Misconceptions Foreigners Have of Jamaicans

I am someone who puts humour to almost everything… almost. Oftentimes, people make fun of several things about me and I usually laugh it off. But after living in the US and Canada for some time, I came across some hilarious misconceptions and some stereotypes that foreigners have of Jamaicans. I’ll start from 10 and work my way to number 1. These are a few of the things that I find a little funny.

Please note: these are all based on my personal experiences.

Yes, we have cars in Jamaica! (Pun intended!)

1. Do they have, like, cars in Jamaica? Yes, I know the ridiculousness of the question. On an exchange program in the US, I had two American young ladies approach me just to ask that question. I went along (thinking it was a joke) and told them “No, we don’t have cars. The island is small enough to walk just about anywhere you need to go.” I realized soon after that they were, in fact, serious.

2. You’re Jamaican? You don’t sound Jamaican. Apparently, some people do not think we speak Standard English. Unfortunately, my dialect only comes out when I’m among friends. Outside of that, I use Standard Jamaican English. Sorry to disappoint!! J

3. Your Bomb*cl@@t, LOL! I don’t know if some people believe that the phrase is a greeting, but I’ve had people who, upon discovering that I’m Jamaican, started using the phrase with me like a special greeting.

4. How come you don’t smoke weed? Now, now. That one! THAT… is the most ridiculous one yet. Uh, does EVERY Jamaican smoke marijuana? I’ve had this question 4 out of 10 times I meet someone new that discovers I’m Jamaican.

5. Wow! No dreadlocks? Ok, so… awkward. Is that one of the identifying marks of a Jamaican? Dreadlocks usually represent a practising religious group in Jamaica. Outside of that, people who wear dreadlocks have them groomed; often called “Fashion Locks/Dreads.”

6. Show me some dance moves!! Yea… I have had to refuse on several occasions. I would embarrass myself and the beloved dancers of Jamaica with my poor movements. Nay, not every Jamaican is a dancer!

7. It must be fun living on the beach!! If you look closely at a map of Jamaica, you will see that the inner part of the island is, in fact, quite a distance from the beach.  

8. Have you met Bob Marley? Again, Jamaica is not that small. While there is the possibility that I might have, we need to bear in mind that Jamaica’s population, even in the time of Bob Marley’s life, exceeded 2 million. He also passed away long before I was born.

9. Oh my gosh! Your English is perfect! Ok, this integrates with #2. People are not even aware that I am a Jamaican unless I say so. My accent is only used among Caribbean folk and friends. Outside of that, the preferred language is English (or Spanish, based on the crowd).

10. Do you listen to anything but Bob Marley and Reggae? A few years ago, I was in the US and this question came up. So I responded that I listen to all genres; in fact, I told her that my favourite is Motown R&B. I don’t know if she heard “My favourite might be Bob Marley” because everyday since then, the young lady played the same Bob Marley CD every morning on the way to work. ~JGIC

Can you think of any other stereotypes? Comment below.

*Side Note: Jamaica is ranked third as one of the coolest nationalities in the world.

Source: http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/life/12-coolest-nationalities-earth-050844

 

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies Major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Follow on Twitter @JamGirlInCanada

Like the page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamaicanGirlInCanada?ref=hl

Questions or comments? Email: jokay2112@gmail.com

*Photos acquired from Google.

The Abbreviated Truth

 Hv u evr noticd hw som ppl send txt msgs l8ly? I lol’ed many times wen I read som of the nonsense in the msgs. Ur gonna laugh wen u c som of the things I’v seen. Am sure ur gonna av a gud time readn this.

Yes, this is our generation of grammar. It has overflowed to our children. I was scrolling through my Facebook page when I saw a few posts. Some of the posts were in an unknown hieroglyphic that I had to decode. I had so much difficulty reading some of them that I got a headache attempting to understand the ridiculousness of some of the posts. People have gotten so used to writing “ur” that they do not know the difference between “your” and “you’re.”  Oftentimes I see persons replying “Your Welcome” on a post, so my question is: What went wrong?

The abbreviated truth?

Laziness. 

Our computers and phones are equipped with “auto-complete” so the generation after me has no use for the grammar that will aid them in reading and writing… the electronics do it for them. So when reading essays and some e-mails, especially in the capacity of teacher, I get a monumental headache trying to decode. I don’t believe there is a way to stop the epidemic but I would urge parents and teachers alike to help their children to understand that practice makes perfect. If you practice bad grammar, then sadly, everything you type and write will be done, sub-consciously, with improper grammar. I am guilty of texting this way sometimes, but then, if texting a superior, I have to double check to see if I misspelled a word or if my sentence is properly constructed. Sometimes it’s funny to see how people try to sound as professional as possible and in the midst of the letter or text, you find the letter “u” or “ur” representing the words “you” and “your/you’re.”

My suggestion? Spend a little extra time when composing posts for the public eye. Chances are there’s someone out there who will see your error and laugh at your mistake rather than correct you. That’s their way of saying they’re there for you! Kinda hypocritical don’t you think?

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Follow on twitter: @JamGirlInCanada

Like the page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamaicanGirlInCanada?ref=hl

Email: jokay2112@gmail.com 

How Do You Measure Excellence?

FOR MY NIECE:

As is for any job, training, education and knowledge of the field are all required. So, what’s the big deal about someone’s GPA and how well he/she performed in high school? How about a young man or young lady that can turn a cabbage into a masterfully created culinary work of art; or that student who likes to express his/her feelings through graffiti at the back of his/her books? They deserve a chance, too!! Too often we find that these children are ridiculed by the very people who should  be aiding in their development. How many of the greatest entrepreneurs and famous individuals in the arts were scholars? Not many, I’m sure. So why do we place so much emphasis on book smarts?

I’m very happy to say I’m holistically developed and managed to cultivate a similar tradition in the students I taught. I taught for a number of years, and on occasion I might end up with a child that blows your mind with his/her brilliance. On the other hand, I might end up with a child that no one else wants to deal with: the non-reader; the one who can never grasp math (no matter how basic); the one who does absolutely nothing; and the wailer (the one who bawls crocodile tears at any inkling of being given a book). So what am I to do? Am I to make these special children feel out of place and mock their inability to master a book? Am I to make them feel small for being unable to get above 90%?

I did what teachers are supposed to do: I tapped into their special skill, or anything that they love (from Dora to Spiderman; from drawing to poetry) and I honed their reading abilities through art… expression! Did they get 100%? No, but a talent may be discovered in the process; a self-esteem may be built… you never know. Don’t let your children feel less of a human being because their GPA is not what you want it to be. Chances are, your child may be the next Pablo Picasso, Bill Gates, or Mark Zuckerberg. You never know… give children a chance.

My niece recently won several awards in the culinary and visual arts competitions in Jamaica. If she never gets a chance to achieve a high GPA, I know she is gifted in other areas that she will surely be successful in!

Congratulations my big girl, Janel! Way to go!!! I love you and I want you to keep working hard at your dreams! You have continued a tradition of excellence and I am very proud of you!

 "Excellence may be disguised; but excellence is excellence no matter the form it takes!" ~JGIC

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Drama Kings and Queens of the World

Did you happen to trip over a minute stump in your path and recovered quickly thinking that no one saw you? If this happened in Jamaica, be guaranteed someone… somebody… would have seen what happened and the story would come back like this:
 

“Hey, you see that hot girl/man ova there… [points in direction], she a walk and act like she hot, zeen? And she just trip over [some non-existent object], and roll go ‘bout 10 miles down de road. I laugh ‘til I weak man!”

I’m a story-teller. Its in my veins, I just can’t help it. So bringing that gift with me to Canada was no problem. I made many great friends and had a lot of fun retelling some instances that have occurred in my life. I do my best to emulate late great The Hon. Dr. Louise Bennett-Coverley, who to this day, is one of Jamaica's greatest story-tellers, poets and play writes. So you find that drama, fun, and humour runs in my veins and that of most Jamaicans alike and we love to spread the joy each chance we get.

So, I recently came across a video news article about some people in Jamaica who were flooded out due to some error on the contractor’s part, I had no idea what I was about to see. This woman took the cake. Her account of the situation was hilarious!

Now, I did not find the circumstances the least bit funny; but the woman who was being interviewed had me rolling. I just couldn’t help it. The interviewer held the microphone down, and she bobbed her head down to the level of the microphone to continue giving her story. The interviewer moved the microphone up, and she bobbed her way up to the microphone level again to get her story out.

See the story for yourself in the video below.

Comments welcome! What do you think?

 

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

See the "remix" below:

Actors with Fake “Jamaican” Accents

My brother and I have two completely different views of life, but share the same quirky sense of humour. We watched the movie “Tower Heist” starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Gabourey Sidibe. While we laughed our socks off, things got serious when my brother noticed that our Jamaican accent was being abused, and he only recognized this after Gabourey Sidibe (as Odessa) used one of Jamaica’s original curse words ( -->Insert Jamaican “B” word here <--) then pushed the trolley towards the guard in an effort to knock him out. She ended the scene by saying (in her best Jamaican): “You shoulda try di cake, man.” Now, I have nothing against Hollywood in their efforts to create movies, but why not use actual Jamaicans to play the part of… well… a Jamaican?

Jamaica is overflowing with talent in many areas within the performing arts, so I fail to understand why they don’t audition actual Jamaicans for Jamaican roles. This brings me to Taye Diggs (Lawd, he was hot in that movie!) in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” with that very, very heavily butchered Jamaican accent. That movie was so big, but I had a friend of mine asking if Taye Diggs was Jamaican. Nothing against him, but I gave her a resounding “NO” in response to her question. I had to start speaking in Jamaican in order for her to see the difference in the accents. It didn’t take long for her to recognize that his accent was indeed fake.

I see that the Jamaican accent is often used for fun and frolic in order to heighten the humour in some movies/commercials. During the earlier part of this year, the VW ad displaying a Caucasian with a Jamaican accent had us laughing our socks off (by us, I mean mainstream Jamaicans). The actor was simply used to portray the stereotype that Jamaicans are laid back, relaxed and happy. Obviously, the gentleman in the advertisement had a great time in Jamaica -  maybe on his vacation - and sought to share his wealth of new-found, tropical cheerfulness with his co-workers. I’m fine with that.

My issue lies with creating an entire movie, with “Jamaican” characters that are neither Jamaican nor are of Jamaican descent, but they are passed off as Jamaicans. What about people who are curious about Jamaicans and their dialect? Exposure to the butchered, fake, poorly presented Jamaican dialect simply won’t do. Quite inadequate and awkward, if you ask me. I’m beginning to wonder if these people are making fun of our accent or they just simply cannot be bothered scouting for original talent. I love my dialect, and I enjoy the fact that people try to emulate us in every possible way, but I have a problem when we are portrayed in the wrong light (accent and all) in mainstream media outlets.

 

I have one thing to say: “If yuh want Jamaican accent, use artical, original Jamaican fe do di ting! Real talk, yuh zeet?”

  

Get your act together Hollywood (Get it? Act? Hollywood?). ~JGIC

I would like your opinion on the skit below (Please excuse the constant use of the Jamaican "B" word, thanks). I found it quite hilarious. Please note: the actress is British. Kindly leave your comments about the actress and the “translator” in the comment section below. Thank you.

 

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Happy Canada Day!!!

146 years of total awesomeness! Happy Canada Day my Canadian fans and friends!!! Today, we went to the Halifax Seaport/Waterfront to celebrate. The day was filled with red and white clothing, Mohawks and even puppy sweaters! This is the first chance I’ve had to celebrate Canada Day, and while this country is not independent, the citizens are proud of their strong history. The frontier was explored 146 years ago, and has continued to grow since.

Oh Canada, a proud nation of people who believe in themselves and celebrate their liberty every chance they get!!!! I’m happy to be in Canada and even happier that I’m able to celebrate this wonderful occasion with some of my friends from around the world!!

 Nuff Love, Eh? ~JGIC

 

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

BET Awards: Jamaican Segment

I am not a fan of mainstream dancehall, so when someone sent me the video of the Reggae/Dancehall segment of the BET Awards, I was taken aback by the gesture. I was thinking, “She knows I don’t listen to dancehall, so what the hell…?” I clicked play and watched the 4-minute clip, and within the first minute, my jaw dropped. I was in awe. They had a dancehall setting fully replicated, outfits and all, complete with the feel-good older dancehall music that I’m used to hearing.

Beenie Man’s "Zim Zimma (Who’s Got the Keys to ma Bimma?)" was very popular and got the crowd moving. Beenie Man’s croak at the beginning (2:05-2:15) was quite hilarious, but he recovered quickly and continued with his famous selection. Then the “Energy God,” the man known for putting some popular dance moves on the front scene, entered from the middle of the crowd onto the stage with his popular “Pon Di River” dance. Elephant Man was a genius when he created that dance move. It was so simple, that even I mastered the craft of doing the “Pon Di River.” To top it off, Elephant Man and Beenie Man “Go Dung the Flank” together near the end of the segment. We saw the likes of Gabriel Union moving to the beats and even following along with some of the songs.

I couldn’t help but notice that Nicki Minaj was all over the dance floor trying to emulate all the moves; she was a little awkward in her movements, however, as her dress was a little bit tight. It was great seeing Jamaica on the scene again in a positive light, symbolizing unity between generations of people. The older folks, I’m sure are familiar with Chaka Demus and Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote” and Dawn Penn’s “No No No (You Don’t Love Me).”

The four-minute segment was really enjoyable and it’s at this time especially that I love to express that I AM PROUD TO BE JAMAICAN!

“When di music hit, yuh haffi move!”~JGIC

Translation: “When the music hits, you just have to move!”

 

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.