Thank you for saying so. I really appreciate the documentary & did not want to disrespect it by bickering, but it really has made me think a lot. Growing up outside of JA, I was told I couldn't be Jamaican (but then not European either). Anything other than a brief nod to our origins was never ever discussed in my family & frowned on. When you're a kid you don't think about things, but when you grow up, you wonder 'where do I fit'? I can't explain it, but It was comforting seeing these people.
The "Chinese kept to themselves....and made money from the community but never integrated with the community..." Probably wanted to create the Jamaican version of China town (USA). You cannot isolate yourself from the community and at the same time take their money.
Learn how to listen and read you daft imbecile. The video states exactly what I expounded on. That was the very point of the video you microbe!. Go kick rocks!
Diafgadgsut Learn how to listen and read you daft imbecile. The video states exactly what I expounded on. That was the very point of the video you microbe!. Go kick rocks!
Sven Nickles As I said you are the imbecile and clueless fool. Also, this video still remain garbage. I have family members that mix, with just about everything. Some even come out dark, and don't even look like them have mixture of Indian, white, Chinese etc. they have kids, and they kids, don't have mixture much. So basically, even though someone is dark skin in Jamaica, that doesn't mean they haven't have some mix in them. By the way, one of my great grand mother is Irish. Again, I say imbecile, it's obvious they didn't kept to themselves. This video is garbage. JAMAICA don't dwell on fucking race. Keep that fuck up mentality across the Atlantic and up north!! JAMAICA's MOTTO IS "OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE"
I will subscribe. Your presentation is unique in that it is not often shared here in the states but the people interviewed were just as passionate and animated about their homeland, their kinship and even their future together as the Jamaicans we are exposed too. Stereotypes damage a people’s image and I’m really glad you are doing your part to counteract that. Thanks for sharing it.
Many of these Chinese people a did not run away from racism,. They went away when Michael Manley became Prime Minister and he was practicing socialism. Michael said," one man have too many ,while too many have too little." Jamaica lost also many whites,and wealthy blacks also who migrated to USA,Canada etc. They ran away from socialism.
tell the truth! the CIA mash up Jamaica because of their hatred of socialism! there were no gun factories in JA, so where do you suppose the guns come in from? it was the guns they was running from & I can't blame them for that!!
wow, that sounds like it yes. Speeches about haves vs the have nots and the chiney people start getting blamed and boom. The question also would be why it was concentrated in kingston. Consider there is a documentary that where it is said that the CIA burnt down the old people home to turn people against manley. Would the CIA also have agitators in kingston to start riots against the chinese? I wouldnt put it past them
Media spreads lies fundamentally, until I know what your objectives are, I cannot just sit and watch your film without appreciation of what motivated this particular film. As such appreciate that intelligent people don't just look at the surface, on the surface your film seems in part to be fragmented in it's content and contrived in terms of it's people interviewed. I work as a 'Media Assassin' and your film David, seems like the perfect material for me to chop up!
I have a nigerian homie and a homie from the islands we all work together and get along and act the same...but all grew up in different cultures...I'm convinced we all started in the same place
Too much respect for the man at 04:35. Not to say the Chinese community deserved it in any way shape or form. But if we all thought like this man, and thought first about what "we" can do, instead of someone else (the government, politicians, schools, police...) we would be a lot better off. It's a lot easier to smash a strangers window than it is an acquaintance's, a neighbor's or a friend's.
It’s a natural reaction when you first come to a new place to be shy and keep to yourself. (For goodness sake, they didn’t even speak the language!) Assimilation can take years! And most often does… anywhere. I feel (my opinion) that they were just not granted the tolerance of TIME that it takes to achieve the level of assimilation that others around them so craved.
This is exactly what happened with Koreans in LA. They were new to the city and kept to themselves, and as a result they were butchered and had their businesses destroyed.
You are right this is a black persons country ans they should be living well but instead they watch Europeans and Asians take over they country and reap rewards. While they are mis treated and poor and cheated. JA is beautiful but hated that tour after tour mostly foreigners owned big business but at same time this is what happens when blacks don't work together
what is black 40% african 20% white 15% east Indian 20% Carib Indian (original people of the Caribbean) 5% Chinese. only true black people live in Africa( grandfathers African , great grandfather is African......and so on, not great grandfather from Scotland. how can u be black if 50% ,20 % white ? common say is because white people want except you, is this not supportting racism. This is Encouraging white superiority.
Minelva LaPlante The Chinese not shame fi doing the. The Chinese in Hawaii don't capitulate to the Hawaiian cultures. If you come to a different country you should swing to whatever way you move to. I could not do that in China . Chinese or any other race you are wrong!!!🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Being a Jamaican who had a white father and a black mother i never knew what color was until i moved to Canada. My ex-bf is Chinese and all my neighbours were either white, Indian or Chinese didnt have many blacks who were 100% full because all the blacks were mixed like myself. Well what a change. summer i was in St. Ann where i am from and the amount of Chinese and Indians i saw i thought for a second that the plane had landed somewhere in Asia.
dunns river exactly I am of mid dark complexion, my great grand father is Scottish on my father's side and on my mother's side some are mixed with Indian and African but we have never experienced RACISM like, I had friends who are Chinese, White etc upto now my very close friend is 100% white.... Stop trying to force racism here! We have CLASSISM which I experienced first hand given the fact that I grew upon the streets of downtown Kingston but I've never experienced any prejudice base on colour!
At 5:01 of the video, this guy spoke the truth. I was born in Jamaica and remember as a child and also through many conversations with family members, the Chinese would segregate themselves from the black population, except for when it came to owning stores and making money. I'm not saying the way the black majority treated Indian and Chinese Jamaicans were good, but I think there were issues on both sides, and without a government that would work to foster good relations between the various communities, the riots took place, and the relations between the Chinese Jamaicans and the African Jamaicans got bad, but there were also some very good relationships between the two. Jamaica needs healing and fixing in many many ways. I hope one day, all of my Indian, Chinese, White, and African brothers and sisters will find their way home when Jamaica is ready to change the living condition and the crime, and the poverty. We can do it!!!!
I have fallen in love with the island country of Jamaica, and have often visited and have serious thoughts and have made inroads to live there...but I am an American....black in color, but not quite the same...either...either way, education and knowledge overcome ignorance and rejection..bring more video projects to the table....the stories need to be told...
This is a good piece. I am a very proud black Jamaican, and I had no idea there were three uprisings against the Chinese here. WOW... That is news to me. It is good to face the truth head-on. That man who spoke of the Chinese segregating themselves made a very good point. The other who puts it down to the work of politicians also makes a good point. There were several contributing factors.
Jamaica is an interest to all kinds of outsiders, and lot of them don't mean Jamaica any good. The forgotten faces guy is just one of them. You will see documentaries on Jamaica from many different perspectives, most will be from white folks who love to portray black people in a negative light . Some will be from other blacks, mainly throughout the Caribbean who carry resentment, or even outright hartred because of all the attention Jamaica gets. There are videos of people from all walks of life who are in love with Jamaica, and has a lot of good things to say. It's important to stay open minded and not get caught up in some amateur journalist attempt to be recognized. Jamaica doesn't currently have a racial issue, Jamaica has a past which is no different from any other country. You can't go to another country, and isolate yourself from the people as if they are beneath you, and don't expect to be friction. Jamaicans don't have an issue with race, but we will have an issue with people who leach from us like parasites, and treat us like we are beneath them.
Some Jamaicans harbor racist beliefs. Most I know do not and my family certainly does not but none the less there are plenty of Jamaicans who harbor bigoted beliefs on whites, Chinese, and Indians in particular. It may be more of class resentment more so than racial but none the less it is a part of some Jamaican society. Overall I think most Jamaicans are much more comfortable openly discussing racial issues than Americans of any race are.
All due respect, I understood very well what the documentary was about but I disagree with anyone calling Jamaica diverse. To me, a state or nation has to have atleast 2 large/dominant ethnicities in order to hold the title "diverse". For example London, Mauitious (spelling), New York, Dominican Republic. I didn't misquote a thing. The stats may not be 100% on point but it's still a black country.
oh, i'll bet people were tight lipped if they knew they'd be on video.... i grew up in JA during the 70's, so the history surrounding Jamaican politics and violence has been an ongoing interest for me over the years. i think your "Forgotten Faces" series is outstanding... at one time, JA seemed more diverse racially - back in the early 70's anyway. it's funny how the old mantra of "diversity and tolerance" in JA is true to a point, but has often been at odds with itself.
I Am A Jamaican And You Guys Are Being Very Simple Minded.... Just Because The Way Their Ancestors Treated Our Forefathers Mean You Must Judge Them And Curse Them Out. They Just Want A Peace Of Life Like Everyone Else Jamaica Is Not A Black Man Country. Whoever Lives In Jamaica That Is Their Home Country.
I am absolutely stunned by this video. I wonder what are the cultural roots of the person conducting the interviews, and exactly what are the goals of this video?. Many Americans find it difficult to believe that all races in Jamaica do co-exist. People might have personal issues, but as a people, there are no widespread bigotry against Jamaicans of Chinese descent. I cannot speak about what happened 1918. In 1938, during Adult Suffrage, there were great unrest in Jamaica. It was a fight against white oppression; white as in the British. Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley led the protest against the imperial power of Britain. The country wanted more freedom, and our leaders wanted the large British colonial partners (such as the USA) to stop exploiting our country. The war was not with or against Chinese Jamaicans. There were no riots against Chinese in Kingston in 1965. I went to a Chinese hari dresser in lower St. Andrew every Sat. Half of my father's buildings were occupied by Chinese tenants in lower St. Andrew. There were no riots; this is a smear campaign.
p.s. try reading about the 1965 riots in various publications, newspapers and other documentaries like this. happy to have helped you find information you were not aware of.- David Ritter
Excellent response!! I don't know why some insist on relating their personal experiences with the intention of proving that they are reflections of an entire community at any given time.
I remember when I started seeing color as a difference between people. I saw an asian looking person who then began speaking in one of the deepest Jamaican accents I'd ever heard. I was very surprised. I was about 12. I was born in Jamaica and moved to NY when I was 10. Until that incident I don't remember seeing color/ethnic differences, all I had seen was Jamaican. I had to leave my country to see our diversity but now I think that was sad. I want to go back to being color blind.
I agree on the Chinese gentlemen who said that also shuld blame the chinese to not intigrate into the sociity where they come. Its true facts. Any country in the world with a big chinese community they never intermarriage or mingle with locals. This is a very resent experince in my country Sri Lanka . Since 10 years back chinese govermetn starting to help and invest alot of money in our island south of India. Today its +100 000 chinese in Sri Lanka . You will notice they set up massage paurlors, restaurants, shops. All with chinese language text only..and how they going to expect locals to shop there? they dont wants locals...that is the thing...many of these buisness is illigal prostitution , gambling dens, and mafia type of crimes. Welcome to the world...Just cos our population is so thankfull to the chinese goverments support during our civil war .and after...people is nto saying anything..but slowly slowly chinese communities will take over..
Actually, they intermarried with Jamaican blacks. The richest Jamaican now is half black, half Chinese. Nowadays most people born in Jamaica with Asian blood are part black.
I think exploring this will assist more people of African descent understand how the indenture servant was also being used by the British powers at the time as pawns to undercut the overwhelmingly African population because of their fears. They wanted a buffer, and way to ensure that Africans stayed at the bottom of the pecking order for add long add possible...My2¢. Thanks again for making this work, I look forward to more.
Am I the only one that has never seen first hand racism in jamaica? Cause I went to school with white kids and even Chinese too but we treated them just as how we treated everyone else I can honestly say I didn't face racism until I stared living in the USA
A logical fallacy " my experience is indicative of all other peoples experience without exception". Just because you did not see or experience a particular phenomenon does not mean that it does not exist. Regards David Ritter, Director of this documentary.
Well now the Chinese know how it feels! Bless the fearless, strong Jamaican people for not allowing the Chinese to take over, to mistreat people and get away with it like they do in the u.s.
I'm not saying this was right, but even though I was a very young boy, it was plain to see...everyone lost when those stores burned.....everyone...all born out of mistrust........
This documentary is so interesting because it explains the class system in Jamaica and how it is created. You consider that the Taino(Arawaks)were the only indigenous people living on the island, with everyone else coming to the country escaping oppression or being brought to the country through indentured servitude or slavery. As the Lebanese, Chinese etc began to build businesses, it seemed as though the threat to the overall class system became shaky as any group gaining economic standing also began to gain political ground as well. Is it about keeping the class system in tact? Think about East Indians as well Is this why tension is created? Is this why resentment and distrust is created and perpetuated?
Has anyone ever noticed that when people ask you what school you attended in Jamaica, its actually code for "What is your social standing or class?" Each school is representative of that
Again. Sir, apologies if I offended you in any way. Only passionate in the moment & eating dinner whilst drinking wine (low tolerance). :) Yes, I'm Defeated. :) I don’t care that much and just glad to have the ability to get my voice out there. Even though your responses were as harsh as they were at times still glad to learn from your perspective. Especially considering that there are so few of us out there now with this unique background.
That guy was being very fair when he said that "the Chinese were isolated in their communities and only wanted to make money off of the Black people without giving back to the community". Very little has changed over the years. I am from Mandeville and the behaviour is still the same. They don't even look you in the face when you go to their supermarket.
I can't tell you how much I applaud you for doing these projects!! You are amazing... I would be honored to meet you on day and/or help you any way I can... I hope we can connect... Cheers.
Thank you got responding to my comments. I'm sorry there was a third installment of my comment which didn't post. I watched all parts of your work with great interest, but at no point was it discussed why exactly were indentured servants brought. When you had a skilled newly freed labor force. Who were doing the work all along. So why did the powers at that time go to great lengths to bring in more labor?
Nowadays as a Jamaican I can tell you there's no race issues in Jamaica but the Africans sure had to straiten all the other races out because all of them and to those who say there's no poor Indian or Chinese in Jamaica and no rich black people in Jamaica you're completely wrong
Jamaica was never a black island. Before the whites came black Indians lived in Jamaica. I think it's a good thing the blacks made the Chinese people leave because Chinese people take over things. There no poor white or Chinese people in Jamaica. Jamaica needs to take care of their own people first.
+One Rider Really? Why are white communities generally peaceful but black communities comparatively violent? And that's pretty well everywhere in western society. It's funny that you accuse people of being racist when you are obviously very racist yourself.
Mannon Howard ignorant ass go ask your ancestors who are murderers and are the reason we are fucked. Destabilized a people and then their dumb ass ignorant descendants dont know shit and always talking shit. i wish one of yall dumb asses would talk this shit to my face and why the fuck are you on this video u jealous shit
Royal African lol blaming the white man because your community in america is a bunch of dumbasses who cant spell, spend all day internet cripping and do not want to learn because if u do "u acting white." im speaking from personal experience btw. just cause ur in the ghetto doesnt mean u cant educate yourself. its time black ppl stop talking about the past and try and work toward the future
it seems that some black people, not all, but many in the USA, have a chip on their shoulder. just because your ancestors were enslaved, donest give you the right to hate people nowadays. “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers". They cant see that all they are doing is blaming their lack of success on other people. Alot of the people hating in the comments are american it seems
I do, history events cost the people that experienced them so much that it would be a shame for us to forget its details just because they’re in the past. The people that you featured on this video all dealt with the matter in the present tense, which means it’s living history.
@CharmingPhoenix Prior to Jamaican Independence in 1962 there was an annual "Miss Chinese Jamaica" pageant. It drew charges from journalists that the ethnic pride on display was "unpatriotic and un-Jamaican". Rather than relenting the pageant was "re-named" "Miss Chinese Athletic Club in an effort to avoid controversy and held its final "openly racialised beauty contest" in 1962. Such contests may be deemed "acceptable" in large metropolises but exuded aloofness in tiny Jamaica.
Just so you know breddrin, i will not entertain anything else you have to say on this matter; although I do NOT agree, your points are well taken all the same. I would like to THANK @ForgottenFaces001 for breathing life into this story. And thus giving me the opportunity to speak on this. I do hope we can link up sometime. Cheers.
Weather the general public at large realized this or not, as an island, Jamaica benefited (economically & socially) from these businesses that many so resented. As you well know, such commerce creates “ripple effects” if you will, throughout the infrastructure. To be honest with you, while I am SO Proud of my heritage; I am at the same time so thankful that none of my family experienced any extensive brutality whilst there…(So sad I cannot say the same for many others) and SO glad we left.
You’re right love is not forced but what I was alluding to is, fear. Fear can hold back a nation. We can be afraid of what we will become, of what we will lose. America’s architects felt this fear. They anticipated the civil war. They knew their economic system of slavery was out of harmony with democracy & capitalism but they were afraid of what a complete turnabout would bring. Eventually America’s minority is becoming the majority. We are becoming a blended people. Jamaica has that potential.
Keep on exposing the truth, racism needs to stop. this is very important issues and very interesting and i have i respect for this big effort you have done to show it to the world. we love to cover our dirty tracks and use excuses but education is the way out of ignorance. they always say chiney man knows to make money and live good with people, black people too badmind against each other. we black people should learn from these, our own statements and rise above too.
Very well done video, very interesting. I did go to ?Chinatown? in Jamaica, it's pretty small, but the people seem nice and well mannered. We had a nice lunch. Otherwise, I didn't know there has been this history of racial situation. Thank you for a good documentary.
Yes I know!!!...remember I was the one who enlightened you to these facts!!! As I said before...this isn't about YOU...it's about broader more important issues...who gives a rat's behind of your pride in your heritage? Was anyone challenging that pride? That's exactly what the Chinese man so eloquently alluded to in the video...like it or not a typical reflection of your mindset of "shutting down the whole bloody thing"..."instead of running away they should have remained and made a stance"
This is an excellent education, I knew nothing of the anti-chinese riots. My folks never once mentioned such things during their frequent lament about Jamaican sun, soil and seafood and 'how the breadfruit and grilled fish sweet them more than fish & chips ever could in 'kole, kole Ingland' ;)
@CharmingPhoenix...Most (NOT ALL) Jamaican Chinese that I have encountered (despite social, economic or educational status) maintain an aloof attitude when it comes to sociological interpersonal relations with Blacks...and this attitude transcends generations... any embrace under the guise of "Out of Many" is often tongue-in-cheek. It is a historical fact that early Chinese migrants largely male often entered into common-law unions with the Afro-Jamaican women who worked at their businesses.
Well said askar4kill...well said...maybe not "only"...but making money off the "people" was for sure a main objective. An extremely insightful point of view. Kudos!!!
I didn't say I was from an illiterate background. But if you want to have that opinion of me, you are entitled to it. I'm actually busy right now, so I wont be responding to you. Most of the people in Jamaica are not educated only a minority and that is that. Thanks for your take on the issue and please have a nice day
I like your documentary, I've never seen a work on this subject, and I appreciate you telling this story. I think whenever you try to have a conversation around a thought provoking topic in public you'll always experience commentary from those who Struggle with the thought process of the conversation. However I think most if not all these comments could be mitigating by addressing a topic which your piece brings up but is never addressed.
+truth setter I cannot seem to find your thread I was commenting on, but I wanted to reply to you. I seem myself as Jamaican because on the island we have developed a distinct culture that has its own history that is similar to other people of the Americas and West and Central Africans but but also unique. So I want to honour that, I'm open to other suggestions but it's the only term that describes my culture, language and ethnicity. I was actually born and live in England buy this it what distinguishes me from other people. There is no other way to describe this other than Jamaican which is based on the Taino word for the island Xaymaca. I'm open to other suggestions though.
the politicians were not overly racist towards those of Chinese, Lebanese, Indian, etc. ancestry - they were merely opportunistic. Alexander Bustamante in particular, despite being nearly white himself, aligned himself with the black poor as a labor activist and many times stirred up his loyal followers into action whenever chaos might have created a benefit for him. he was such a problem for the colonial govt. that he was imprisoned for 3 years in 1940 for sedition.
@CharmingPhoenix Such changes have been largely cosmetic on the part of the "older generation" and as is reflected globally, the younger generation is somewhat more adaptable and open minded. A different attitude towards Blacks has been embraced in many cases forcibly so as a matter of mere survival, and as a result of social changes/equity brought about as a result of Blacks "coming into their own" ascending the socio-economic barriers through education...holding many professional positions.
My godfather was Chinese and from St Catherines. His entire family are all 1/2 black 1/2 Chinese and got along with and mixed with the entire neighborhood. I never heard of any racial instances.
The word is not "JEALOUS" you folk that are getting on here and saying or agreeing that blacks are jealous of other groups are delusional! The correct word could is "SUSPICIOUS!" As a black from Mississippi who knows the history of what it means to receive the wrath of jealousy, you all are running a mile a minute. JEALOUSY actually comes from white groups that do not want to see black groups excel. Have you not heard about the "ROSEWOOD" massacre? It is now a movie; it shows how whites killed and burnt whole towns due to jealousy of blacks. Be it, Africa, USA, Jamaica, Europe and beyond, jealousy is usually found as a whole when blacks start being successful. Yes, we all can act jealous of one another; however, it is not a cultural characteristic of the whole group. Jamaica has its own history, and those of us who are not from there need to not comment on that which we do not know! Jamaicans WHO WERE RAISED ON THE ISLAND know that it is far more to this story than what is on You Tube. IN ANY COUNTRY, anyone that goes to another country and act as if he/she is more important that the natives WILL and SHOULD encounter problems. In the USA ( the Indians from India are as poor as as dirt in India)but are giving the best jobs and loans. They then began to act as if they are superior to other minorities. This is coming from a group of folk who are looked down upon in their own country but acting superior in another country where they now live. This leads to hostility and suspicion. The whole world knows that Jamaicans as a people are the most down to earth group of folk there are. All countries have their issues which to contend!
Whereas I am sensitive to the plight of the Asians in Jamaica (according to them), there is a story that they are not telling. The white man always bring in another outside group and treat them better than the locals. In Madagascar, they brought countless Asians. They now do not consider it as being a part of Africa and have lied to say that it was never a part of Africa. What these Chinese are not saying is how they treated the locals and how they got the fat of the land. WHO WANTS TO SEE IMMIGRANTS COME IN AND TAKE OVER? Did they stay to themselves or blend in with other Jamaicans? Again, I do not believe that they were simply attacked for no real reason. Indians are doing the same thing in Trinidad that took place in Jamaica. There are now more Indians than native Trinidadians THANKS TO THE COLONIALISM OF THE WHITE MAN! I am from Mississippi and can see quite plainly that light skinned folk and so called "OTHERS" mostly stick to themselves in Jamaica. I am not saying that no one marries a dark skinned blacks; I am saying that it is really not the rule of thumb!
Richard Stapleton Am black and i believe that we have a deeeeeeep jealousy of others and it manifest it self in this ridiculous mentality that we have developed where we make racism out of every little thing.
Richard Stapleton u talking bullshit jamaica is not segregate..everybody mix together..i had indian friends that i didnt realise their ethnicity until traveling to America
I found it interesting that the Chinese Jamaican who left Jamaica blamed some of the problems on the lack of integration into society. I think this is an issue in many parts of the world. Some people try to accept others but there is conflict when groups form cliques and do no mix or assimilate. However culture is lost if you assimilate. Dilemma for many.
with the Barry St. riots in Aug. '65, it's important to put it into the context of what was happening in Central/West Kingston - there was immense political friction between Seaga and his JLP followers and Dudley Thompson, Wills Issacs and their PNP followers, who had been skirmishing for years since the 40's when the conflict began as trade union rivalry. what might have been an ugly but isolated incident at a shop was amplified by the area's political instability.
I can't even begin to respond your comment here... But look out for it when I am more clear-minded... Although for right now, all I can say is, it is YOUR perception of "exclusive-ness" just because they -- Chinese, wanted to recognize their heritage in various forms -- clubs and so on... the many various races here in the United States to the SAME thing here even in the WORKPLACE... does that mean that they believe they are exclusively superior? I think not, its all how you take it...
@ForgottenFaces001 Are you always this defensive if someone disagrees with your point of view? Did you respond to the other person who kept inferring that blacks are prone to violence?
Some people just dont like the truth. Chinese, indians and arabs are in Ghana too doing the same thing. You have eyes as well as me, good to know there are a few of us still around. Hotep.
I live in Jamaica. I am white. It is not because of ignorance. It is a form of recognization. At school I am called white girl etc. It isnt for offence. It is because I am.
my grandma is Jamaican but she was not black, she was 50% chinese, 50% indian. and i asked her "hey grandma why did you leave Jamaica and come to Guyana?" i was so young and innocent, she cudnt give me a reason why...now i know. in her defense, she probably didnt want to burden me about racial tensions but damn. it shows that this world isnt always sunshine and rainbows. but im not hating. respects from Guyana to Jamaica. from one Anglophone Caribbean neigbour to another.
I moved to England, the land of the people who used us as slaves and removed our ancestry with brutality, Not all the people in England is racist, racism exist everywhere in the world where there is inequality and ignorance. Jamaica is evolving from the legacy of racism and slavery, the old system of power and financial empowerment is slowly being eroded, yes many Asians where used to buffer the English during slavery and they were rewarded with preferred access to the internal economy with a pledge to keep the Africans out.
Troy Brown Your statement that Chinese were used in Jamaica as a buffer during slavery is inaccurate. The majority of Chinese and Indian people came after slavery was abolished. Most came as indentured servants to replace the labor that was lost on the plantations when slavery was abolished.
Jamerican28 There is a popular revision of history being pushed by Jamaican academics to assert that Asian and European immigrants were a hinderance and negative, oppressive element within Jamaican society, This is done with a political agenda - David Ritter
Just what I suspected...a complete change of tune...like a wounded/defeated dog whimpering away with it's tail between it's legs. Normally I would not be this confrontational but given your unabashed audacity to challenge me in such a taunting manner without no facts to support your actions/arguments... it gives crecence to such a response. I am delighted to see that you have been brought to your knees after reading my enlightening commentaries...Yes, you are forgiven.
There is nothing wrong with taking a stance, sir. People are merely wary of retribution and/or can't be bothered(pick and choose their battles) kinda thing. Much like this situation where if you were looking to "win" something... Trust you "Won" *bows like the old-school Chinese did* haha :) Anyway from what I gather, it seems like lived in those times, so what do I know?You really do have more hexperience than me as you stated in your harsh pure Patois PM to me. Big up and Nuff Respect boss!!
What that man said about it being the only nation where different ethnicities sit together in restaurants and things was ignorant. He has clearly never been to Canada.
Chinese guy at 4 minutes really was the most honest and kept it 100%....
Thank you for saying so. I really appreciate the documentary & did not want to disrespect it by bickering, but it really has made me think a lot. Growing up outside of JA, I was told I couldn't be Jamaican (but then not European either). Anything other than a brief nod to our origins was never ever discussed in my family & frowned on. When you're a kid you don't think about things, but when you grow up, you wonder 'where do I fit'? I can't explain it, but It was comforting seeing these people.
The "Chinese kept to themselves....and made money from the community but never integrated with the community..." Probably wanted to create the Jamaican version of China town (USA). You cannot isolate yourself from the community and at the same time take their money.
Learn how to listen and read you daft imbecile. The video states exactly what I expounded on. That was the very point of the video you microbe!. Go kick rocks!
***** Exactly!
Diafgadgsut Learn how to listen and read you daft imbecile. The video states exactly what I expounded on. That was the very point of the video you microbe!. Go kick rocks!
Paul Judkins Obviously you are lacking the intellectual fortitude for this discussion. Go read several books then return to comment.
Sven Nickles As I said you are the imbecile and clueless fool. Also, this video still remain garbage. I have family members that mix, with just about everything. Some even come out dark, and don't even look like them have mixture of Indian, white, Chinese etc. they have kids, and they kids, don't have mixture much. So basically, even though someone is dark skin in Jamaica, that doesn't mean they haven't have some mix in them. By the way, one of my great grand mother is Irish. Again, I say imbecile, it's obvious they didn't kept to themselves. This video is garbage. JAMAICA don't dwell on fucking race. Keep that fuck up mentality across the Atlantic and up north!! JAMAICA's MOTTO IS "OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE"
I will subscribe. Your presentation is unique in that it is not often shared here in the states but the people interviewed were just as passionate and animated about their homeland, their kinship and even their future together as the Jamaicans we are exposed too. Stereotypes damage a people’s image and I’m really glad you are doing your part to counteract that. Thanks for sharing it.
Many of these Chinese people a did not run away from racism,. They went away when Michael Manley became Prime Minister and he was practicing socialism. Michael said," one man have too many ,while too many have too little." Jamaica lost also many whites,and wealthy blacks also who migrated to USA,Canada etc. They ran away from socialism.
tell the truth! the CIA mash up Jamaica because of their hatred of socialism! there were no gun factories in JA, so where do you suppose the guns come in from? it was the guns they was running from & I can't blame them for that!!
wow, that sounds like it yes. Speeches about haves vs the have nots and the chiney people start getting blamed and boom. The question also would be why it was concentrated in kingston. Consider there is a documentary that where it is said that the CIA burnt down the old people home to turn people against manley. Would the CIA also have agitators in kingston to start riots against the chinese? I wouldnt put it past them
Racial animosity took place in 1968 in West Kingston and Spanish Town Rosd
Very interesting documentry, thank you for posting
Media spreads lies fundamentally, until I know what your objectives are, I cannot just sit and watch your film without appreciation of what motivated this particular film.
As such appreciate that intelligent people don't just look at the surface, on the surface your film seems in part to be fragmented in it's content and contrived in terms of it's people interviewed.
I work as a 'Media Assassin' and your film David, seems like the perfect material for me to chop up!
I have a nigerian homie and a homie from the islands we all work together and get along and act the same...but all grew up in different cultures...I'm convinced we all started in the same place
Too much respect for the man at 04:35. Not to say the Chinese community deserved it in any way shape or form. But if we all thought like this man, and thought first about what "we" can do, instead of someone else (the government, politicians, schools, police...) we would be a lot better off.
It's a lot easier to smash a strangers window than it is an acquaintance's, a neighbor's or a friend's.
People are free to do whatever they want. Not an excuse for genocide
It’s a natural reaction when you first come to a new place to be shy and keep to yourself. (For goodness sake, they didn’t even speak the language!) Assimilation can take years! And most often does… anywhere. I feel (my opinion) that they were just not granted the tolerance of TIME that it takes to achieve the level of assimilation that others around them so craved.
This is exactly what happened with Koreans in LA. They were new to the city and kept to themselves, and as a result they were butchered and had their businesses destroyed.
You are right this is a black persons country ans they should be living well but instead they watch Europeans and Asians take over they country and reap rewards. While they are mis treated and poor and cheated. JA is beautiful but hated that tour after tour mostly foreigners owned big business but at same time this is what happens when blacks don't work together
+Tharealtharowkilla Majority of population is black. BLACK COUNTRY. PERIOD!!!!!
what is black 40% african 20% white 15% east Indian 20% Carib Indian (original people of the Caribbean) 5% Chinese. only true black people live in Africa( grandfathers African , great grandfather is African......and so on, not great grandfather from Scotland. how can u be black if 50% ,20 % white ? common say is because white people want except you, is this not supportting racism. This is Encouraging white superiority.
gtf back to africa.
How do the Indians from India, live in Jamaica? Are thy poor and mistreated?
Minelva LaPlante The Chinese not shame fi doing the. The Chinese in Hawaii don't capitulate to the Hawaiian cultures. If you come to a different country you should swing to whatever way you move to. I could not do that in China . Chinese or any other race you are wrong!!!🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
Being a Jamaican who had a white father and a black mother i never knew what color was until i moved to Canada. My ex-bf is Chinese and all my neighbours were either white, Indian or Chinese didnt have many blacks who were 100% full because all the blacks were mixed like myself.
Well what a change. summer i was in St. Ann where i am from and the amount of Chinese and Indians i saw i thought for a second that the plane had landed somewhere in Asia.
I presumed you grew up in norbrook or cherry gardens.
if your father is white guess what so are you the man has the seed not the woman
dunns river exactly I am of mid dark complexion, my great grand father is Scottish on my father's side and on my mother's side some are mixed with Indian and African but we have never experienced RACISM like, I had friends who are Chinese, White etc upto now my very close friend is 100% white.... Stop trying to force racism here! We have CLASSISM which I experienced first hand given the fact that I grew upon the streets of downtown Kingston but I've never experienced any prejudice base on colour!
ANDREW LIND so how come the whites in Canada don't see her as such, people don't see the seed. They see you by your appearance.
Way to COMPLETELY miss the point being made lol
🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
At 5:01 of the video, this guy spoke the truth. I was born in Jamaica and remember as a child and also through many conversations with family members, the Chinese would segregate themselves from the black population, except for when it came to owning stores and making money.
I'm not saying the way the black majority treated Indian and Chinese Jamaicans were good, but I think there were issues on both sides, and without a government that would work to foster good relations between the various communities, the riots took place, and the relations between the Chinese Jamaicans and the African Jamaicans got bad, but there were also some very good relationships between the two.
Jamaica needs healing and fixing in many many ways. I hope one day, all of my Indian, Chinese, White, and African brothers and sisters will find their way home when Jamaica is ready to change the living condition and the crime, and the poverty. We can do it!!!!
I have fallen in love with the island country of Jamaica, and have often visited and have serious thoughts and have made inroads to live there...but I am an American....black in color, but not quite the same...either...either way, education and knowledge overcome ignorance and rejection..bring more video projects to the table....the stories need to be told...
This is a good piece. I am a very proud black Jamaican, and I had no idea there were three uprisings against the Chinese here. WOW... That is news to me. It is good to face the truth head-on.
That man who spoke of the Chinese segregating themselves made a very good point. The other who puts it down to the work of politicians also makes a good point. There were several contributing factors.
also what about 30,000 people from Latin America living in Jamaica
Jamaica is an interest to all kinds of outsiders, and lot of them don't mean Jamaica any good. The forgotten faces guy is just one of them. You will see documentaries on Jamaica from many different perspectives, most will be from white folks who love to portray black people in a negative light . Some will be from other blacks, mainly throughout the Caribbean who carry resentment, or even outright hartred because of all the attention Jamaica gets. There are videos of people from all walks of life who are in love with Jamaica, and has a lot of good things to say. It's important to stay open minded and not get caught up in some amateur journalist attempt to be recognized. Jamaica doesn't currently have a racial issue, Jamaica has a past which is no different from any other country. You can't go to another country, and isolate yourself from the people as if they are beneath you, and don't expect to be friction. Jamaicans don't have an issue with race, but we will have an issue with people who leach from us like parasites, and treat us like we are beneath them.
Amen bredda 👏
Some Jamaicans harbor racist beliefs. Most I know do not and my family certainly does not but none the less there are plenty of Jamaicans who harbor bigoted beliefs on whites, Chinese, and Indians in particular. It may be more of class resentment more so than racial but none the less it is a part of some Jamaican society. Overall I think most Jamaicans are much more comfortable openly discussing racial issues than Americans of any race are.
With literally every word that you utter you dig yourself deeper and deeper into that chasm of irretrievable despair.
To whom is your remark directed, @mchlwng40? And what exactly are you intending to mean by your words?
All due respect, I understood very well what the documentary was about but I disagree with anyone calling Jamaica diverse. To me, a state or nation has to have atleast 2 large/dominant ethnicities in order to hold the title "diverse". For example London, Mauitious (spelling), New York, Dominican Republic. I didn't misquote a thing. The stats may not be 100% on point but it's still a black country.
oh, i'll bet people were tight lipped if they knew they'd be on video.... i grew up in JA during the 70's, so the history surrounding Jamaican politics and violence has been an ongoing interest for me over the years.
i think your "Forgotten Faces" series is outstanding... at one time, JA seemed more diverse racially - back in the early 70's anyway. it's funny how the old mantra of "diversity and tolerance" in JA is true to a point, but has often been at odds with itself.
I Am A Jamaican And You Guys Are Being Very Simple Minded.... Just Because The Way Their Ancestors Treated Our Forefathers Mean You Must Judge Them And Curse Them Out. They Just Want A Peace Of Life Like Everyone Else Jamaica Is Not A Black Man Country. Whoever Lives In Jamaica That Is Their Home Country.
same thing in my country Suriname. Did not realize how much we and Jamaica are alike
I am absolutely stunned by this video. I wonder what are the cultural roots of the person conducting the interviews, and exactly what are the goals of this video?. Many Americans find it difficult to believe that all races in Jamaica do co-exist. People might have personal issues, but as a people, there are no widespread bigotry against Jamaicans of Chinese descent. I cannot speak about what happened 1918. In 1938, during Adult Suffrage, there were great unrest in Jamaica. It was a fight against white oppression; white as in the British. Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley led the protest against the imperial power of Britain. The country wanted more freedom, and our leaders wanted the large British colonial partners (such as the USA) to stop exploiting our country. The war was not with or against Chinese Jamaicans. There were no riots against Chinese in Kingston in 1965. I went to a Chinese hari dresser in lower St. Andrew every Sat. Half of my father's buildings were occupied by Chinese tenants in lower St. Andrew. There were no riots; this is a smear campaign.
p.s. try reading about the 1965 riots in various publications, newspapers and other documentaries like this. happy to have helped you find information you were not aware of.- David Ritter
Thx, i look forward to any other docs you produce.
Excellent response!! I don't know why some insist on relating their personal experiences with the intention of proving that they are reflections of an entire community at any given time.
I remember when I started seeing color as a difference between people. I saw an asian looking person who then began speaking in one of the deepest Jamaican accents I'd ever heard. I was very surprised. I was about 12. I was born in Jamaica and moved to NY when I was 10. Until that incident I don't remember seeing color/ethnic differences, all I had seen was Jamaican. I had to leave my country to see our diversity but now I think that was sad. I want to go back to being color blind.
When was Chinese a slave in Jamaica plz somebody tell me
ALOT OF CHINESE PEOPLE ARE VERY RACIST TOWARDS BLACK PEOPLE WORLDWIDE.
@@anthonywest4173 every group has adleast one problem with each one of the others
Anthony West thats why they get killed in jamaica behave themselves
They came from China to be indentured labourers.
@@anthonywest4173 a lot of black people are racist towards Asians worldwide
Is the narrator Sevvy (or Sevdha)?
This dude says he's not a racist but you can clearly sense the animosity and sense of lost entitlement. He seems pissed it's a black country.
I agree on the Chinese gentlemen who said that also shuld blame the chinese to not intigrate into the sociity where they come. Its true facts. Any country in the world with a big chinese community they never intermarriage or mingle with locals. This is a very resent experince in my country Sri Lanka . Since 10 years back chinese govermetn starting to help and invest alot of money in our island south of India. Today its +100 000 chinese in Sri Lanka . You will notice they set up massage paurlors, restaurants, shops. All with chinese language text only..and how they going to expect locals to shop there? they dont wants locals...that is the thing...many of these buisness is illigal prostitution , gambling dens, and mafia type of crimes. Welcome to the world...Just cos our population is so thankfull to the chinese goverments support during our civil war .and after...people is nto saying anything..but slowly slowly chinese communities will take over..
Actually, they intermarried with Jamaican blacks. The richest Jamaican now is half black, half Chinese. Nowadays most people born in Jamaica with Asian blood are part black.
Gully Chris whats good man?I was just watching a few of your videos the other day you are some kid to dance:)you should put up more videos.
I think exploring this will assist more people of African descent understand how the indenture servant was also being used by the British powers at the time as pawns to undercut the overwhelmingly African population because of their fears. They wanted a buffer, and way to ensure that Africans stayed at the bottom of the pecking order for add long add possible...My2¢. Thanks again for making this work, I look forward to more.
SMH! The Chinese have a right here like anyone else. We all came here from somewhere else. Some of us even have Chinese roots. They are Jamaicans too.
VERY INTRESTING THANKS FOR POSTING THIS...
Am I the only one that has never seen first hand racism in jamaica? Cause I went to school with white kids and even Chinese too but we treated them just as how we treated everyone else I can honestly say I didn't face racism until I stared living in the USA
A logical fallacy " my experience is indicative of all other peoples experience without exception". Just because you did not see or experience a particular phenomenon does not mean that it does not exist. Regards David Ritter, Director of this documentary.
Well now the Chinese know how it feels! Bless the fearless, strong Jamaican people for not allowing the Chinese to take over, to mistreat people and get away with it like they do in the u.s.
@CHYNA you bigoted twat
How's that bigoted?... the question is how did so many Chinese got to Jamaica?.
@MrSPEARTIP just the kind of person i expected this documentary to attract.
I'm not saying this was right, but even though I was a very young boy, it was plain to see...everyone lost when those stores burned.....everyone...all born out of mistrust........
Boss, mi live a yawd and mi nuh buck up dem ting deh, and mi a indian, this is blown way out of proportion, Jamaica ah di BOSS!
I wish you the best of everything with these projects. I would be glad to help any way I can, and do look forward to keeping in touch.
Cheers.
This documentary is so interesting because it explains the class system in Jamaica and how it is created. You consider that the Taino(Arawaks)were the only indigenous people living on the island, with everyone else coming to the country escaping oppression or being brought to the country through indentured servitude or slavery. As the Lebanese, Chinese etc began to build businesses, it seemed as though the threat to the overall class system became shaky as any group gaining economic standing also began to gain political ground as well. Is it about keeping the class system in tact? Think about East Indians as well Is this why tension is created? Is this why resentment and distrust is created and perpetuated?
Has anyone ever noticed that when people ask you what school you attended in Jamaica, its actually code for "What is your social standing or class?" Each school is representative of that
Intact is one word, just saying for all the people thinking it is "in tact"
yes, I actually think cultural practices are strengthened by assimilation and inter-mixing.
Assimilation, not intermixing. Mixing is ethnocide.
@ForgottenFaces001 I have a question to ask you, do you know if there's any Taíno descendants living in Jamaica?
Again. Sir, apologies if I offended you in any way. Only passionate in the moment & eating dinner whilst drinking wine (low tolerance). :) Yes, I'm Defeated. :) I don’t care that much and just glad to have the ability to get my voice out there. Even though your responses were as harsh as they were at times still glad to learn from your perspective. Especially considering that there are so few of us out there now with this unique background.
That guy was being very fair when he said that "the Chinese were isolated in their communities and only wanted to make money off of the Black people without giving back to the community". Very little has changed over the years. I am from Mandeville and the behaviour is still the same. They don't even look you in the face when you go to their supermarket.
I can't tell you how much I applaud you for doing these projects!! You are amazing... I would be honored to meet you on day and/or help you any way I can... I hope we can connect...
Cheers.
Thank you got responding to my comments. I'm sorry there was a third installment of my comment which didn't post. I watched all parts of your work with great interest, but at no point was it discussed why exactly were indentured servants brought. When you had a skilled newly freed labor force. Who were doing the work all along. So why did the powers at that time go to great lengths to bring in more labor?
Nowadays as a Jamaican I can tell you there's no race issues in Jamaica but the Africans sure had to straiten all the other races out because all of them and to those who say there's no poor Indian or Chinese in Jamaica and no rich black people in Jamaica you're completely wrong
Jamaica was never a black island. Before the whites came black Indians lived in Jamaica. I think it's a good thing the blacks made the Chinese people leave because Chinese people take over things. There no poor white or Chinese people in Jamaica. Jamaica needs to take care of their own people first.
There r many poor whites
+One Rider Really? Why are white communities generally peaceful but black communities comparatively violent? And that's pretty well everywhere in western society. It's funny that you accuse people of being racist when you are obviously very racist yourself.
Mannon Howard ignorant ass go ask your ancestors who are murderers and are the reason we are fucked. Destabilized a people and then their dumb ass ignorant descendants dont know shit and always talking shit. i wish one of yall dumb asses would talk this shit to my face and why the fuck are you on this video u jealous shit
Royal African lol blaming the white man because your community in america is a bunch of dumbasses who cant spell, spend all day internet cripping and do not want to learn because if u do "u acting white." im speaking from personal experience btw. just cause ur in the ghetto doesnt mean u cant educate yourself. its time black ppl stop talking about the past and try and work toward the future
it seems that some black people, not all, but many in the USA, have a chip on their shoulder. just because your ancestors were enslaved, donest give you the right to hate people nowadays. “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers". They cant see that all they are doing is blaming their lack of success on other people. Alot of the people hating in the comments are american it seems
I do, history events cost the people that experienced them so much that it would be a shame for us to forget its details just because they’re in the past. The people that you featured on this video all dealt with the matter in the present tense, which means it’s living history.
I forgot I saw this video months ago. Aside from this video, do you have one that only talks about the Lebanese community in Jamaica?
@CharmingPhoenix Prior to Jamaican Independence in 1962 there was an annual "Miss Chinese Jamaica" pageant. It drew charges from journalists that the ethnic pride on display was "unpatriotic and un-Jamaican". Rather than relenting the pageant was "re-named" "Miss Chinese Athletic Club in an effort to avoid controversy and held its final "openly racialised beauty contest" in 1962. Such contests may be deemed "acceptable" in large metropolises but exuded aloofness in tiny Jamaica.
Just so you know breddrin, i will not entertain anything else you have to say on this matter; although I do NOT agree, your points are well taken all the same.
I would like to THANK @ForgottenFaces001 for breathing life into this story. And thus giving me the opportunity to speak on this. I do hope we can link up sometime.
Cheers.
Weather the general public at large realized this or not, as an island, Jamaica benefited (economically & socially) from these businesses that many so resented. As you well know, such commerce creates “ripple effects” if you will, throughout the infrastructure.
To be honest with you, while I am SO Proud of my heritage; I am at the same time so thankful that none of my family experienced any extensive brutality whilst there…(So sad I cannot say the same for many others) and SO glad we left.
The foremost issue here is not race, it's class. Race is just intertwined.
You’re right love is not forced but what I was alluding to is, fear. Fear can hold back a nation. We can be afraid of what we will become, of what we will lose. America’s architects felt this fear. They anticipated the civil war. They knew their economic system of slavery was out of harmony with democracy & capitalism but they were afraid of what a complete turnabout would bring. Eventually America’s minority is becoming the majority. We are becoming a blended people. Jamaica has that potential.
We need to do better than what we have always complained about. It's one thing to be a victim but it's worse to become worse than the oppressors
you need to become part of society" he said the right word's
Keep on exposing the truth, racism needs to stop. this is very important issues and very interesting and i have i respect for this big effort you have done to show it to the world. we love to cover our dirty tracks and use excuses but education is the way out of ignorance. they always say chiney man knows to make money and live good with people, black people too badmind against each other. we black people should learn from these, our own statements and rise above too.
1% is incorrect, its about 7-10%
" while some of minorities in Jamaica make up no more than1 percent of the population" Learn about context. - David Ritter
Very well done video, very interesting. I did go to ?Chinatown? in Jamaica, it's pretty small, but the people seem nice and well mannered. We had a nice lunch. Otherwise, I didn't know there has been this history of racial situation. Thank you for a good documentary.
where can i get this full documentary?
oh sorry, i mis-read... so used to having people disagree. Nice one.
Yes I know!!!...remember I was the one who enlightened you to these facts!!! As I said before...this isn't about YOU...it's about broader more important issues...who gives a rat's behind of your pride in your heritage? Was anyone challenging that pride? That's exactly what the Chinese man so eloquently alluded to in the video...like it or not a typical reflection of your mindset of "shutting down the whole bloody thing"..."instead of running away they should have remained and made a stance"
This is an excellent education, I knew nothing of the anti-chinese riots. My folks never once mentioned such things during their frequent lament about Jamaican sun, soil and seafood and 'how the breadfruit and grilled fish sweet them more than fish & chips ever could in 'kole, kole Ingland' ;)
@CharmingPhoenix...Most (NOT ALL) Jamaican Chinese that I have encountered (despite social, economic or educational status) maintain an aloof attitude when it comes to sociological interpersonal relations with Blacks...and this attitude transcends generations... any embrace under the guise of "Out of Many" is often tongue-in-cheek. It is a historical fact that early Chinese migrants largely male often entered into common-law unions with the Afro-Jamaican women who worked at their businesses.
Taking it gracefully. Sir! :) Thanks for putting the youths in there place. :)
Well said askar4kill...well said...maybe not "only"...but making money off the "people" was for sure a main objective. An extremely insightful point of view. Kudos!!!
I didn't say I was from an illiterate background. But if you want to have that opinion of me, you are entitled to it. I'm actually busy right now, so I wont be responding to you. Most of the people in Jamaica are not educated only a minority and that is that. Thanks for your take on the issue and please have a nice day
I'm very selective in responding to comments but this one I couldn't pass by. Very profound...Marvin couldn't have said it better!
I like your documentary, I've never seen a work on this subject, and I appreciate you telling this story. I think whenever you try to have a conversation around a thought provoking topic in public you'll always experience commentary from those who Struggle with the thought process of the conversation. However I think most if not all these comments could be mitigating by addressing a topic which your piece brings up but is never addressed.
+truth setter I cannot seem to find your thread I was commenting on, but I wanted to reply to you. I seem myself as Jamaican because on the island we have developed a distinct culture that has its own history that is similar to other people of the Americas and West and Central Africans but but also unique. So I want to honour that, I'm open to other suggestions but it's the only term that describes my culture, language and ethnicity. I was actually born and live in England buy this it what distinguishes me from other people. There is no other way to describe this other than Jamaican which is based on the Taino word for the island Xaymaca. I'm open to other suggestions though.
@MrSPEARTIP this is what i expect this documentary to promote
the politicians were not overly racist towards those of Chinese, Lebanese, Indian, etc. ancestry - they were merely opportunistic. Alexander Bustamante in particular, despite being nearly white himself, aligned himself with the black poor as a labor activist and many times stirred up his loyal followers into action whenever chaos might have created a benefit for him. he was such a problem for the colonial govt. that he was imprisoned for 3 years in 1940 for sedition.
@CharmingPhoenix Such changes have been largely cosmetic on the part of the "older generation" and as is reflected globally, the younger generation is somewhat more adaptable and open minded. A different attitude towards Blacks has been embraced in many cases forcibly so as a matter of mere survival, and as a result of social changes/equity brought about as a result of Blacks "coming into their own" ascending the socio-economic barriers through education...holding many professional positions.
Music please
My godfather was Chinese and from St Catherines. His entire family are all 1/2 black 1/2 Chinese and got along with and mixed with the entire neighborhood. I never heard of any racial instances.
As if blacks are native to Jamaica..........
The word is not "JEALOUS" you folk that are getting on here and saying or agreeing that blacks are jealous of other groups are delusional! The correct word could is "SUSPICIOUS!" As a black from Mississippi who knows the history of what it means to receive the wrath of jealousy, you all are running a mile a minute. JEALOUSY actually comes from white groups that do not want to see black groups excel. Have you not heard about the "ROSEWOOD" massacre? It is now a movie; it shows how whites killed and burnt whole towns due to jealousy of blacks. Be it, Africa, USA, Jamaica, Europe and beyond, jealousy is usually found as a whole when blacks start being successful. Yes, we all can act jealous of one another; however, it is not a cultural characteristic of the whole group. Jamaica has its own history, and those of us who are not from there need to not comment on that which we do not know! Jamaicans WHO WERE RAISED ON THE ISLAND know that it is far more to this story than what is on You Tube. IN ANY COUNTRY, anyone that goes to another country and act as if he/she is more important that the natives WILL and SHOULD encounter problems. In the USA ( the Indians from India are as poor as as dirt in India)but are giving the best jobs and loans. They then began to act as if they are superior to other minorities. This is coming from a group of folk who are looked down upon in their own country but acting superior in another country where they now live. This leads to hostility and suspicion. The whole world knows that Jamaicans as a people are the most down to earth group of folk there are. All countries have their issues which to contend!
@Richard Stapleton thank you these halfbreeds really think Kemets want to be them, or want what was never theirs.
Whereas I am sensitive to the plight of the Asians in Jamaica (according to them), there is a story that they are not telling. The white man always bring in another outside group and treat them better than the locals. In Madagascar, they brought countless Asians. They now do not consider it as being a part of Africa and have lied to say that it was never a part of Africa. What these Chinese are not saying is how they treated the locals and how they got the fat of the land. WHO WANTS TO SEE IMMIGRANTS COME IN AND TAKE OVER? Did they stay to themselves or blend in with other Jamaicans? Again, I do not believe that they were simply attacked for no real reason. Indians are doing the same thing in Trinidad that took place in Jamaica. There are now more Indians than native Trinidadians THANKS TO THE COLONIALISM OF THE WHITE MAN! I am from Mississippi and can see quite plainly that light skinned folk and so called "OTHERS" mostly stick to themselves in Jamaica. I am not saying that no one marries a dark skinned blacks; I am saying that it is really not the rule of thumb!
Richard Stapleton Am black and i believe that we have a deeeeeeep jealousy of others and it manifest it self in this ridiculous mentality that we have developed where we make racism out of every little thing.
Richard Stapleton yes they were attacked for no reason..some were even raped and murder.
Richard Stapleton u talking bullshit jamaica is not segregate..everybody mix together..i had indian friends that i didnt realise their ethnicity until traveling to America
I found it interesting that the Chinese Jamaican who left Jamaica blamed some of the problems on the lack of integration into society. I think this is an issue in many parts of the world. Some people try to accept others but there is conflict when groups form cliques and do no mix or assimilate. However culture is lost if you assimilate. Dilemma for many.
We've had (three, three, three) riots in jamaica.
with the Barry St. riots in Aug. '65, it's important to put it into the context of what was happening in Central/West Kingston - there was immense political friction between Seaga and his JLP followers and Dudley Thompson, Wills Issacs and their PNP followers, who had been skirmishing for years since the 40's when the conflict began as trade union rivalry. what might have been an ugly but isolated incident at a shop was amplified by the area's political instability.
I can't even begin to respond your comment here... But look out for it when I am more clear-minded... Although for right now, all I can say is, it is YOUR perception of "exclusive-ness" just because they -- Chinese, wanted to recognize their heritage in various forms -- clubs and so on... the many various races here in the United States to the SAME thing here even in the WORKPLACE... does that mean that they believe they are exclusively superior? I think not, its all how you take it...
@ForgottenFaces001 Are you always this defensive if someone disagrees with your point of view? Did you respond to the other person who kept inferring that blacks are prone to violence?
I did not understand your last sentence
Some people just dont like the truth. Chinese, indians and arabs are in Ghana too doing the same thing. You have eyes as well as me, good to know there are a few of us still around. Hotep.
I live in Jamaica. I am white. It is not because of ignorance. It is a form of recognization. At school I am called white girl etc. It isnt for offence. It is because I am.
wht about the east indians of jamaica they face alot of racism too but is not mentioned in this video
No problem, and I think the documentary was informative.
my grandma is Jamaican but she was not black, she was 50% chinese, 50% indian. and i asked her "hey grandma why did you leave Jamaica and come to Guyana?" i was so young and innocent, she cudnt give me a reason why...now i know. in her defense, she probably didnt want to burden me about racial tensions but damn. it shows that this world isnt always sunshine and rainbows. but im not hating. respects from Guyana to Jamaica. from one Anglophone Caribbean neigbour to another.
I moved to England, the land of the people who used us as slaves and removed our ancestry with brutality, Not all the people in England is racist, racism exist everywhere in the world where there is inequality and ignorance. Jamaica is evolving from the legacy of racism and slavery, the old system of power and financial empowerment is slowly being eroded, yes many Asians where used to buffer the English during slavery and they were rewarded with preferred access to the internal economy with a pledge to keep the Africans out.
Jermie, 'Black' is a old and spent definition of confusion,
Troy Brown Your statement that Chinese were used in Jamaica as a buffer during slavery is inaccurate. The majority of Chinese and Indian people came after slavery was abolished. Most came as indentured servants to replace the labor that was lost on the plantations when slavery was abolished.
Jamerican28 i was saying it in the treatment sense not literally
Jamerican28 There is a popular revision of history being pushed by Jamaican academics to assert that Asian and European immigrants were a hinderance and negative, oppressive element within Jamaican society, This is done with a political agenda - David Ritter
Just what I suspected...a complete change of tune...like a wounded/defeated dog whimpering away with it's tail between it's legs. Normally I would not be this confrontational but given your unabashed audacity to challenge me in such a taunting manner without no facts to support your actions/arguments... it gives crecence to such a response. I am delighted to see that you have been brought to your knees after reading my enlightening commentaries...Yes, you are forgiven.
There is nothing wrong with taking a stance, sir. People are merely wary of retribution and/or can't be bothered(pick and choose their battles) kinda thing. Much like this situation where if you were looking to "win" something... Trust you "Won" *bows like the old-school Chinese did* haha :) Anyway from what I gather, it seems like lived in those times, so what do I know?You really do have more hexperience than me as you stated in your harsh pure Patois PM to me. Big up and Nuff Respect boss!!
People with the same skin color will discriminate against each other as well.
Its nice to here real stories
What that man said about it being the only nation where different ethnicities sit together in restaurants and things was ignorant. He has clearly never been to Canada.
love me some JA history. We are truly diverse
i understand fully and agree with you :)
kung fu dem rude boys. "bumbo kraat!" (Whap!) 😜
Kung Fu did not work in the riot
im jamaican and i never witneessed any racial slurs against chiniese blacks or whites in Jamaica