Though this topic may be a bit controversial as well as swept under the rug time after time, I think having an honest and open conversation is long overdue. Many are under the impression that racial profiling is prevalent only in “developed” countries (USA, England, Germany etc) – though it is present in those countries (all of which I have visited and or lived and experienced) I would like to direct my attention to Jamaica. My beautiful Island – land of wood and water – “Out Of Many One People.”
Being born and raised in Jamaica until the age of 20 then travelling to Europe, completing degrees in the U.S. and having to adjust and adapt to different cultures puts me in a place of constant observation of the human psyche. It is almost as if you have to observe situations outside of yourself to truly get a grasp of what is actually happening within your environment. That being said I have become attuned to my surroundings admittedly overly so at times. But I do feel like after being away from Jamaica for some 11 years and returning I found myself in the peculiar situation of being home and feeling much like a stranger – a tourist if you will. As a result I did what I always do in “new environments” which is to observe situations from outside of myself.
Now before I get into my findings I must give you some context, I am a dark skinned, middle class Jamaican who studied abroad (typical for many Jamaicans born in the late 70’s with access to some financial resources). Based on that access (parents) I was able to experience things even in Jamaica that the average Jamaican couldn’t – example- spend a week at a 5 star all inclusive hotel, going to the dirt track to ride quads and dirt bikes , and joy riding around town in BMWs – I only mention this not to boast but to let you understand from which angle I write.
My Story
A friend of mine had a birthday, and to celebrate I took him to Scotchies (local jerk restaurant/bar) for a drink (Kingston branch). It was my first time to the “town” location and it seemed to be getting good reviews so we went. Arriving there pretty early (after he finished work) we had our choice of bar stool. As the night progressed the place became packed with people from all walks of life…At about 7:30 pm the bar was so full there may have been one or two stools available (not together) at either end of the bar – Because most people visit Scotchies with a friend no one wanted to take a stool and drink by him or herself. This is where things get interesting.
I noticed a well dressed black man (suit and tie) obviously wanting to unwind from work - and a female equally dressed, approach the bar and asked the bar attendant (dark skinned female) “Is there is any way you can assist us with sitting together as I noticed unattended stools.” The bar attendant responded “you nuh si seh di place ram, a wah you wah mi fi duh?!!” – The gentleman and lady seemed noticeably embarrassed and just walked out into the general seating area (not sure if they left or not).
About 5 minutes later a white man (seemingly Jamaican based on accent) in a polo shirt and jeans came in with 2 white women in shorts and T-shirts went to the SAME bar attendant and asked “I have three to be seated, how long will I have to wait?” To my amazement the lady said “One minute please sir.” She proceeded to ask everyone at the bar to use every available stool so as to make space for the 3 new patrons. The request was honored and the three white patrons were seated together. I was appalled and disgusted by this display of overt racism - But it seemed like I was the only one. Was I being too sensitive? Was I the only person to realize what was going on? Is this standard practice now in Jamaica where once you’re white it’s alright and once you're black stay back? We left Scotchies prematurely as I explained to my friend what I had witnessed and he said to me “Are you surprised?” – I responded “YES I am!”
Was I just simply too naive to notice these kinds of overt displays of racism growing up? Is it a case where I saw it happening and just told myself it wasn’t because I didn’t want to accept the truth? Have we as Jamaicans allowed our society to mature in such a way that we (dark skinned Jamaicans) are desensitized and therefore accepting of unbalanced treatment of blacks (dark skinned) and whites (light skinned) citizens of Jamaica? Have others in the society like Vybz Kartel recognized this fact and resorted to bleaching in an effort to be awarded with the same perks and treatment as our light skinned Jamaican counter parts? I have all these questions – Can anyone give me an answer? Am I the only one who notices? Talk to me…
I am not really surprised. There are two things in the story that should be looked at, one more briefly than the other...
ReplyDeleteFrom the response given to the well dressed pair by the working attendant at scotches, she should have been fired on the spot. No matter who the attendant/hostess thinks she is, cant talk to customers like.... automatic termination.
Secondly, It seems based on history of our island that Jamaican people (some) go scared, submissive (etc) and go out of their to please or be in some sort of collaboration with foreigners but more specifically whites (Jamaican and not).
From the past where male and females made it a duty to lighten the complexion of their children by intermingling with a person of lighter shades; maybe for their offspring to have a better, easier, fully life or simply for them to feel relevant in society ("moving up in the societal hierarchy"... "social mobility")... we see that in many a people/families to this day. Presently we see people causing physical harm to themselves in order to achieve that social mobility, bleaching.
Looking at political works; all the but two prime ministers in the history of Jamaica's independence have been of fairer complexion or white.
The increase invitations of foreigners in the Island to invest has also caused problems... The FINSAC situation where the former minister of finance sold the loans of local business people
to some guy from Texas has caused major strain on the people who has to pay enormous, exorbitant interest rates. So to a member of parliament who is "sworn" (maybe, i dont know) sold us out to the highest paying white guy. Sound familiar?
The same can be said with the hotels on the north coast (from spain--- RIU?), JPS and most recently the selling of the sugar company... though they are not white as far as i know, however it still should be mentioned.
With actions of these people from different walks of life, who may or may not have had the opportunity to take a trip outside of Jamaica and see how other societies operate; having some sort of inferiority complex; turn to idiots when coming to contact with fair skin peoples; or just plain ole fool fool.
There is a problem
From the Europeans came it has been a society stratified based on whiteness wealth and education- in descending order of importance. It would be best to have all three. It served you well during slavery and post slavery to Independence, through to present to have all three. To have two out of three or to have one out of three is better than none.
ReplyDeleteSince independence the same structures are in place but arguably a little less rigid than the previous cast system under slavery - but the broad principle still exists. When you have none of the above, you suck up to anyone who you perceive has, hoping that you will get by on the generosity or the tips, generally the favor or goodwill he or she is perceived to be able to dispense. And the more whiteness or wealth there seem to be present in an individual, the greater the urge broadly, to suck up to that one the more, even if you have to discriminate against one in your category of poor black and under-educated.
The poor bartender was crudely practicing what our society overtly and covertly teaches, but "polite society" will never admit.
Really now if you know Jamaica doesn't an uncomfortable number in the police force operate on more or less the same basis? Which section of the society has the greatest problems with excessive force by state operatives? Doesn't the banks grant loans to customers on the same basis? Doesnt employment in corporate Jamaica reflect the system? Dont get me wrong I am not saying there are not exceptions in every walk of life but hey, look and you will see, the bartender is not alone here.
Jamaica operates a PIGMENTOCRACY no longer based on race per se but aproximation to whiteness pinkness redness yellowness "high brown" light brown, "browning" fair skin, light skin. If you are black ie dark skin, uneducated or under educated and poor I can also add "ugly" and come from a rural Jamaican community and nobody knows who your father is DOG NYAM YOUR SUPPER.
I repeat you will find pockets of exceptions
Years ago I experienced something similar...I travelled with a large group of children to have a swim in Negril. After the swim we were all hungry and sand flies were killing us. I took the children to a restaurant in Negril and tried to order something to eat. Granted it had started to get late but surely they could find something for the hungry children....Fish was finished...soup was finished...everything was finished..darn! I told them we would wait until something was prepared but because they had nothing to prepare it did not make sense waiting.
ReplyDeleteAha! Lo and behold a white couple walked in...and the General Manager himself came to clear and wipe a table for them to be served. I waited and watched 'cause I am a lady who will try hard to exercise patience. I thought maybe th couple had called and ordered something and had it put up for them. Guess what folks? The waiter came with a menu! They ordered and I watched in awe as the selection was catered.
Alas it was time for attack....I had to find out where the food came from all of a sudden, who it is that were welcomed there? Why were the children allowed to go hungry?...all at the top of my voice, and did I get the attention of the
General Manager? Can you guess? I got so much attention that today we are the best of friends and I always visit his establishment because I receive such excellent service. Thank God for my ability to defend myself and others because to this day we have that problem in Jamaica
Heart Trust NTA, a Jamaican Training organization that is funded by taxpayers contributions, actually get requests from prospective employers for 'light skinned' trainees.Check out the article in the Sunday Gleaner Sept., 11 ,2011!
ReplyDeleteIt is said that they prefer 'light skin' persons especially for front of house positions, receptionists, bank tellers etc.
Let's examine this issue where it started: in the days of slavery, where were the light skinned persons positioned in the great house? They were all placed up front. (Where were those of darker hue?)
ReplyDeleteIn being placed up front, the position demanded them to be far more sociable and easy on the eye. The result is that this notion unhappily has traversed the years post slavery.
So I was not struck down when I read that article in the Sunday Gleaner titled - "BROWNINGS PLEASE - Several local businesses asking state-owned employment agency for light skinned trainees" The airwaves have been jammed with discussions on this inciting topic - each person or interest group taking one side or the next. In writing this piece therefore I am mindful that I have to be either very careful on the one hand or hypocritical on the other. "I will call it as I see it......"
Like others with consulting experience in organisational development, I realise that the highly competitive organisations look mainly for the skills generally classified as Social Skills in those persons who are "the face" of the company. There is no arguing about that. So they expect to get someone who though their academic standing may be comparatively weak or anaemic these persons are expected to exhibit - great self confidence, ability to network, ability to influence and crisp communication skills (even when they don't know how to listen).
We have to take this for what it is as history has left us with legacy which is heart breaking to discuss.We must discuss it to the end hoping that we bring a higher level of awareness to those employers about their true needs relating to who fits their organisation for achieving the selling/influencing/networking/customer relationship building strategies.
While we use the discussions to lift this awareness, we must seize the opportunity - insisting that those whom we parent, those we mentor, those in our charge for development (in the class room or in the workplace), sharpen those social skills which up until now, in the year 2011, are considered the skills of the "Browning". They are still the skills which undoubtedly lead you to gain competitive advantage but must the "Brownings" have rights of passage all the time?
When we sharpen those skills and make strides academically, we will have the confidence and be bold to challenge it as it comes whether in an interview or in our daily interactions.
Extremely interesting post and comments!
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it Jamaica- generally speaking- has terrible customer but on top of that Jamaica is a place that associates "browness" with Cash. Know what that means? When a black couple walks into a bar the bartender will most likely assume they will order the cheapest thing on the menu and leave a tip that could be laughed at- if they leave a tip at all. On the other hand, if a white couple enters a bar the bartender immediately hears "CHA-CHING" because he assumes here are people who have money to spend and I am going to make sure they spend it here!
I am not saying it is right but let's face it this notion is fed to Jamaicans constantly. I mean if I follow Page 2 I would think "brownings" are the only people who go out to fancy events. And if I follow local television I'd figure that since mainly "brownings" are used as anchors, hosts, characters in advertisements and so on that clearly they are somehow more "valuable".
I wouldn't even know where to start to "fix" this situation so maybe for now...as a dark skinned, natural haired lady I'll just walk into establishments flashing wads of cash. Maybe then I'll be able to get a damn spot at any bar I walk into!