Definitions And Characteristics Of The Caribbean Identity And Culture

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The Caribbean region is very diverse. According to Jeniffer Mohammed, the region can be defined geographically, geologically, historically and politically. The latter definitions aid in describing Caribbean identity and culture as well as the citizenship of the Caribbean people. The Geographical definition is based upon the concept of a ‘Caribbean Basin’- West Indies and surrounding mainland territories. The region is described as stretching breadth wise from 60°W to 90°W of the Greenwich Meridian, and from near the equator to 30°N (more realistically the Tropic of Cancer). The Caribbean does not only consist of the Archipelagos of the Greater Antilles, Lesser Antilles (Windward and Leeward Islands) and the Bahamas, but stretches to include countries of Central America and Mainland territories. Water bodies such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean are also located in the region. The
The economic pressures which globalization has brought to the region should encourage the formation of this singular entity. This image is now beginning to prevail. A Caribbean identity is seen as a complex concept due to how diverse the region appears. However, there are many similarities, leading to the existence of a ‘culture sphere’. Caribbean identity is more influenced by the relationship with you and the people around you rather than solely on ones nationality. This implies that ethnicity plays a great part in developing an identity. Similarities of Caribbean people is that we are all ‘transported people’ (excluding the Amerindians) - meaning that we have a homeland in another place, we all have European colonizers, and we have the same experience of African slavery. The response to oppression was also unanimous throughout the region. A culture of overcoming is also part of our identity, as seen with our strong migration ethic, in order to achieve social

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