Part 1: Identification
HDI – “HDI” stands for Human Development Index. It is a statistic for measuring the
development of a country, including life expectancy, literacy, education, and standard of living.
In class, we learned that the HDI is positively associated with tourism.
Che Guevara – Che Guevara was a Cuban advocate for socialism. Under Fidel Castro, he
served as Cuba’s Industry Minister and was responsible in part for figuring out how Cuba would
transition into socialism. He is one of the Caribbean’s most well-known political figures and
was killed in Bolivia as a revolutionary.
Clave – Clave is a type of rhythm seen in Afro-Cuban music. It is evidence of the African
tradition in Caribbean music, and can be seen in such musical styles as rumba and son. The
blend of musical traditions is one of the most distinct cultural aspects of the Caribbean.
Conditionalities – The term “conditionalities” refers to the stipulations the IMF gave Jamaica
before it would loan them money to help stimulate their economy and reduce their debt. These
conditionalities included devaluing their currency and changing the focus of their industries. The
conditionalities only worsened the debt-ridden situation of the country.
Downpression – “Downpression” is the Rastafarian term for oppression. Rastafarian language
modifies many English words, either to make them more descriptive or more in line with
Rastafarian values. By changing oppression to downpression, Rastafarian language signifies that
oppressors are pushing them down.
Diaspora – “Diaspora” is the term for the flight and spread of a people across the globe. This is
relevant to the Caribbean because some of its islands have extremely high outflows, with many
Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Jamaicans looking to come to the United States. This transnational
migration is characteristic of the Caribbean.
Dollar store – A dollar store is a store in Cuba that makes exchanges only for currency. It got
its name because it accepted American dollars in exchange for goods. The dollar is no longer
accepted, but the name is still in use.
DJ – A DJ is an important figure in the Jamaican dancehall scene. The DJ talks over records that
are played and encourages crowd participation. The Jamaican dancehall scene is important
because it is the most vibrant form of political and cultural expression for the Jamaican lower
class, and it also attracts the uptown crowd.
Foraker Act – The Foraker Act established US authority in Puerto Rico. It gave the US powers
such as the right to appoint the Governor of the island and the Congressional right to veto laws
made on the island. It is an example of the paternalistic attitude the United States has long
shown toward the Caribbean.
Luis Muñoz Marin – Luis Muñoz Marin was the first independently elected governor of Puerto
Rico. Prior to his election, the United States had the authority to appoint the Governor. This
was a move toward independence in the Caribbean.
Mento – Mento is a style of Jamaican music. It was a predecessor of ska, rock steady, and
reggae. It incorporated many aspects of African music, and is an important part of Jamaica’s
long musical tradition, which is one of the most influential musical traditions of the Caribbean.
Orisha-Voodoo – Orisha-Voodoo is a combination of Santeria and Black Nationalism. It makes
an effort to purge Santeria of its Christian elements, with the goal of getting back to its African
roots. It embraces Haitian Voodoo over Christianity.
Platt Amendment – The Platt Amendment gave the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs
and to have a base on the island. At the end of the Spanish-American war, the US would not
leave Cuba until the Platt Amendment was incorporated into its constitution. This is another
example of American paternalism and hegemony in the Caribbean.
Plebiscite – A plebiscite is a referendum voted on by the people. This is relevant to the
Caribbean because Puerto Rico has held “status plebiscites” in which people voice their opinions
on whether Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth or become a state. Commonwealth
status has always won.
Poder Popular – The Poder Popular is a body of elected delegates that is supposed to represent
the interests of the Cuban people. They are members of the Cuban Communist Party and an
important characteristic of Fidel Castro’s communist regime.
“Porto Rico” – “Porto Rico” was the official American name for Puerto Rico until 1930.
Eventually, this language error was corrected. It is representative of American disregard for and
carelessness with respect to native Caribbean culture.
Posse – A posse is a gang that is involved in drug trafficking or political violence. Posses are a
large part of life in Jamaica, where gang crime runs rampant and violence is used to support
political candidates or to quell opposition.
Resource Curse – The “Resource Curse” refers to the mixed blessing of having abundant
natural resources. Countries in the Caribbean with abundant natural resources, such as the
bauxite in Jamaica, tend to have unsuccessful economies due to foreign exploitation of the
resources, an economy that is dependent on one good, and volatility in the market for that good.
An economy that is more competitive from sector to sector tends to be more successful.
The Special Period – The Special Period in Peacetime was proclaimed after the fall of the
Soviet Union. It was a time of economic crisis for Cuba primarily caused by the loss of oil
imports from the Soviets. It transformed Cuba because it necessitated an increase in sustainable
agriculture and was characterized by power cuts, a cessation of public transportation, and a
shortage of food.
Cabildo – A cabildo is a Spanish brotherhood devoted to indoctrinating members with Catholic
beliefs. It was the principal organization for the religious life of urban Afro-Cubans up until the
20th century. It was a framework for syncretism, allowing for the mixture of folk Catholicism
and Yoruba religion.
Import Substitution – Import substitution was proposed as an alternative to the core-periphery
model. It involves producing more complex goods as opposed to providing raw materials, with
the goal of furthering industrialization. This model has been applied in the Caribbean in an
effort to aid development.
Brain Drain – The brain drain is when a country’s educated citizens leave to find economic
opportunities elsewhere. This is a problem for many Caribbean nations, especially Puerto Rico,
from which students have easy access to the United States. When a country’s most educated
citizens leave, there are not as many intelligent innovators to make improvements.
Daddy Sharpe – Daddy Sharpe was a Baptist deacon who led the Jamaican slave revolt of 1832.
This was one of the last big revolts leading up to the emancipation of slaves in Jamaica. Revolts
were one of the big factors in emancipation, along with the increased cost of slavery and
absentee ownership.
Battleship Maine – The Battleship Maine was a US battleship that sank off the coast of Cuba in
1898. The US blamed the Spanish, and the incident sparked the Spanish American war. The
ship was later found to have sunk due to an internal error, but the war resulted in the US taking
control of Puerto Rico and Cuba.
Ethno-somatic – Ethno-somatic refers to racial identity. Racial identity is an issue that is faced
by many Caribbean migrants to the US, who have the American racial structure thrust upon them
when they arrive. This is one important aspect of Caribbean transnational migration.
Inter-sectoral linkages – Inter-sectoral linkage involves linking different sectors, such as
tourism and industry, to prevent leakages and keep money made from those industries in the
Caribbean. Linking sectors in the economy to keep money in the Caribbean would aid
development and allow locals to benefit from tourism.
Syncretism – Syncretism is the amalgamation of religions or cultures. It involves combining
two different backgrounds into one new culture or religion. One example of syncretism is
Santeria, which involves aspects of Christianity and the religion of the African Yoruba. Later
forms of Santeria incorporated more aspects of Haitian Voodoo.
Dread Talk – Dread Talk is a feature of the Rastafarian religion. It is the alteration of language
to be more in line with Rastafarian ideals: for example, “Dread” refers to Jamaican being
Babylon, or Hell, and “we” becomes “I and I.” This is a Jamaican cultural and religious reaction
to oppression.
Babylon – Babylon refers to the state of Jamaica that Rastafarians see as being Hell. It is in
direct contrast to Zion, or Heaven, which Rastafarians view as being in Ethiopia. Rastafarians
view institutions of oppression as being on the side of Babylon, including calling the police
enforcers of oppressors “Babylon bwoys.”
Mulatto escape hatch – The “mulatto escape hatch” refers to the ability of mulattoes to claim
that they are not fully black in order to achieve higher social standing. This is an important
aspect of racial relations in the Caribbean, where class has often been determined along a
gradient of skin color, with the lighter skinned people ranking highest.
Higgler – A higgler is a vendor of small goods. Higglers are characteristic to Jamaica and may
be associated with the dancehall scene. The presence of higglers is an example of how
underdeveloped the Jamaican economy is.
All-Inclusives – All-inclusives are resorts where tourists can meet all of their needs, including
shelter, food, and entertainment. They never have to leave the resort. All-inclusives have
become popular in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica, and are criticized because they prevent
locals from benefiting from tourism.
Associated Free State – “Associated Free State” is the term used to describe Puerto Rico’s
status with regard to the United States. Puerto Rico is free to elect its own Governor and pass its
own laws, but it is associated with the United States and falls under US rule. It is also known as
a commonwealth.
Garrison communities – Garrison communities are communities in which Jamaican politicians
pack all of their supporters so they can get the majority vote from an area. To enforce this
political support, they may send guns to these communities, where politics are often enforced
with violence.
Salsa – Salsa is one of the most popular forms of Caribbean music. It developed in Cuba and
rapidly became popular in New York. Salsa lyrics used to be conscious, but now focus more on
love. Aside from that, the music remains largely unchanged.
Needle-phobia – “Needle-phobia,” literally translated, means “fear of needles.” This helps
explain why heroin use is so limited in the Caribbean, as opposed to marijuana or cocaine use.
Puerto Rico, which suffers from a heroin problem, is the noteworthy exception.
Operation Bootstrap – Operation Bootstrap refers to the American efforts to industrialize and
modernize Puerto Rico. The efforts were labor intensive and capital intensive, and involved
giving tax holidays to companies that would set up in Puerto Rico. It was fairly successful, but
made Puerto Rico dependent on the United States. Some of these benefits have been jeopardized
by NAFTA, which attracts business to other countries such as Mexico.
Crop substitution – Crop substitution is a strategy that has been used to try and decrease the
amount of drugs (specifically marijuana) grown in the Caribbean. The goal has been to try and
convince farmers that they will see greater profits if they grow a different good. This is meant to
mitigate the drug trafficking problem in the Caribbean.
Free Zones – Free zones are areas in Jamaica in which foreign companies that meet certain
conditions can operate without being charged income tax or duties on imports and exports.
These were created in an effort to attract foreign investment. The video “Life and Debt” exposed
some of the exploitation of workers that occurs in free zones, making them problematic.
Leakages – Leakage refers to money made from tourism that “leaks” outside of the host country
back to richer countries. This is a problem in Caribbean nations, notably in Jamaica, where
much of the money from all-inclusives goes back to wealthier countries. The idea of leakage is a
counterargument to the benefits of tourism in the Caribbean.
Norman Manley – Norman Manley was the founder of the People’s National Party, or PNP. He
was the Jamaican Premier. His son, Michael Manley, would later become the Jamaican Prime
Minister as leader of the PNP. Michael Manley instituted policies associated with democratic
socialism.
Odua – Odua is worshipped in Santeria as creator of the earth. This belief comes from the
Nigerian Yoruba religion. Santeria is the result of syncretism, which can be seen in many
aspects of Caribbean culture.
Part 2: Short Answer Questions
What factors led Jamaica to its current state of debt crisis?
3 periods in Jamaican development: modernization, democratic socialism, and IMF.
Modernization is not the same as development, can instill modern values and expectations
without giving the means to achieve them. Democratic socialism was liberal policy under
Michael Manley’s PNP, goal was to rectify inequality, policies involved redistribution of funds,
spending on programs led to increase in government debt. Bauxite levy helped a bit by putting
some of the money from industry back into the government, but policies largely a failure.
Democratic socialist policies left Jamaica with higher unemployment, crisis in external accounts,
mismanagement of local programs, excessive government borrowing. IMF loaned money to
Jamaica under rule of JLP but under the restriction of several conditionalities including a
devaluation of the currency and a change in the focus of industry. Michael Manley said in video
“Life and Debt” that IMF loans negatively impacted Jamaica by giving them the money to get
out of debt and then enforcing policies that drove them further into debt. Jamaica became more
dependent on screwdriver industries, in which industry was driven by the assembly of goods that
were shipped in from abroad, this is does not lead to sustainable growth in the economy, national
debt at 120% of GNP.
Why were certain Jamaican factories referred to as being part of “screwdriver industries?”
Jamaican factories called “screwdriver industries” because they involved assembly rather than
manufacture – a screwdriver is one tool used for assembly, connotation of just screwing the parts
together rather than making them there. Screwdriver industries involved putting together parts
that were made elsewhere (intermediate goods) to assemble a final good. This shift in industry
was due in large part to conditionalities imposed upon Jamaica by the IMF as stipulations for a
loan – goal was to stimulate Jamaican economy and decrease national debt, but the plan
backfired. Screwdriver industries do not lead to sustainable growth because they are just another
form of dependency. For their continued existence, there must be a continued demand for the
final good. It also must remain cheaper for foreign countries to have their goods assembled
elsewhere, which means labor must remain cheap and the business cannot be very profitable.
Michael Manley said in video “Life and Debt” that IMF loans negatively impacted Jamaica by
giving them the money to get out of debt and then enforcing policies that drove them further into
debt. Screwdriver industries were part of this.
In what ways has Castro liberalized the Cuban economy since the fall of the Eastern Bloc?
Went completely communist while aligned with the Soviets – dollar was criminalized, farms
over 1000 acres were nationalized meaning large foreign holdings were confiscated and put
under the control of the Cuban government, no private entrepreneurship allowed, Cuban
government survived largely by trading sugar for oil with the Soviets. After fall of Eastern Bloc,
Cuba lost its biggest ally and trading partner, had to trade currency for goods and was unable to,
Cuban communism not sustainable without the support of a larger allied government. As a
result, Cuban economy had to become more liberalized – dollar was decriminalized, stores called
dollar stores opened that accepted dollars and other forms of hard currency as opposed to just
government vouchers for food and clothing (in addition to being more liberal economic policy
than before, this takes away from black markets where people could buy more than “their share”
of goods). Some private industry allowed: people allowed to open some restaurants on their
own, farmers’ markets allowed for people to buy food (in the past, farmers had sold all of their
produce to the state). People who work in the private jobs far more economically successful than
those employed by government industry.
In what ways did the United States attempt to “Americanize” Puerto Rico?
Politically, the Puerto Rican Chief of State is the President of the United States, and their Vice
President, also the Vice President of the United States. On a local level, their head of government
is an elected governor who presides over a cabinet of fifteen ministers with a term of four years.
Nonetheless, this supposedly self-governing commonwealth has only the latitude to govern its
internal affairs, with the United States exercising control over areas such as interstate trade,
foreign relations and commerce, currency, military service. Also, the US has targeted the
language of Puerto Rico. As expressed publicly for the first time, a letter by President Roosevelt
stated the U.S. position on language in Puerto Rico: "It is an indispensable part of American
policy that the coming generation of American citizens in Puerto Rico grow up with complete
facility in the English tongue. It is the language of our Nation. Only through the acquisition of
this language will Puerto Rican Americans secure a better understanding of American ideals and
principles" (Morris, 26). Nonetheless, this sort of uncertainty suggests that the general Puerto
Rican public is "fearful of absorption as second-class citizens under Statehood within a country
where hardship and discrimination have marked the experience of Puerto Rican Migrants... and
aware of the futile history of neocolonial 'independence' in the Caribbean" (Perivolaris, 87).
Explain the expressive and instrumental dimensions of religion using Rastafarianism as an
example. Be sure to discuss the evolution of these dimensions in Rastafarianism over time.
The expressive dimensions of a religion refer to those aspects which are openly expressed as a
means of realizing spirituality. This may include nativistic and messianic aspects of religion.
For Rastas, the belief that they are descendent of the twelve tribes of Israel and that Emperor
Haile Selassie of Ethiopia is the reincarnation of Jesus. These viewpoints represent expressively
the goals and desires of Rastas. That is, their lives are led with the determination to one day
return to their native roots, that being Zion, otherwise known as Ethiopia. Instrumental
dimensions refer to the fundamental and more private traditions and practices of religion, rather
than the expressive basis of beliefs. For Rastas, this may include the practice of “Dread-Talk,”
in which Rastas speak in a spiritual way of togetherness (using the term “I and I”), as well as the
practice of eating Ital food, similar to the kosher rules of Judaism.
In Rastafarianism, these dimensions have changed as the religion spread and became more
cultural. While Rastafarianism began with the crowning of Selassie and in total anticipation of a
millenarian day in which the world will be transformed into a better place for all. However, with
the growth of the religion, aspects such as dreadlocks, smoking ganja, and dread-talk have
become cultural factors. As a result, Rastafarianism has expanded from a religion to a cultural
lifestyle.
Outline one “doctrinal” point that is central to all Rastafarians and a second that is less
widely accepted. Explain the significance of each.
Doctrinal point – the belief that Jamaica is Babylon, a living Hell, Rastafarians are in exile from
Africa, Ethiopia is Zion (Heaven). Rastafarianism went through millenarian phase up to 1959
during which Rastas believed there would be an apocalypse with the coming of a savior and at
that time they would return to Africa. Return to Zion has strong ties with view of blacks as
descendants of Israelites. Less widely accepted – could include dreadlocks, ital eating, and dread
talk. Dreadlocks an outward sign of Rastafarianism, signifies association with lost tribe of Israel
by obeying God’s commandment not to cut hair. Ital eating also has biblical origin, only “pure”
foods, very similar to Jewish eating provisions. Dread talk involves changing language to be
more in line with Rastafarian beliefs, e.g. downpression, overstanding, “I and I” instead of we to
emphasize oneness with each other (solidarity) and oneness with God.
What is the relationship between modernization and development? Why is it important
that one does not outpace the other? Include specific examples in your answer.
Modernization Theory essentially holds that in order for a developing country to prosper
economically, it must adopt the economic model and values of the modern or Western world. On
the one hand, recreation of modern technology allows for developing countries to mimic the
models of first world countries thereby furthering industrialization. On the other, a sectoral shift
from raw goods to complex goods may result in unemployment due to the change in necessary
skills. Moreover, by producing complex goods, developing countries begin to compete with
more wealthy countries that can afford to undercut them as far as pricing. More criticisms of this
theory hold that it is ethnocentric in nature, and that it dismisses Dependency theory too easily.
Modernization is not the same as development, can instill modern values and expectations
without giving the means to achieve them.
Compare the individualistic versus structural explanations for crime. Give concrete
examples of an individualistic and a structural expression.
2 explanations for crime: individualistic and structural. Individualistic approach introduced by
Gary Becker as an economic model for crime. Becker says a person has a choice between
participating in legal activity or illegal activity, weighs costs and benefits of both options,
essentially creates a utility function and chooses legal or illegal activity based on which gives
him or her more utility, i.e. if a person calculates that he will profit more from a life of crime,
then he will choose crime over legal business, especially if he is not risk averse. One example of
this is a person who chooses to sell drugs rather than work in a store because he can make more
money from drugs. Structural approach says that a person commits crime because of “structure”
or his surroundings. An example of this is strain theory. If a poor person lives next to a rich
neighborhood, he is likely to become agitated (strained) at the disparity between his own means
and his neighbors’. This may lead the person to commit a crime. For example, a person may be
driven to assault his rich neighbor because he sees the disparity in their lifestyles every day.
Discuss the effects of tourism on Caribbean culture, economy, and national identity. Use
specific countries as examples.
Tourism has had a mixed effect on Caribbean nations. Tourism has posed a problem of national
identity, particularly in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s status as a US territory allows for a large
amount of tourism annually. The constant circular migration of Puerto Ricans to the US and
Americans to Puerto Rico has left Puerto Rico in a state of confusion as to their national identity,
as it becomes unclear whether Puerto Ricans still exist as a nationality, or if they have become a
subset of Americans. The constant inflow of American practices, goods, and beliefs pervade into
Puerto Rico, as tourist sites attempt to attract more business, therefore detracting from previously
established Puerto Rican identities. Tourism has had a similar effect on Puerto Rican culture, as
the constant flow of tourists causes the cultural aspects of Puerto Rico and tourist nations to
blend together.
Tourism has had both positive and negative effects on the Caribbean, particularly when
considering Jamaica. Although tourism attracts a large number of people to Jamaica generating
an increased income, much of the money is lost in leakages. That is, a large percentage of
money goes back to the tourist industry, which often consists of foreign business and citizens.
As such, Jamaica increases its income with tourism, however not always in a manner
proportional to the costs of creating tourist establishments. Tourism is profitable for tourist
operations, but in turn has negative effects on local economies, as “all-inclusive” resorts limit the
travel of tourists to local Jamaican businesses.
How does circular migration affect the social, political, and economic life of Puerto Rico?
Circular migration causes the constant interchange of social practices between nations. As times
change, issues change within a nation. Therefore, the beliefs and concerns of individuals change.
When they return to Puerto Rico (from the US), these newfound concerns stick with them and
inspire their positions in regards to social climate and politics within PR. Circular migration has
both positive and negative effects on the economy. The desire to return to PR results in a large
amount of remittance being paid from PR natives living in other countries (US), resulting in an
increase in income. However, the ease of migration and the lack of well paying jobs results in
“brain drain.” Therefore, the benefit of remittances being paid is often battling the downfall of
qualified workers, politicians, etc. being lost to migration.
In what ways do drugs and the drug trade threaten the sovereignty of Caribbean nations?
Because the Caribbean is a hot spot for drug production (marijuana) and drug trafficking
(cocaine from Columbia), the drug issue of the region becomes an international concern. Drug
use in the Caribbean (particular heroin, cocaine – not so much marijuana [ganja]) is very low, so
the main role of drugs is in trafficking for profit. Drug trafficking is a major source of income
for the nations (particularly Jamaica), so the governments are at times reluctant to treat the
problem (Castro is said to have been involved in drug trafficking in Cuba). However, because
there is a constant flow of drugs into nations like the US, the American government becomes
concerned and pressures Caribbean governments to take action. The Caribbean nations become
torn between not taking action to preserve their economy and stopping drug trade to resist
American pressures. When these nations don’t act fittingly, America/the UN often take things
into their own hands to preserve their own nations, overstepping the rule of the Caribbean
government. Once the drugs leave the islands, the sovereignty of nations involved becomes
questionable.
What is the motive for the establishment of “free zones”? Describe “free zones” and their
costs and benefits. Please include examples from “Life and Debt” in your answer.
Free zones established in Jamaica to attract foreign investment. Attract foreign investment by
exempting businesses in free zones from income tax, exempting them from duties on imports and
exports, and subjecting them to less stringent customs regulations. Businesses in free zones must
be involved in warehouse or storage, manufacturing, processing, refining, packaging, or other
similar business (essentially factory work). Free zones have been attacked as essentially being
sweatshops. “Life and Debt” took cameras inside the free zones, showed some of the
exploitation of workers that occurs there. Michael Manley supported view of free zones as
sweatshops, workers told horror stories. Video said businesses in free zones can be closed
without notice to employees, can be difficult for employees to get paid, conflict between Asians
and blacks because Asians willing to work for less, therefore Asians replace blacks in free zone
work and black are left jobless.
What effects do deportees have on the social and political life of Jamaica?
Deportees tend to have a negative effect on Jamaica. In recent years, there have been thousands
of deportees from the US, the majority of which are deported for criminal offenses. This poses a
social problem in that there is an influx of criminal personalities in the nation. The social
dynamic tends to be damaged as these deportees attempt to continue to make money by crime
(often drug trafficking) bringing these problems back to Jamaica. The deportees often tend to be
former posse members, which results in increasing violence in Jamaica. These factors together
cause a series of political problems, as the government is forced to deal with an increasing
number of criminals/violence/drugs. The existence of these issues becomes more visible when
the people are actually being forcibly returned to the nation. Therefore, corrupt governments that
benefit from crime (drug trafficking, etc.) are forced to act or risk being replaced by disgruntled
citizens.
How does the incorporation of West Indian immigrants differ between Britain and the
United States?
2 major waves of Anglophone West Indians to U.S. Caribbean Migration to the U.S. 1820-2002.
The British Population in 2001. Comparison with U.S. Blacks: Caribbean immigrants who retain
their ethnicity tend to fair better economically. Differences between the two waves: The Colin
Powell vs. the post-60s waves. Other ideas to include: The issues of ethnic and "ethno-somatic
("racial") identity" and the theory of “Segmentary assimilation."
West Indian adjustment to Britain took place in three periods of adjustment. Started with
incorporation at the working and lower class segments of British society Resulted in growing
youth problems, schools, unemployment, and problems with police. Minority incorporation in
Britain: Racism exists but Britain not a racially constituted society; Non-gendered racism (i.e.
Segregation minor), resulting in high level of inter-marriage between Caribbean and whites in
U.K.
What factors sparked the Morant Bay rebellion of 1865 and what were the results?
Morant Bay rebellion included 200 to 300 blacks led by Paul Bogle, inspired by Jamaica’s postemancipation political economy. When slavery ended, former slaves had to right to choose
occupation and to vote, but voting fee effectively excluded them. Economic conditions made
worse for former slaves, Queen basically just said the poor needed to work harder. Black man
put on trial for trespassing, and protestors broke him out of prison. Bogle and other protestors
rioted at courthouse, attacked police, seized weapons. Bogle and other arrested and executed.
George William Gordon, mulatto politician with no part in the rebellion, tried under martial law
and executed. Governer Eyre, who executed them, was met with approval from some and
disapproval from others. Shortly after rebellion, Jamaica Assembly renounced its charter and
became a Crown Colony.
Part 3: Essays
QUESTION THAT IS MANDATORY IN THREE OF THE FOUR PREVIOUS EXAMS:
Are the globalization trends of recent decades fundamentally different than those of earlier
periods (post-Columbian) in their impact on the Caribbean? Do you believe the current
wave of globalization is more a threat or opportunity to nations in the region? Please
consider economic, social, and cultural factors in your answer.
Globalization trends of earlier decades – OVERARCHING THEME: WE ARE HERE FOR
OUR OWN BENEFIT
1. Colonialism – discovered by Columbus, legacy of colonialism, changed hands once
Spanish empire became less powerful, focus on sugar, undisguised exploitation of
workers, spread of disease was characteristic of globalization (in both directions, but
especially from Caribbean to Europeans)
2. Slavery – globalization through the triangle trade (Africa, Caribbean, America),
plantation lifestyle, African culture brought to plantations by slaves
3. Religious missions – example is cabildos, religious missionaries spread European
religion (Christianity, and hence European culture)
Globalization trends of recent decades – OVERARCHING THEME: WE ARE PRETENDING
TO BE HERE FOR YOUR BENEFIT
1. Capitalism and Democracy – encouraging capitalism and democracy (especially in
countries like the Caribbean, which are in our own backyard), Monroe Doctrine – puppet
regimes, Manifest Destiny, Puerto Rico (free associated state), Platt Amendment, Foraker
Act, Jones Amendment, encourage neo-liberal model of economic development
2. Technology and Modernization – tried to improve Puerto Rican economy through
modernization, Jamaica also modernized but not developed
3. Ease of Communication – goes hand in hand with technology, allows for the more global
spread of culture, allows transnational migrants to communicate with family in home
countries
Things that make current globalization a threat
1. Economically – exploiting other nations for our own economic interest, dependency
theory, IMF conditionalities in Jamaica, Puerto Rico hurt by NAFTA
2. Socially – economic disadvantages can create greater disparity between wealthy and poor
resulting in more stratified class system
3. Culturally – homogenization of world culture (Professor Patterson argues against this),
especially dilution of Caribbean culture, attempted Americanization of Puerto Rico
(trying to impose English as the official language of Puerto Rico)
Things that make current globalization an opportunity
1. Economically – free trade, comparative advantage, access to new technologies to
improve industry
2. Socially – installation of democracy in places where it did not exist can, if done
effectively, allow for upward social mobility (break pre-existing castes)
3. Culturally – increased ease of communication makes it easy to spread culture (especially
significant when cultures that were previously censored exposed to new cultural forms),
Professor Patterson argues that America’s cultural influence can spur hypercreativity in
the native tradition
Women’s role and status after Cuban Revolution
 FEDERATION OF CUBAN WOMEN (FMC), which trained housewives for chores of
Revolution
 There are ambiguities of gender relations in Palmera, because men and women have
equal rights in most areas. Women have their own organization, La Federacion de
Mujeres Cubanes. Many women work outside the home. Laws stipulate women’s rights.
However, traditional attitudes regarding gender issues are still prevalent among men and
women. Men have most of the power in Cuban society, while women should be the
mother, housekeeper, wife/lover, and worker.
 Many Palmeran couples live in common-law marriages and Cuban couples may change
partners often. The Party stresses the importance of family, and along with the Women’s
Federation, it encourages people to marry legally. The Women’s Federation also tries to
prevent teenage pregnancy. Social norms consider the women’s sphere “in the house”, a
symbol that connects womanhood, housework and motherhood; while a man’s sphere is
“in the street”, working and providing for the family.
 A good woman is the opposite of a good man whose valued role are mother and wife.
Motherhood is almost sacred.
Compare reggae and salsa in terms of their development
Rastafari and Santeria are branches of the same tree
Santeria
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–
–
–
–
Syncretic Afro-Christian
African past/ cultural continuity
Highly ritualistic
Highly integrated in larger society
Organized church
Covert racial consciousness
Non-ascetic
Non-millenarian
Non-Messianic
Reformative trend
New World transmission
Rastafarianism
– Afro-Jamaican
– Re-interpretive
– African future/ invented tradition
– Less ritually complex
– Mainly lower class and black in Jamaica
– Weakly organized
– Overt racial consciousness
– Ascetic
– Millenarian
– Messianic
– Reformative trend
– Global transmission
In thinking about this question (branches of the same tree), think about Rastafari as a cultural
response and Santeria as syncretism. Different origins, what are the goals?
What is distinctive about race and ethnic relations in the Caribbean and why
Origin, distinctive features, and surprising persistence of democracy in the Caribbean
How much can Caribbean nations hope to accomplish in reducing drug trafficking
Important factors that encourage drug trafficking: geography (gateway between supply and
demand), economic opportunity where legal opportunities lacking, drugs as part of culture, huge
demand from US, government corruption
Neo-African music in Cuba and Jamaica
Costs and benefits of tourism in the short-term and long-term
Economic benefits – Foreign exchange earnings, Contribution to GDP, Creation of income,
Major source of employment
Tourism and Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Tourism and Human Development Index (HDI)
Tourism’s contribution to employment
Contribution to foreign earnings – Substantial contribution, But lower than world average
Economic costs of tourism – Leakage: up to 80% in Caribbean (Import leakage: food, drinks,
supplies etc; Export leakage: profits, Income, etc, Jamaica 40%, St. Lucia 65%, Antigua 25%
Minor integration in economy – Weak inter-sectoral linkages, small multiplier effects
Extremely vulnerable, Unstable market– faddishness of tastes
Problem of all-inclusives (Exclusion of locals from benefits of growth)
Over-concentration & dependency. Capital intensive early phase
Rise in local cost of living, Governments bear infrastructure costs, Expatriate management
Seasonality of employment, “Flunkey training” of workers
But do smaller islands have a choice?
Social Costs – Clash of lifestyles, Economic segregation, Inequality– benefits mainly to elites,
Beach rights denied
Effect on local culture: “Collective humiliation,” “Tourism is whorism”
Crime: Prostitution, drugs, gambling
What upsets local critics: Nationalists often find tourism demeaning, “collective humiliation”
Many resent its hedonistic aspect – “Tourism is whorism”
Radicals see it as disguised colonialism – "Tourism simply puts a hedonistic face on neocolonialism."
Social benefits
Most ordinary people have positive views of tourism according to most polls
Significant improvement in local communities
Radical impact on racial/ class/ gender attitudes and relations
Increased awareness of local culture and arts
Environmental costs
Generally negative impact
Solid and liquid wastes: dumping by cruise ships; hotel wastes
Threat to vulnerable environments: Sea, beaches, coral reefs, marshlands
Very high water and energy consumption
Environmental Benefits
New environmental awareness in region, Shift to concept of sustainable development, External
aid for environment
Shift to eco-tourism in some islands such as Dominica
CONCLUSION
There is nothing inherently problematic or demeaning about tourism. It is a major industry in all
regions of the world. For Third World countries like the Caribbean it is an economic lifeline.
For many islands it is currently the only viable industry. There are problems but they can all be
fixed. For the Caribbean benefits far outweigh costs.