After rereading my initial blog posts, I do have to laugh. I sound a little naive. That is perfectly understandable, though. The funny thing is, my preconceptions about Jamaica are totally true. We all said that to each other on the trip - it's not as if there's a side of Jamaica you've never seen before. The tourism department totally plays up their stereotype. That's not bad, though. Jamaica is a vibrant and relaxed culture, with interesting food, people, and customs. That's good, because it means Jamaicans really have nothing to hide; what you see is what you get.
I do feel like I got a great impression of Jamaica as a people and a culture. This was partly because we didn't stay in a hotel; we lived with people native to the beautiful country. We ate real Jamaican food and overheard real Jamaican music and watched real Jamaican television. We aren't experts on Jamaica, but I think we have a better taste for the country than the average American tourist.
This global service-learning trip has changed me in ways I never expected. First, I learned that you can't change the world in a day. Maybe what we do is only a small part, but it's part of something greater than ourselves. That being said, I have learned the importance of organization and preparedness, in planning and in packing. It's easy to see how quickly things fall apart without some semblance of order being maintained by someone.
Iyer's reasons for traveling have taken on a newer meaning for me, as well. This was a great article to read because I had never traveled before. I learned the importance of cultural exchange and embarking on new adventures while your old life is left at home. I also felt the importance of fully letting yourself become immersed in another culture, even if it means fish pancakes for breakfast.
Even more than Iyer's article, "To Hell With Good Intentions" held a bigger meaning for me. As I viewed the extreme poverty of the Jamaican people, I didn't feel bad. Why am I so sure that these people want to live like Americans? What makes middle-class America so desirable above all else? I mostly just observed how Jamaicans went through their day. "To Hell" really put things in perspective for me, and prepared me for those moments when we weren't greeted with open arms by locals.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Day 6
One of the things Pattullo says is a cost of tourism in the Caribbean are companies like Sandals. These huge international companies are coming in and claiming the most beautiful beaches in the country for themselves. They then ruin the natural ecosystems of the area to build their own resorts. What's worse is that the most scenic beaches are being taken from the locals. Their homes and beachside towns are being bought up and transformed into cookie-cutter resorts, while these people are being uprooted and told to leave. The locals get this, too. Of course they are going to be nice to us Americans- we are the main source of their country's revenue.
Another cost of tourism is theft. People really aren't stupid. They know that tourists are going to travel to Jamaica and expect a tropical paradise and bring some of their nicer clothes and jewelry. It is too easy for things to get stolen from tourists. On our trip, Dave had money stolen from him twice.
Finally, the drug trade is also a cost of tourism, especially in Jamaica. I know that sounds bad, but literally every person I talked to in America prior to traveling brought up the subject of marijuana. Tourism makes it easier to transport and sell drugs without being caught. This is especially true for tourists. Most every tourist comes to Jamaica with the thought of ganja in the back of their head, whether they are contemplating using it or not. It's a part of Jamaican culture. Locals smoked it everywhere- we didn't have to stray from the group to even see it in use.
I feel Amizade does a good job of making students responsible tourists. Obviously, we are tourists. We aren't, however, tourists in the sense of naive visitors. With our pre-departure preparations, I feel like we are able to differentiate between cultural exchange and using Jamaica as a tourist trap. We are shown local beaches and tourist beaches, while living as much as possible like locals. Of course, we can't totally be locals, because no matter where we are in Petersfield, we blatantly stick out as the white American kids waving to everyone we pass by.
I think there are good and bad impacts socially on those involved with global service-learning in Petersfield. It is good because the town is probably looked to as a role model and building itself up. Negative effects could be that the town could be criticized for taking advantage of tourists and their money. The host families also probably are respected models within the community. They are probably also criticized for the same reasons. Remember, this is not truth, I'm just guessing. There is no way I can possibly know what others think of our global actions.
Another cost of tourism is theft. People really aren't stupid. They know that tourists are going to travel to Jamaica and expect a tropical paradise and bring some of their nicer clothes and jewelry. It is too easy for things to get stolen from tourists. On our trip, Dave had money stolen from him twice.
Finally, the drug trade is also a cost of tourism, especially in Jamaica. I know that sounds bad, but literally every person I talked to in America prior to traveling brought up the subject of marijuana. Tourism makes it easier to transport and sell drugs without being caught. This is especially true for tourists. Most every tourist comes to Jamaica with the thought of ganja in the back of their head, whether they are contemplating using it or not. It's a part of Jamaican culture. Locals smoked it everywhere- we didn't have to stray from the group to even see it in use.
I feel Amizade does a good job of making students responsible tourists. Obviously, we are tourists. We aren't, however, tourists in the sense of naive visitors. With our pre-departure preparations, I feel like we are able to differentiate between cultural exchange and using Jamaica as a tourist trap. We are shown local beaches and tourist beaches, while living as much as possible like locals. Of course, we can't totally be locals, because no matter where we are in Petersfield, we blatantly stick out as the white American kids waving to everyone we pass by.
I think there are good and bad impacts socially on those involved with global service-learning in Petersfield. It is good because the town is probably looked to as a role model and building itself up. Negative effects could be that the town could be criticized for taking advantage of tourists and their money. The host families also probably are respected models within the community. They are probably also criticized for the same reasons. Remember, this is not truth, I'm just guessing. There is no way I can possibly know what others think of our global actions.
Day 5
One of my favorite parts of my week in Jamaica was experiencing the pop culture. Jamaica is so vibrant and the people are proud of who they are. That shows in every aspect of the atmosphere. For one, all of the buildings are vibrant and painted in wild colors. They embrace their connotation of Rasta culture and lots of things are adorned in red, green, and yellow. Many people wear the Jamaican flag on shirts or jewelry (much like America).
One thing that really resonated with me is the music. Everything is reggae. There really is no network of genres like there is in American music. Reggae is purely Jamaican. Everyone listens to and blasts their music, and even the old women like Bob Marley. The only differentiation I noticed was between Jamaican and American music. In the club, there was a section that played Jamaican music, and a section that played American top 40 music. I even heard reggae versions of American songs. Many unexpected songs were made into reggae versions that I heard in the background coming from Ms. Paulette's television. I thought it was great. The one I found most amusing was a reggae version of Kenny Roger's "The Gambler." I'll definitely include links to some Jamaican music I learned in my capstone.
Another aspect of pop culture is how that culture is presented: performance. The people of Jamaica love to perform. I just need to get that out there. Whether it is the young women of Petersfield showing off their best dance moves in an impromptu jam session or young children in the preschool fighting each other to sing R. Kelly for me. It's not in a bad way, either. They are simply high on life and want to express their joy with whoever will hear it. I think it's all wrapped up in the unofficial catch phrase of Jamaica:
Jamaica, no problem!
One thing that really resonated with me is the music. Everything is reggae. There really is no network of genres like there is in American music. Reggae is purely Jamaican. Everyone listens to and blasts their music, and even the old women like Bob Marley. The only differentiation I noticed was between Jamaican and American music. In the club, there was a section that played Jamaican music, and a section that played American top 40 music. I even heard reggae versions of American songs. Many unexpected songs were made into reggae versions that I heard in the background coming from Ms. Paulette's television. I thought it was great. The one I found most amusing was a reggae version of Kenny Roger's "The Gambler." I'll definitely include links to some Jamaican music I learned in my capstone.
Another aspect of pop culture is how that culture is presented: performance. The people of Jamaica love to perform. I just need to get that out there. Whether it is the young women of Petersfield showing off their best dance moves in an impromptu jam session or young children in the preschool fighting each other to sing R. Kelly for me. It's not in a bad way, either. They are simply high on life and want to express their joy with whoever will hear it. I think it's all wrapped up in the unofficial catch phrase of Jamaica:
Jamaica, no problem!
Day 4
I think the Petersfield community is both local and global. It is local because, for one, it is a pretty small town. That affects it in so many ways. For example, local business is a primary part of life. I noticed while there that many houses have tiny shops that sell snacks or ice cream. I doubt that the people selling fruit get it from a factory farm on the other side of the country. They are probably just selling what they grow. The small town mentality of the people in Petersfield is a factor, too. By that, I mean there is always a certain stigma associated with a small town, such as a family-like setting and everyone knows everyone else. I gathered this to be true in Jamaica.
This small local community participates in a global exchange. On a smaller level, the town constantly seems to be working on increasing tourism to Petersfield. This is a small way they engage in the global community. On a larger level, by partnering with groups such as Amizade, the people of Petersfield and Westmoreland receive a cultural exchange experience that the average Jamaican really does not experience. That is, the opportunity to work with and get to know people from entirely different ways of life is a valuable experience. The more people get to know each other and the more people learn about each others' cultures, the closer we come to a more harmonious and meaningful global community.
This small local community participates in a global exchange. On a smaller level, the town constantly seems to be working on increasing tourism to Petersfield. This is a small way they engage in the global community. On a larger level, by partnering with groups such as Amizade, the people of Petersfield and Westmoreland receive a cultural exchange experience that the average Jamaican really does not experience. That is, the opportunity to work with and get to know people from entirely different ways of life is a valuable experience. The more people get to know each other and the more people learn about each others' cultures, the closer we come to a more harmonious and meaningful global community.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Day 3: Jamaican culture
Today, we had a packed schedule, so we couldn't write our questions before the speech given by Ms. Brown. Instead, I remember Gwen saying to kind of talk about the speech and its historiography.
I really enjoyed the speech we received. It was fun, informative, and Ms. Brown is a great and engaging speaker. I wish we would have had this speech upon arrival, but I guess I should have done my homework about Jamaica on my own time.
That aside, it was great to hear a Jamaican tell their own story. In my visual journalism class, we learn about ways of seeing. It's brought up in class a lot that you really can't understand a culture or a person without first understanding their way of seeing the world. I guess you could call it the closest thing to walking in their shoes. Well, this was what happened to me when listening to Ms. Brown. I'm sure that listening to someone else, a Non-Jamaican, tell the story of how the country came to be would be much different.
Part of historiography is who writes the history. Usually, people in power tell the history. Up until 50 years ago, the Jamaican people were not in power. Now that they are, it was refreshing and inspiring to hear someone who lived (assumedly) through Independence tell a story that is prideful, not vengeful.
I really enjoyed the speech we received. It was fun, informative, and Ms. Brown is a great and engaging speaker. I wish we would have had this speech upon arrival, but I guess I should have done my homework about Jamaica on my own time.
That aside, it was great to hear a Jamaican tell their own story. In my visual journalism class, we learn about ways of seeing. It's brought up in class a lot that you really can't understand a culture or a person without first understanding their way of seeing the world. I guess you could call it the closest thing to walking in their shoes. Well, this was what happened to me when listening to Ms. Brown. I'm sure that listening to someone else, a Non-Jamaican, tell the story of how the country came to be would be much different.
Part of historiography is who writes the history. Usually, people in power tell the history. Up until 50 years ago, the Jamaican people were not in power. Now that they are, it was refreshing and inspiring to hear someone who lived (assumedly) through Independence tell a story that is prideful, not vengeful.
Day 2
A.) I am apart of the Irwin, PA, WVU, Catholic, U-92, American, Greensburg Central Catholic High School, Queen of Angels School, Starbucks, Newman Club, caucasian, and my family communities, among many others. I pretty much chose all of these communities, except for the last two. I think, because of this, my chosen communities both reflect and shape me. We are constantly growing and so are our communities, so I think the community and the participants affect each other.
B.) There are plenty of differences and similarities between Petersfield and home. For example, people in Petersfield walk in the streets and houses aren' t really closed in. That is, theres always a porch thats used as a communal gathering area and windows don't have glass. People call to friends down the street and everyone is okay with blasting music in the neighborhood. Actually, I haven't noticed really any diversity genre-wise in Jamaican music like there is in America. It's mostly reggae here. I've also noticed a lack in police since arriving. Not that there's a lack of security, I think it's just adding to the "chill" nature of Jamaica. At home, everyone is so...private. People aren't as friendly and we lock everyone out of our lives because we'd rather see them on social media sites than in person. I also see similarities to home- the importance of family and community is pretty up front. It's good though that the places are different. Each culture is beautiful and unique in its own way.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Day 1: Welcome to Jamaica
Upon my arrival in Jamaica, all of my senses are tapped. The air smells of wildlife, plants, and smoked meat. Driving through the Jamaican countryside, the land goes from mountain to field to jungle - so many ecosystems in such a small proximity. Jamaican food is flavorful and as vibrant as the people. The exclusively cold water coming from my shower feels refreshing and uncomfortable. All of the buildings are colorful pastels and jewel tones. Even the equivalent of the IRS building in Montego Bay was cotton candy pink and aqua blue. Drivers use their horns liberally, about as liberally as the Jamaican people use the word "man." One of my favorite things is that there is always music playing. One house in Petersfield blasts music all day and night. Its always comforting when you're lying awake at night and someone is playing reggae versions of your favorite pop-country hits, circa 1983-1996. I really do love this place.
In my notes, I drew a pie chart of who I am. Since I can't really do that on this blog, I'll just write out the percents.
Corinna Rae Lucotch:
25% Family and heritage
25% Education
25% Religion (Catholic), values, and beliefs
12% Music and other activities
13% Friends
Okay, I'll admit, these percentages are pretty arbitrary. I feel like since I am a very expressive person, everything is important to me, and it was hard to just pick a few things, let alone number their importance. I would say that the most important aspect is my family and heritage. Quite frankly, where would we be without our roots? Part of traveling is cultural exchange. That is, a dialogue of cultures, not just sponging up another culture. To me, that's incredibly selfish, but a one-sided conversation is not worth having. My family and heritage touches every aspect of who I am. For example, this weekend is Easter. My family's eastern-european culture touches every aspect of the weekend, from the food, to the music, to the traditions, to attending mass every day.
Next important to me is my religion. Now really, I'm not the most religious person I know. Not even close. However, growing up steeped in the culture of Catholicism has been an incredible experience I'll never forget. In fact, I want to pass it on to my children. My dad works for the church, I attended Catholic school for 12 years, and I rarely miss Sunday Mass. Going into college, all of my values were formed in conjunction with my religion. As I matured and went out on my own, my values were tested and shaped, but I still hold on to the culture that has given me so much- I can't help but be grateful. It's impossible to describe me without that aspect of who I am.
Next important is education. I honestly kind of did this partly out of obligation, but I do believe education is a great privilege. If you are lucky enough to have it, you better be proud of it and not waste it, because it is just that, a privilege. Even in our own families, people have given up their own shot at education so that their loved ones could have it.
My friends are next. I feel like they deserve more than 13% of my time, but it's the best I could do without going over 100%. As we grow up, we meet people who shape us. Some stick, and some fade away. The best kind of friends are those we learn from and we teach them a few things, too. I'm happy to say that, especially in college, I have met some great people. This trickles down into the organizations I am a part of, such as Newman Club (the Catholic one) and U92.
Finally, I used a potpourri section that makes up who I am. Such things as music, activities, etc. Although the things you do are not necessarily life-changing, it still makes you, you. Every once in a while though, there is that song, or sport, or whatever, that kinda reminds you what it's all about, right?
Some of my US privileges are a white, middle class, healthy, girl. They're pretty much the same as described in the checklist. I understand what this article is trying to convey, but I still don't like it. It makes me feel as if I should live in guilt with the hand I've been dealt, because there are people worse off than me. Trust me, I know I think differently than others and that my opinion isn't always in line with the status quo, but this article gets on my nerves. It's such a sweeping generalization. It's almost just as bad to judge all middle-class white people by the factors they can't control, isn't it? It goes both ways. Especially if we are very accepting of others and serve them as if we were serving ourselves.
In Jamaica, we are the minority. Some people idolize us, while some aren't welcoming. It's interesting to see how things play out.
I like it though. It's an opportunity for a new way of seeing the world.
In my notes, I drew a pie chart of who I am. Since I can't really do that on this blog, I'll just write out the percents.
Corinna Rae Lucotch:
25% Family and heritage
25% Education
25% Religion (Catholic), values, and beliefs
12% Music and other activities
13% Friends
Okay, I'll admit, these percentages are pretty arbitrary. I feel like since I am a very expressive person, everything is important to me, and it was hard to just pick a few things, let alone number their importance. I would say that the most important aspect is my family and heritage. Quite frankly, where would we be without our roots? Part of traveling is cultural exchange. That is, a dialogue of cultures, not just sponging up another culture. To me, that's incredibly selfish, but a one-sided conversation is not worth having. My family and heritage touches every aspect of who I am. For example, this weekend is Easter. My family's eastern-european culture touches every aspect of the weekend, from the food, to the music, to the traditions, to attending mass every day.
Next important to me is my religion. Now really, I'm not the most religious person I know. Not even close. However, growing up steeped in the culture of Catholicism has been an incredible experience I'll never forget. In fact, I want to pass it on to my children. My dad works for the church, I attended Catholic school for 12 years, and I rarely miss Sunday Mass. Going into college, all of my values were formed in conjunction with my religion. As I matured and went out on my own, my values were tested and shaped, but I still hold on to the culture that has given me so much- I can't help but be grateful. It's impossible to describe me without that aspect of who I am.
Next important is education. I honestly kind of did this partly out of obligation, but I do believe education is a great privilege. If you are lucky enough to have it, you better be proud of it and not waste it, because it is just that, a privilege. Even in our own families, people have given up their own shot at education so that their loved ones could have it.
My friends are next. I feel like they deserve more than 13% of my time, but it's the best I could do without going over 100%. As we grow up, we meet people who shape us. Some stick, and some fade away. The best kind of friends are those we learn from and we teach them a few things, too. I'm happy to say that, especially in college, I have met some great people. This trickles down into the organizations I am a part of, such as Newman Club (the Catholic one) and U92.
Finally, I used a potpourri section that makes up who I am. Such things as music, activities, etc. Although the things you do are not necessarily life-changing, it still makes you, you. Every once in a while though, there is that song, or sport, or whatever, that kinda reminds you what it's all about, right?
Some of my US privileges are a white, middle class, healthy, girl. They're pretty much the same as described in the checklist. I understand what this article is trying to convey, but I still don't like it. It makes me feel as if I should live in guilt with the hand I've been dealt, because there are people worse off than me. Trust me, I know I think differently than others and that my opinion isn't always in line with the status quo, but this article gets on my nerves. It's such a sweeping generalization. It's almost just as bad to judge all middle-class white people by the factors they can't control, isn't it? It goes both ways. Especially if we are very accepting of others and serve them as if we were serving ourselves.
In Jamaica, we are the minority. Some people idolize us, while some aren't welcoming. It's interesting to see how things play out.
I like it though. It's an opportunity for a new way of seeing the world.
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