Negotiating Caribbean Identities

In: New left review: NLR, Heft 209, S. 3-14

Abstract

Caribbean political leaders & writers' struggles to determine Caribbean cultural identities are examined. It is contended that the struggle to define Caribbean cultural identities has been one of the most significant problems tackled by 20th century Caribbean political activists & writers. Several circumstances that have problematized efforts to circumscribe Caribbean cultural identities are highlighted including the difficulties of determining Caribbean people's cultural & historical origins. Three processes presently affecting Caribbean cultural identities are subsequently identified: the retention of both colonialist & African cultural traditions; the pervasive efforts to assimilate local Caribbean cultures into the cultures of their colonial European descendants; & the influence of various black movements (eg, negritude, the Harlem Renaissance, & Rastafarianism) upon Caribbean culture. It is concluded that Caribbean political leaders & writers should embrace, not overlook, the multiple cultural heritages present within contemporary Caribbean society & utilize them to construct Caribbean cultural identities. J. W. Parker