9 Popular Jamaican Stereotypes! (Dis dem always say bout we masah)
- Shaneika Smith
- Apr 25, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2023
Jamaica! Jamaica!
OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE
1. ALL Jamaicans sport a 'loc' hairstyle
Based on what is portrayed in the media as it relates to our culture and heritage; people from all over the world believe that we only sport loc hairstyles. This is a myth, as we are a nation filled with people from different parts of the world who have different hair texture and styles. With respect to our national motto "OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE" It's just a stereotype!
2. English is not our official language
English is the official language of Jamaica and is used for all official purposes, including being the language of government, education and media. With a population of nearly 2.9 million, Jamaica is the third most populous Anglophone (English-speaking) country in the Americas, trailing only the United States and Canada. However, the debates still continue as to whether or not English is the official language, as most Jamaicans are also fluent in Patois or Jamaican Creole ( Jamaican Creole can best be described a mixture of English and a variety of West African languages). Patois is widely used by influential reggae and dance-hall artiste as well as, poets whose music and poetry are being played world-wide hence, the vast majority believe its our official language.
3. All Jamaican men have big STUFF!
Jamaican men are very gifted! They were ranked among the largest measuring 6.3 inches long in 2018. But there are average sized men here as well. EVERYBODY CAH BLESSED AND GIFTED SO!
4. All Jamaican females are "contortionist"
Jamaican females can definitely move their body in the most exquisite styles. One might ask "how are they so flexible?" I guess its their African traditions that contributes to this natural phenomenon. MAYBE I AM NOT JAMAICAN! Because I can't get my body to conform with those Contortionist movements.
5. All Jamaican Smoke Weed/Marijuana
Nooo! The fact is that smoking weed/ganja/marijuana/pot, what ever you want to call it, is not as widespread in Jamaica as some might think. Contrary to this widespread myth, weed is actually illegal in Jamaica and has only been decriminalized since recent years and individuals can still be charged if found with large quantities. Rastafarians use weed for medicinal and religious as well as, in some form of rituals. In Jamaica there are individuals who actually despise the act of smoking weed and frown upon the practice, especially when it is being done among our youths.The next time you are going to stereotype a Jamaican, by asking them for blunt, remember that majority of the Jamaican population DON'T SMOKE WEED!)
6. Jamaica is an Island ( No Civilization)
Yes it is an Island! Jamaica is the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean and the third largest of the Greater Antilles, after Cuba and Hispaniola. It is funny that people who are explicitly exposed to a myriad of information can still ask question such as:
1. Do you have WiFi? (ummm.....)
2. Do you have toilets? (Come on!)
3. Do Jamaicans actually live in thatches? (LOL)
4. Oh! Jamaicans travel as well ? ( Damn right we do)
P.S. I got asked all the above annoying questions while travelling.
7. All Jamaicans can dance
I guess it is safe to say that majority of the population can dance (But not everyone is a dancer). Dance plays a major role in our culture and adds color and vibrancy to the world of dance-hall. But best believe that many Jamaicans struggle with it!
8. Jamaicans ONLY listen to reggae music
Jamaica is the birthplace to this extra-ordinary genre of music. But contrary to this Jamaicans listen to other music such as Soca, RnB, Hip-Hop, Jazz and even Pop music.
In fact many times reggae is influenced from other genre of music from around the world.
Someone once asked me if I only listen to Bob Marley Lol!
9. All Jamaicans are POOR BLACK people!
The Jamaican economy is not the best and with greater effort needs a lot of improvement. But the reality is, even developing countries are faced with economic woes like Jamaica. As with anywhere in the world Jamaica has poor, rich and middle class as well and even though there are individuals living below the poverty mark, this is not the case for most Jamaicans. Jamaicans are hardworking individuals who strive to make a better life for themselves as well as, their family. They are usually very proud and boastful of their achievements and their ability to provide for their families against all odds.
Stereotyping robs you of the ability to get to know a person’s true nature and discover possible similarities with your own culture. Jamaicans are a warm people with an exciting culture that they are always willing to share with the world. Though you may encounter Jamaicans who fit the stereotypical descriptions perfectly, you miss the opportunity to learn something new if you assume that everyone is the same.
Written by: Shaneika Smith (Jamaican)
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