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Kingston is not bad for visitors. Nobody will look at at you and assume that you are a visitor. 99% of the crime in Jamaica are gangs against each other, contract killing, and domestic violence. None of this applies to visitors so you should not be afraid. If you are African American, just tell them that you were born there and left just before high school. That way you become a Jamaican in 10 seconds.
. It's more influenced by British culture (e.g. cricket, the accent) than American culture. .
You have to be kidding. Those ties with the UK atrophied a generation ago. US culture dominates Jamaica and most of the English speaking Caribbean. They spend all day watching US cable channels.
I think the OP hasn't been to a poorer country before. But, there are certain universals with many poorer countries.
1) There is always a super wealthy elite class of people in every poor country. They send their kids to good college, they are well-connected, etc. There are probably neighborhoods in Kingston that cater to these people. Generally, an American or European can have 'access' to this world, just by being able to afford things way more than the average person. Your dating possibility with them, will probably be very hit and miss. They'll have met people much like your, and you won't have any particular appeal more than anyone else.
2) There is always an element of desperation among the poorer elements of society. This means that a 'sex industry' develops, as well as other elements appear. Any American regardless of race, basically anyone who appears or is assumed to have money, could become an interest on some level or another. You can definitely get 'dates' when such conditions exist.
3) People always warn others of 'dangers' in regards to every poorer country. Take these with a grain of salt. Meaning, these warnings are for the naive, the unfamiliar, the ones who really are quite hesitant of stepping outside of their home country. The OP seems like he might be quite uncertain and unsure, so probably should take the warnings to heart. But, also take in mind, there will be a whole other foreign element who take these risks all the time, many without anything happening to them, and a few who do have something happen despite their knowledge and awareness, etc. It's always a risk, but you can never be 100% preventative or anything anywhere.
Regarding the OP's more direct questions about wanting to date and meet women in Jamaica. The only REAL way to do this effectively is to get off of the resorts. You're going to have to interact with the people. I cannot tell you what will happen in Jamaica under such circumstances. But, generally speaking, do your research, make it happen. Every poorer "third-world" city (a Term I don't like so much, but I'll use it anyways). Every one of them has expat bars and expat hangouts. There will be non-locals somewhere doing all kinds of day-to-day activities somewhere there. You just have to tap into that community, find out where they go, find out there go. Most likely they know where to avoid, where not to go, how to do things (i.e. take certain taxis, hire a driver, dont walk after dark, who knows). But they'll know.
Lastly get a LONELY PLANET GUIDE for Jamaica. Tons of young backpacker types go just about anywhere and everywhere. Jamaica in particular, probably a bunch of half-stoned americans and europeans sitting around in a dozen or so different hostels all around the city, far removed from the resorts. They will be there somewhere, I am sure. They'll be taking the highest risks, but that's what they do. These types of people will ignore all the travel warnings, some have some bad stories, others have the stories that say nothing happened at all while they where there, etc.
I suppose it could be dangerous if you don't follow common sense precautions. My girlfriend and I spent 2 weeks in 2009 traveling the country in local buses and taxis and staying in low priced lodging and never had an issue except for the never ending panhandling and aggressive trinket sellers. Of course we didn't stroll the Kingston slums by ourselves. We are white.
"Staying in 'low priced lodging' is the answer. Know why? When they asked Willie Sutton(the bank robber) why he robbed banks he answered "Because that's where the money is."
Prolly the reason you were "safe" is the bad guys go with the money. LOL
Jamaica is dangerous. Tourists stick to resorts, lots of weapons, plus, women are not specially attractive at all.
lol, personal preference
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