Close Topic Options

Caribbean Respect

Do you think that people in general, especially visiting tourists respect the culture and traditions of the Caribbean islands or do they see them as primitive and in need of guidance? Give examples for your opinion.

Respect Caribbean

Having lived in the Caribbean for a long time, and now living in the US, I can honestly say that a fair amount of non-Caribbeans (trying to be politically correct) do see those who live there as being primitive. The perception I get is that they think natives of the Caribbean ride horse-driven carts through the street, and pick coconuts all day, etc. An example I can give is when I was speaking to a group of people about my experiences in Caribbean life. At the end of my presentation, one individual asked me "So you guys eat foods other than bananas and coconuts?" I answered "Yes" and nothing more, because I was completely dumbfounded by the question. Somebody had been watching too many 'Survivor' episodes in my opinion.

Caribbean Respect Caribbean / Tobago & Trinidad

Malexander, things like you just said get me really mad or made me laugh*laughs* I mean, with all respect, how can someone be so ignorant and ask such a thing?. And you know what? your experience it is not the first one I have heard. A couple of people told me that when they were in the US they asked them the following questions about Trinidad/Caribbean:

1) It is so true that in the Caribbean is so hot that when you wear plastic sandals they melt?.

2) Since Trinidad is so small, do you all have cars?.

3) Since Trinidad is so small, do you all have internet access?.

I find these questions to be ridiculous.

Respect Caribbean

It isn't necessarily a lack of respect, or of ridiculous questions. At least such people are showing some interest, and are perhaps willing to learn. No matter where people are from, they have basic assumptions that are incorrect about people and cultures in other places. Having lived in several different cultures, I have seen such assumptions on all sides. I can almost guarantee that everyone on this forum has incorrect assumptions about some other places in the world.

It just isn't worth getting angry over.

Respect Caribbean

Definetly, but in my humble opinion, there is something called common sense. I just personally cannot imagine that someone will think that Caribbean people eat cocunuts and mangoes all day long. It is like me if I think that US citizens still in cowboy clothing and going to the Saloon. Could you imagine if someone ask you: "So do you all in the US go to the saloon often? Are American Indians allow there? Have you ever met Billy the Kid?." I mean, don't tell me isn't funny! *laughs*

It does not get me angry really, it was just an expression of my part. It makes me laugh most of the time that someone will actually think that sandals with melt while you walk.

Caribbean Respect

Most tourists expect-- no DEMAND-- the Caribbean to be primitive and comely.

In the States, I have found that most people who leave a busy, hectic, smog-filled existence in the cities, expect to go to the Caribbean and find the total opposite.

And most are not embarrassed to admit this, and also admit their displeasure when they find the islands to have modern facilities, traffic jams, tall buildings, fast food joints, etc.


On the one hand, it is comedic. On the other, the blatant colonialism is quite offensive.

Caribbean Respect

I agree with NightHawk - misconceptions are everywhere - this is why comedians have so much fun. And yes when I think of Texas I think of the wild wild west

Caribbean Respect Trinidad & Tobago / Caribbean

One fellow asked me "Do you guys have elephants or camels there?
Come on my man, know your geography! What the miercoles!