
Jamaicans - Cool and Mellow with a Little Edge and Gumption
"Out of Many, One People", is the national motto of Jamaica. It truly captures the essence of the Island's diverse ethnic groups that called themselves Jamaicans. Few countries the size of Jamaica can boast such a wide variety of facial features and skin tones. Rarely will you find such a small country whose people and culture exert so much influence far outside their borders.
Despite such a broad ethnic diversity, which include Africans, Europeans, Chinese, Arabs, persians, and East Indians, among others, all Jamaicans share one rich cultural heritage. In fact, Jamaica has been one of the first true melting pot, long before it even gained its independece from Britain in 1962.
There are few other countries where people from such diverse culutures, countries, and ethnic origins, not just lived together, but adopted, embraced, and loved one common country and culture as if it were their own. Together they all called themselves Jamaicans. Not Chinese Jamaicans, or Jamaicans of Arab decents. Just simply Jamaicans. And Bob Marley expressed this sentiment in his lyrics "One love. One heart. Let's get together and feel alright".
Being a Jamaican is more than just being born in this tropical Island. It is about a rich and deep experience of traditions and a common way of life that transcends ethnic groups, skin colors, social classes, and geography. It is a rich cultural heritage that collectively binds Jamaicans in such a way, that the mention of anything uniquely Jamaican, will conjure up the same mental images and evoke the same feelings in them all.
Jamaicans - our traits
Eternally young at heart with the personalities and traits to match, Jamaicans are unique among the people of the Caribbean. They are strong-minded, impatient, opinionated, and stubborn with a little edge and attitude. Like youths we have a tendency to be vocal and loud or to be "nuff" as we call in the Island. On the otherhand, however, we Jamaicans are hardworking, creative, proud, warm and friendly, fun-loving, easy-going, laid back and mellow.
Good or bad, these are some of the qualities that set Jamaica and its people apart from the rest of the Caribbean Islands. Some of these qualities have given Jamaica a bad reputation abroad as a country where tourists are harassed. To Jamaicans, however, it is part of their daily "hussle" to make a honest living.
Do you need an argument
Jamaicans are passionate about political and social issues and are very outspoken about their opinions. Jamaicans love to argue. They will argue about anything with anybody. And they don't have to know you to have an argument with you.
On a bus filled with stangers, there will be several arguments going on. And It doesn't matter what the argument is about, Jamaicans are always "right". If they say the sun is blue, it is blue and they will argue you to death to defend it. It is part of our stubborness and strong-minded trait.
In fact, arguing is an integral part of our culture. Radio shows where people call in to argue about whatever is on their minds, has been a part of Jamacan people life for as long as I can remember. And today it is even more so.
A soon come
Jamaicans have no sense of time of distance. When a Jamaican tell you "A soon come" don't think or expect it to be minutes. "Soon come" can be two hours, tomorrow or next week. 7 o'ckock could be 9 or 10 o'clock - if you are lucky. Around the corner" could be two miles down the road or the next town over. If a Jamaican tells you some place is "not too far", get a transportation and be prepared to drive for a long time.
Don't rush me
Jamaicans are as laid back as you are going to get. What would you expect from people who come up with phrases like "cool runnings" and "no problem". To watch Jamaicans hurry is to observe life in slow motion. We have three speeds; slow, real slow, and stop.
Understanding this about Jamaicans can help a lot on your vacation. You won't, for instance, get upset at a waiter who is taking much longer than expected with your request. The sooner you learn to adjust to Jamaican speed the less stressful your vacation will be. Maybe you do need to slow down a little, after all, you are on vacation.
No problem mon
Jamaicans don't let anything bother them. We have a carefree attitude towards living. There is hardly anything in life that will stress us. When we say "No problem mon" we mean just that. No money to pay bill, no problem. we will pay it when we do get money. No money to go food shopping. no problem. we will borrow either money or food from our neighbor, but we won't beg. Get laid off from the job, no problem. We will "hussle" and get by.
Life is Just for Living
Nothing is more important to Jamaicans than having fun and enjoying life. As such, work is just a means to an end, the end being the enjoyment of life. when we work, we work hard and good, but don't ask us to work late or overtime on a Friday evening or on a holiday - the money is not worth it. Give us some music, food, drinks, and friends and nothing else really matter. As the lyrics to one of our famous songs goes "Life is just for living".
Proud Jamaicans
Jamaicans are extremely proud people. We don't like to beg. We will ask to do something for you in exchange for money, but we won't beg. We will try and sell you something, but we won't beg. Jamaicans have been conditioned not to depend on their government for assistance and therefore learn to "hussle" for their very survival. Because of our pride, you won't find homelessness or begging on the streets - Despite a high rate of unemployment.
Jamaicans are adventurous and fearless. We will go anywhere in the world and try anything new if our survival and livelihood depends on it. Anywhere in the far corners of the earth - Japan, Russia, Europe the Middle East, Australia to name a few, you will find Jamaicans. We can and will adapt to any situation if it benefits us and our family.