Describe what is meant by having a Caribbean identity and show how

and why that concept varies from place to place within the Caribbean
and its Diaspora. (30 marks)

Each and every country has distinct personality and customs that set it
apart from the others. Caribbean identity has to do with how
immigrants from the Caribbean preserve and practice their cultural
traditions despite being hundreds or even thousands of kilometers
from their native countries. Every culture has its own cuisine,
philosophy, religious beliefs, and aesthetic standards. The culture of the
Caribbean is similar. It is important to preserve Caribbean cultural
traditions overseas so that second and third generations may connect
to their heritage. Though there is a vast numbers of countries and
customs in the Caribbean the term “Caribbean” remains hard to define
by itself. According to the Collins Cape Revision Guide there is no single
definition that can be given to the word “Caribbean”, because there are
several meanings. It can be defined from a political, geographical,
geological, historical or diasporic standpoint. The Caribbean refers to a
group of countries divided into regions, namely: the Greater Antilles,
Lesser Antilles, Leeward, Windward and mainland territories that share
similar geological, historical and political backgrounds.

The Caribbean is a melting pot of many foods, musical genres, and

traditions that have been influenced by European cultures. Foods such
as Jamaican jerk chicken and pork are a direct derivative of Taino
Barbeque and Cassava cakes now known as “Bammy” in many
Caribbean territories traditionally eaten with fish (just like the Tainos
did). African, Amerindian, European, East Indian, Arab, and Chinese
cuisines have been incorporated with Caribbean cuisine. The
indigenous people of the Caribbean also offered their own unique
touch. The Spaniards added new dishes along when Columbus arrived
in 1493, including coconut, chickpeas, cilantro, eggplant, onions, and
garlic. Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, British, French, and Swedes were
some of the later European colonists who brought their own traditional
cuisine to the islands. They introduced rice, coffee, mangoes, limes,
oranges, and lime juice, among other delicacies.

The many different languages that were adopted in the Caribbean for
example Jamaican Creole in Jamaica, Spanish in Cuba, Dutch in Aruba
and French in Guadeloupe all contribute to how Caribbean identity
varies within the Caribbean. Almost every island possesses its own
variety of Creole(s).

As Caribbean nations have such a varied and unique range of cultural

influences it is no surprise that the music of the region echoes this. As a
result, it’s impossible to sum up Caribbean music with just one genre.
When we look at music in Haiti (Haitian Folklore) and Soca and Calypso
music from Trinidad and Tobago there is a contrast. If an individual is to
move from Haiti to Trinidad it would be different from someone who is
a Diaspora from Trinidad and lives in Haiti.

Politically, the concept of Caribbean identity differs in the location of

the Caribbean; but how and why? Since there were many settlers in the
region there was more than one colonizer and system. Despite of
having largely comparable political traditions throughout the area, each
country's political system differs significantly. In the Bahamas, Jamaica,
and Barbados, for instance, a robust two-party political system has
emerged whereas Trinidad and Tobago has a multiparty system.

A sport as a whole contributes to the Caribbean identity as it brings

together unity, participation and regional pride in the society. The
warmth it gives provides a common feeling and a sense of belonging.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Barbados while Baseball is in the
Virgin Islands. Despite being united, Caribbean identity varies from
place to place in the Caribbean and its Diaspora as the Caribbean
countries have a competitive spirit towards their sporting activities.
Some Caribbean countries have shaped their identity and association
with certain sports because of their continued success in that field. For
example, Jamaica is known for its track and field program and its stars
whereas Cuba is known for its Boxing program. Sport can be seen as the
most prominent activity that defines one group from another, no
matter the political or social issues present.

To summarize, this essay delved into the Caribbean identity and how it
varies within place to place within the Caribbean Diaspora culturally,
historically, politically, geographically, geologically and from a sporting
standpoint.