Caribbean-Americans: An Invisible Minority Seeking Identity And Affirmation (country, places, people)
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Caribbean-Americans: An Invisible Minority Seeking Identity And Affirmation
By PALASH R. GHOSH | SEPTEMBER 26 2012 7:55 AM
In an increasingly racially diverse United States, Caribbean migrants and Americans of Caribbean descent are without an official means of classification and frequently dismissed as a marketplace or voting bloc.
Frequently lumped in as “African-Americans” or “black Americans,” Caribbeans actually comprise a diverse array of cultures, races, religions and languages unto themselves and differ in many ways from “mainstream” African-Americans.
All these people have little in common. I don't think a jamaican, haitians and Cubans feel like they belong to the same group. Language is a stronger force. Cubans feel more identified with other Spanish speaking latinos. Same with english speaking caribbeans.
All these people have little in common. I don't think a jamaican, haitians and Cubans feel like they belong to the same group. Language is a stronger force. Cubans feel more identified with other Spanish speaking latinos. Same with english speaking caribbeans.
I believe the focus is on Caribbean people being counted, generally speaking. Those from Caribbean Latino nations will have the opportunity to specify their region of origin, but this gives other Caribbean people the chance to be counted as a group and perhaps have a bigger voice. In terms of language, there is greater overlap among the non-spanish speakers in the Caribbean. For example, many English-speaking nations also speak Kreyol or used to largely speak it. As stated, Caribbean people can be black, white, Latino, East Indian, Chinese, Arab, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, even though majority of African descent. I would be very interested in seeing the size of the population and then building on that information. Though it may never happen, it would be nice for the Caribbean-American community.
Interesting article. A lot of Caribbean people refuse to think of themselves as American no matter how long they've been here, and are largely focused on making money in the US, Canada, UK...not particularly striving to have themselves represented in an American, etc context.
Interesting article. A lot of Caribbean people refuse to think of themselves as American no matter how long they've been here, and are largely focused on making money in the US, Canada, UK...not particularly striving to have themselves represented in an American, etc context.
Some Caribbean people do feel that way, similar to a number of immigrants from different places. However, this includes people of the immigrant generation and those of Caribbean descent, who are born Americans. Perhaps this will encourage those who don't view themselves as American to see themselves as a relevant part of the American populous.
Not quite sure about the SEEKING and the AFFIRMATION. I know a lot of Trini's in Queens and believe me, they are nice and happy just being themselves. I think it has a lot to do with coming from a warm,balmy,exotic, and delicious country. They are very comfortable with their own identity and do not really care how other people see them. Have you ever been to Liberty Ave? When the going gets tough in the states and the standard black's and white's start their tired old issues the Trini's just smile and retire for a few years back in Trini land.
Not quite sure about the SEEKING and the AFFIRMATION. I know a lot of Trini's in Queens and believe me, they are nice and happy just being themselves. I think it has a lot to do with coming from a warm,balmy,exotic, and delicious country. They are very comfortable with their own identity and do not really care how other people see them. Have you ever been to Liberty Ave? When the going gets tough in the states and the standard black's and white's start their tired old issues the Trini's just smile and retire for a few years back in Trini land.
I agree...but honestly didn't take the title literally. Trinis and other Caribbean people in general are happy being themselves. But I'm sure they and others wouldn't mind actually being recognized as who/what they are...
Correct identification is crucial to Caribbeans receiving proportionate amounts of state and federal aid, for schools, hospitals and senior citizen centers, among other community services.
What difference does it make if I mark "Black" or "West Indian" on a Census form? Federal funds aren't allocated to specific ethnic groups. They're allocated to states and municipalities.
Isn't there a 'black caribbean' option on the US census?? Thats what we have here (UK) Or do Afro caribbeans go under just Black in America?
No, I don't think so.
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