Classism Subverts The National Motto Out of Many One People

It is good news, in fact refreshing news that ‘Jinx’, the wife of  international Dancehall sensation Sean Paul has discovered that she has uttered the wrong words, words that come across as classist and perhaps even racist toward the country’s popular athletic icon Usain Bolt.

I have insisted that people need peace of mind and tranquility in their communities, assuming that her complaint was legitimate. To have pronounced the statement ,”Bolt needs to go back to where he came from” was rude and came across as classist, “colorist” and  even racist. Would she have made those comments to a “white “ or high coloured Jamaican. I believe not.

Mrs. Henriques went overboard in her rant on social media but her rant in the nature of the comment is a typical of this Jamaican society where race and class dominates.  Her utterance is  not uncommon – it is a part of the grossly divided society on race,  class and colorism  that is Jamaica. Until we recognize that outside Britain Jamaica is the most classist society then we never go anywhere near to “pacification”, to unity or that false  motto “Out of Many One People.”

One just has to look at a typical St. Andrew High school- there is a Portmore crew, there is a Norbrook and Cherry Garden group, there is a Meadowbrook group and there is a Downtown posse. It is entrenched at even the Preparatory school levels because those who move up socially in the society meaning many black persons have contributed heavily to this phenomena and social divide. Travelling since the 1980’s and talking to many Jamaicans in Europe they convinced me from their experiences how Jamaicans especially light skinned, brown-skinned and white and Middle Eastern carry and wear class on their lapels.

When the behavior is analysed it also borders on subtle racism, as the wealthiest are not blacks but of mulatto or deep white hues. We have heard and I have seen numerous instances of poor treatment , especially verbally in stores owned by Middle eastern Jamaicans especially downtown. At those stores workers expect the usual tirade of Jamaican cuss words if they break a piece of dinnerware or a drinking glass. This behavior is nothing new. Recently, I was subjected to the abuse after complaining to one whose faulty fabricated sofa was discovered after my expenditure of $70,000.00.

On a good note we do have conscious people who know the hurt our masses have felt and the victimization that is part of their shared experiences. I mean to say that recently on a TVJ discussion the former  Chief of Protocol, Mr. Merrick Neeedham was clear in his apology  for how his British countrymen treated  Jamaican World War 1  soldiers , those  who  applied for Officers Training. Needham succinct in his apology hinted that England’s racism rejected the well educated Jamaicans to be officers in the Royal Army  as  our men were not perceived as worthy or competent  enough to lead  white troops. Most applicants  were sent to the backseat  to do  menial duty. Well my grandfather  Joshua Christie told me they were sent to do dirty work and  canteen duty.

 At least Needham recognized the bigotry that permeates British society, one which is the perfect template for classism and even racism that permeates Post Colonial Jamaica.

 Maurice  Christie

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