Here are two observations, one about Jamaica, the other about us, as in US. As I’ve said earlier, Jamaica is a nation between two worlds, developing and developed. As such the citizens probably aren’t much different than we were in 1776, many believing in the mother country, Britain or the Western, model. For example, the majority of Jamaicans prefer the protocol of Mr., Mrs. or Miss. The closest of friends refer to each other in that way. Some how it seems incongruous and pretentious here in the bush but it may make them feel as if they are staying abreast of British ways by keeping them alive. Yet, their very oldest ways, African resourcefulness, may be of greater benefit to them. Few are proud of being able to walk miles in a day or creatively conserve; actions our planet dearly needs. They see those actions as embarrassing and demeaning, albeit necessary. If I correctly recall my American History, Britain regarded US as ruffian, archaic illiterates for nearly 200 years. Our language, values, culture [or lack of], etc. were derided.
Jamaican’s are in a similar transition phase as we were 200 years ago, many of them not quite sure of who they are or should be and not appreciating the benefits of their native culture. We had our first Citizens’ Association meeting last week [one of the missions of our tenure is to help resurrect the non-operational organization] and after leading a long discussion on the things they both like and want changed in the community several asked what we thought of Chapelton. They were amazed that anyone from America liked it and could find value in their lives. I continue to tell Jamaicans that being American or British is not the panacea for life’s ills. I suppose when literally half the population is an expatriate with some money in his/her pocket it may be difficult to accept that premise.
The saddest aspect of their transition to the developed world is their state of health. Like US they are getting fatter and have more chronic disease. As the ‘developing nation’ conditions like dengue, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, malnutrition, leptospirosis, etc. are on the wane due to improved Western [got to give credit where it’s due] health care; those chronic diseases of the Western lifestyle are alarmingly on the rise. Many of my health presentations point out that one way to stave off these conditions is to preserve valuable aspects of their historical culture and ways; total westernization will lead to suffering of a different kind. Some times I feel as if the west is like the invading Spaniards of the 15th Century who brought infectious disease and death to the natives in this hemisphere. Finding and trusting that path is a mountain few have yet to even consider scaling. For many I may as well be suggesting we blow up the world; it’s impossible and exceedingly undesirable!
As for the US observation I alluded to, if you haven’t already seen it, please consider taking time to watch Bill Moyers’ discussion with our former colleague at Boston University, Andrew Bacevich [http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09262008/watch.html]. Our son, John forwarded it to us and we think it’s quite informative on many levels and issues regarding our current state of affairs in the US and the world.
Sunday we’re headed to Ochi [Ocho Rios] on the north shore for a day at the beach with 40 Jamaicans. This 60 mile trip should only take two hours and two transport transfers because we’re chartering a bus for part of the way. We’re eager to see how they enjoy and use the beach. Among other things, we’ll be roasting a goat.
If you can believe it, we’re yearning for those cool crisp New England days. At times all this sun and great weather is more than we can handle.
Finally, if you’ve noticed we haven’t posted many new photos recently [Sorry about that, Chris]. There are limits to how many vistas of green mountains and clouds you all want to see; and it’s getting difficult to take any with Jamaicans in them. They either don’t want their pictures taken or they want to be paid for allowing the photo to be taken. Do notice we were able to get a great one of a Brahma cow right outside our bathroom window.
Laita, Margaret
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