West Indian Culture

Faculty Expert: Marjorie Blenman Roane

Marjorie Blenman Roane teaches at Borough of Manhattan Community College, BMCC, which is part of the City University of New York, CUNY. For the past several years Ms. Blenman Roane has been teaching African-American and Caribbean literature at the Center for Ethnic Studies at BMCC. Aside from her work at the Center for Ethnic Studies, she has been heavily involved in community as well as citywide organizations.

Ms. Blenman Roane has served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Trinidad and Tobago Working Women's Association where in addition to holding a position of executive, she also served on the scholarship, fundraising, and political action committees. Currently she is on the Advisory Board Chair for the Flatbush Beacon in addition to holding the position of Board President for Neighborhood Services of East Flatbush. Furthermore, Ms. Blenman Roane is also the Vice President for the Citywide Board of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York City.

Raised in Trinidad/Tobago, Ms. Blenman Roane completed her high school education before going forth to spend considerable time in England, West Africa, and the United States. Having spent time in all of these nations, she is quite at ease with cultures other than her own. Currently a resident of East Flatbush for the past fifteen years, Ms. Blenman Roane enjoys writing poetry as well as taking walks and discovering her neighborhood.

Community Representative: Gail Yvette Davis

Gail Yvette Davis was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. She completed high school at St. Joseph's Convent, San Fernando and graduated from the University of Nice, France majoring in Economics and International Studies. Subsequently, she migrated to the United States and undertook graduate studies in Economics and Political Economy at Boston University. After a stint teaching Economics and working as an energy economist, Ms. Davis moved to New York City where she has spent over twenty years working in the economic development and energy areas. She is currently a senior policy manager at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Ms. Davis is very involved in community affairs. Currently a director of the Xcel Federal Credit Union, she has served on other boards including the YWCA of Brooklyn. A past president of Trinidad and Tobago Working Women, Ms. Davis's work with the group included broadening the scope of its volunteer activities and increasing collaborative exchanges with other community and women's organizations. She has organized and run citizenship and voter registration drives, scholarship programs, and a variety of other projects to empower women and Caribbean nationals.

An avid reader of "any- and everything," Ms. Davis possesses a keen interest in Caribbean literature, African art and sculpture and in international politics and economics. Like any true Trini, carnival is in her blood and she does not miss the annual event in Trinidad and Tobago.

Topics for Consideration —

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Introduction to the Culture
The Family Structure
Features of the Home
Communication Styles
Child Discipline
Who Can Speak for the Family?
Role and Views of Authority
Medical Practices
Religion

CASE STUDY

A high school teacher reported that Kingston, a 14-year old West Indian adolescent, has seemed unusually morose and withdrawn lately. Excessive absences from school and no compliance from the family triggered an ACS field visit.

Upon arriving at the 1-bedroom apartment, the caseworker asked Kingston about other family members. After some hesitation, Kingston told the caseworker that his mother had recently asked her boyfriend to move in with the family. This meant that Kingston, the youngest of 3, could no longer sleep with his mother on the living room sleep sofa, an arrangement he had enjoyed since birth. He now slept in the bedroom with his older brother and sister who had previously shared the room themselves. His brother, now 22, was soon to move out, which would allow Kingston to share the room with his 17-year old sister, a pretty but shy girl who avoided eye contact with the caseworker.

During the course of the visit, the boyfriend arrived. Outgoing and friendly, he assured the caseworker that all was well with the family and suggested no further interviews need take place. Kingston's mother concurred.

You are the caseworker. Do you think there's a problem here? And, if so, who has the problem, and how would you proceed?

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

As with most groups that have migrated to the United States, Caribbean people have been migrating in significant numbers from the early 1920's and 30's primarily for economic advancement.

Quotas were determined by the Immigration and Naturalization service for different islands. Therefore, a larger wave may be present from one island at any given time.

During the 1960's and 70's, another major wave of industrial and domestic workers immigrated to the New York area.. Flatbush has a heavy concentration of Caribbean immigrants, with smaller numbers residing in Harlem and the Bronx. East Orange, New Jersey also has a fairly large community.

Regardless of where West Indians live, many visit Flatbush or areas where there are West Indian foods, bakeries, barbershops, churches, sports, or music and nightlife.

The designations West Indian and Caribbean are often used interchangeably.

The culture of each island nation is distinct, resulting in immense national pride. Many people assume all Caribbean people they encounter to be from Jamaica or that Barbados or Trinidad is part of Jamaica. People often assume that all West Indians speak like Jamaicans.

The Family Structure

The families are primarily matriarchal. Often, the mother is the first to go abroad, work and send for children and husband when established.

Many young adults come for educational advancement and live with family members or friends.

Children call friends of parents "Aunt/Uncle" not by first name. Age is a major determinant of how children address elders.

Family size varies, with the eldest girl assuming the responsibilities of the absent mother delegating duties as needed.

Financial well being determines home ownership. It is quite common to have a young niece/nephew/cousin/family friend as part of the household until that person starts his/her own household.

Features of the Home

Many women work in service industries as home attendants/live-in companions. Home arrangements determine this.

However small or congested the home, West Indians take pride in attractive and neat households. Lunch was traditionally the main meal but work styles have now changed this to dinner and often with fast food.

Formerly, children both male and female under a certain age would sleep in the same room but in different beds. Legal guidelines now prohibit this arrangement.

Communication Styles

Parents are under considerable stress to perform well financially and to make a good impression in the community. Some contributing problems are finding work without a GED or High School Diploma, attending evening classes, and raising a family without a support system which is not easily accessible.

Frustration can be vented on children who are powerless to retaliate.

Body language is used more than verbal communication

Silence can be used to communicate anger, approval, or disapproval. Lack of eye contact is often evident except in cases of direct communication.

Child Discipline

Children of school age adopt American norms and provide challenges for parent who have only known West Indian norms regarding education, school uniforms, obedience, etc.

Answering back/rudeness is not tolerated. Family discipline is often handled via corporal punishment.

Who Can Speak for the Family?

A parent, normally the father, might ask a familiar person to be an advocate or to accompany the family on the initial visit to the school, doctor, or government office.

Roles and Views of Authority

Professionals are highly regarded.

Respect for government varies according to the situation.

Medical Practices

Many West Indians have experience working in hospitals or health-related settings

With the exception of sexual health, other physical health issues can be discussed freely. Religious beliefs and practices influence attitudes.

Religion

Religious practice is an important part of family life. Religious figures are generally held in high esteem. They are often asked for advice and guidance.

Church services for major Christian holidays are generally observed- Christmas, Easter etc.