Dare To Fly Free

I just had a mini debate on culture. I had an Indian individual(one mans opinion) attack me stating that the Caribbean is a culture less society because their roots stem from a mix of slaves and slave owners.

To start of this post I’m going to quote the renown site of wikipedia. In this site it is stated that culture is ‘manifested in music, literature, lifestyle, painting and sculpture, theater and film etc. For someone to approach me and intellectually try to tell me that my culture is no culture is absolute nonsense. That the West Indies, the Caribbean my culture isn’t really a culture. It is a mix of other cultures. A mix of slave cultures. Logically thinking, isn’t that still a culture?

This angered me. Any Caribbean individual that you may come across will pride themselves in their culture. A mixed being. Whether it be spiritually, genetically or emotionally. West Indians are proud of their culture. And yes I call it a culture and will forever stand by that. Mixed from slaves or not it is still a culture. It is still my culture Our music from reggae to chutney, defines our happiness and our pain. Our literature expresses or inner feelings and our daily lives. Our art is so vibrant. It speaks a story and even… even our lifestyle is lusted for. Our lush beaches friendly natives and lavish food seems to catch the eye of any of our visitors. I am Caribbean and I am proud

Other than the above listed. Take a look around in the Caribbean. You will see a mix of African, Indian, aboriginal(Amerindian) Chinese Portuguese heritage living comfortably simply enjoying each others company. Celebrating that they are apart of the Caribbean. We are apart of a mix and we are a happy people. We have the right to call ourselves a culture. For generations for centuries we have been living and toiling the soil of the Caribbean. It is our home.

Even in western country such as Canada we take the time to celebrate the Caribbean. Caribana! The idea of mixing cultures and taking the time to enjoy the music and the foods of all the countries in the Caribbean. The idea of unity and joyfulness.

This is my rant. This is my frustration. This is my CULTURE. I am west Indian. I am Caribbean. I am south American. I am Guyanese. AND I am proud of my culture that has been bestowed upon me.