Understanding the Jamaican culture

The report went on “Census takers are instructed to read the categories as written on the questionnaire and to accept the respondent’s reply.

The instructions even suggest that the Census Taker might remind the respondent of the Jamaican motto “Out of Many One People”.

In any cultural sensitive country, those statements would have been alarming and begs the questions — how important is it for Jamaicans to learn about the history of their nation? Should history be compulsory in schools and why are Jamaicans so confused by their ethnicity? No society can exist without culture, knowing that culture is the way of life of a people.

Therefore, every society, no matter the size or population must exist with certain cultural values. Jamaica is not exempted from this practise.

It is rare to see a society without culture; this can be likened to a ship without a compass. Sadly, not much attention is paid to the preservation, documentation, and edification of all aspects of our cultural heritage particularly those from ethnic and religious minorities.

On the occasion of Heritage Week — how many Jamaicans know of the existence of a Jewish Synagogue in downtown Kingston or a Hindu Temple on the outskirts of Kingston? Our nation is rich in many cultural and religious traditions and celebrations.

Some of the most prominent are Black History Month, Emancipation, Easter Monday, Christmas Day, along with those we also observe, recognise, and celebrate such Nelson Mandela Day, the Maroon’s Peace Treaty, Caricom Day and many others. According to the 2011 Census of Population and Housing (page xv) Rastafarians’ and Hindus account for the second and third largest religious groups respectively and despite ethnic minorities making up a ninth of the population — Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern or European Arrival days are not listed on the Government of Jamaica’s calendar of events. We currently live in a world where our knowledge about other cultures, languages and traditions is extremely important to foster understanding and mutual respect.

ANDREW KING

via email