There Is Not One Caribbean Culture free essay sample

Studies Assess the statement â€Å"There is not one Caribbean culture but many Caribbean cultures† There is no one distinctive Caribbean culture, but rather, Caribbean cultures. Each island or geo-political territory is characterized by its own unique, cultural practices, institutions and belief systems. One may note that cultural similarities may be influenced by; political history, languages, ethnic groupings and economic features. Caribbean culture is a product of its history and geography. Most of the Caribbean territories were inhabited and developed earlier than European colonies in the Americas, with the results that themes and symbols of pioneers, farmers and traders were important in the development of Caribbean culture. Each ethnic group brought with them their traditional practices to the Caribbean. For example the Indians brought their traditional foods such as curry and other spices, and the Africans brought their religious practices such as voodoo. These practices by the ethnic groups have all been incorporated to create what is known as the Caribbean Culture. We will write a custom essay sample on There Is Not One Caribbean Culture or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In other words, as a result of cultural diversity, we have developed our own unique identity which is associated only with the Caribbean. Culture is the way of life of a people and includes customs, practices, beliefs, superstitions and food. All this leads people to act, think and behave differently from other people in other cultures. The Jamaican culture is a great example. These customs lead people to act, think and behave differently and make them distinctive. The Jamaicans culture is expressed through local stories, songs, dances, the use herbs and bush medicine, local beliefs, the preparation of indigenous food s and through religious practices. Jamaicans perform folk songs and dance mainly during festivals and independence celebrations. During celebrations it is customary to wear their nation costumes, which is called the Bandana. Trinidad and Tobago culture is known for its carnival, steel band and calypso music are famous throughout the world. The carnival was first introduced in Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago language is a mixture of African dialects besides coining some words from other languages. Trinidad and Tobago culture also encompasses Trinidad and Tobago language, art, food, society, religion. The Trinidad and Tobago carnival shows the creativity of the trinbagonians. Carnival had its birth in the streets of Trinidad and Tobago. Kite flying is another part of Trinidad and Tobago culture. Moreover the calypso and the steel band is famous worldwide and is also a part of the Trinidad and Tobago culture. Regarding food Trinidad and Tobago food differs slightly. Tobago food is mainly exotic sea food dishes. Trinidad food comprises of the modern day delicacies. The Culture of the South American nation, Guyana, is very similar to that of the English speaking Caribbean, so much so that Guyana is considered a Caribbean Nation. Guyana shares similar interests with the islands of the West Indies, such as food, festive events, music, sports, etc. Visual Art takes many forms in Guyana, but its dominant themes are Amerindian, the ethnic diversity of the population and the natural environment. Much historic architecture reflects the countrys British colonial past. Many of these buildings in Georgetown and New Amsterdam were built entirely of local woods. The Guyanese folklore is similar to the Caribbean folklores, mixed with African and Indian, Portuguese, and Latin beliefs. The Caribbeans culture, like that of most countries around the world, is a product of its history, geography, and political system. Being a collection of settler nations, the Caribbean has been shaped by waves of migration that have combined to form a unique blend of customs, cuisine, and traditions that have marked the socio-cultural development of the nation.