How to integrate in a Jamaican community?

Question

I am a white man and my girlfriend is from vietnamese background. We are moving in a Jamaican neibourhood in Clapton (Hackney/ London/ UK).

I want to have good relations with my neighbours and I'm very interested in their culture. What can I do to develop good relations with them without being phony?

I'm very sincere but I am affraid of being perceived as a rich white kid moving into a poor neighbourhood to gentrify it.

Do you have any advice for me? Feedbacks from Jamaican people would be really appreciated.

Love

I'm sorry if I am perceived as a person with racist sentiments, a person fearful of difference and who has a sense of superiority. I do not feel like that way about myself.

However, it is true that I am fearful of rejection and I have the feeling (perhaps wrongfully) that this neighbourhood is not the safest for me, partly because I am white (and partly because objectively, the crime rate is higher there than in most london areas).

I'm a respectful and open-minded guy who wants to live in harmony with everyone. Yes I have fears but they are related to my ignorance, not to bad intentions.

Answer 1

Regardless of what you do or what you say there are going to be people who will have their own pre conceived ideas. Just be yourself and I am sure everything will work itself out over time. I will be praying for you. Peace and God bless.

Answer 2

Ok, so I'm not Jamaican, but I am Trinidadian, and I feel I can offer you some valuable advice.... If interested, read on!

1. Kudos for you for not wanting to appear "phony." In Caribbean neighborhoods, it's pretty common to have restaurants around. Check out the popular restaurants and make yourself a regular customer (for foods you like of course). I find that people are generally impressed with "foreigners" who truly appreciate their food. Once you become more and more familiar to these restaurants, you will eventually become more familar with the culture. You can even ask a few people how to make a few recipes or something. Show interest!

2. Once you get a few Jamaican friends, tell them you and your gf are interested in visiting (if you really have intentions of doing this). Ask them which places they think will be good for you to go. Again, people loving talking about "back home" so that's a good conversation starter.

3. Visit stores/places that aren't food related that do have a lot of Jamaican customers/store owners. Once you become a "regular," you can again ask people where you can get "some good ackee and saltfish," "jerk chicken," etc. Talking to anybody about food is always a good sign.

4. Bring your friends to visit the restaurants. There's nothing like bragging to your friends about the awesome food found in your neighborhood. Store management will be impressed.

5. If you're having a housewarming party, invite a few of your neighborhood friends. Welcoming people (you know and trust) into your home shows acceptance and respect for the community.

6. In some neighborhoods, there's usually some sort of games league. Not sure what to call it, but usually there are some men who gather around to play dominoes or something. Check out one of these and ask to join. They will wonder why you want to be there and hopefully they don't say no, but if they let you in, you have an opportunity to let them see beyond your exterior.

Again, touching on the "being phony" issue. Here are a few things you should not do:

- do not pretend to know all things Jamaican unless you hold some true credibility.

- do not pretend to be a reggae aficionado.

- do not fake a Jamaican accent. People will look at you funny.

- do not (and I stress) start growing dreadlocks unless you are a born-again Rastafarian. This is not only stereotypical, it is downright offensive to some.

- do not start wearing Jamaican flags/paraphenilia all over your body. Once again, you will be considered the "white boy who wants to be Jamaican"

- do not discuss politics unless you have experienced it yourself.

People respect those who are honest. If you have a genuine interest, it will show through. If you hate all things Jamaican, people will notice. Go with an open mind.

Answer 3

The best way to be is act normal and not according to color or nationality-act like you would if your neighbors were white. People tune into sincerity. Whatever you do do not start talking about not having anything against Jamaicans or over the top inquisitive about their culture for as you live there their culture will reveal itself to you. I have some black neighbors-i do not discuss race but am friendly,helpful when there is a need, always have a hello and a smile and the color difference never comes up for although its there it doesn't matter and we all get along very well. When I go away for several days I tell my immediate neighbors and they keep a eye on my property and they do the same. I also feed the one neighbors dogs when they go out of town. I would advise that when you move into the neighborhood that you watch out for your security and safety and do all you can to lessen break ins-like deadbolts on all doors that lead outside and if you are accepted then all is well but if you find yourself targeted for theft,break ins and so on then move. Good luck and wish you a happy life

Answer 4

Dont take advice from nobody except Jamaicans!!!!!!! I wish both your girlfriend and you to have a great life in jamaica. First of all, most jamaicans are very social and kind people. They never have the intention to degrade you or any thing and they will also encourage you to learn there culture. Secondly, just be your self. If your being someone your not, it will just ruin your time down there. Finally, as a rich man, you should use your money in moderation. Dont over do the spending, It will just cause some of the residence to beg you, and its annoying.(Good advice stay away from all the ****** you see on the corner ok. and girlfriend that if hear a guy call to her just say hi back and walk straight ahead no stoping now and keep yuh purse close to you, dont flaunt yuh money. No joking matter. But its fun in Ja, no lie. You'll always have somthing to talk about and lots to laugh about.) [e-mail], or Sexyfresh_18yahoo.com (live in Kingston) [e-mail] or [e-mail] (Live in Runaway Bay)

Answer 5

i'm not jamaican but i can say that you are acting as though these people are a seperate species. would you ask this question if you were moving into an all polish neighborhood? i doubt it. you already gave yourself and answer in saying "without being fake." just don't be fake and everything will be fine. regardless of what color someone is if they are poor odds are they value more important things than money such as respect. as you know respect is something that has to be earned so.....earn it like everyone else would.

Answer 6

Embrace the Jamaican culture.

Answer 7

Islanders are a friendly people, easy to get along with. Specially Jamaicans are used to foreign people being in a tourist belt.The best way to befriend Jamaicans, as with any other people, is being yourself. If you fake it, it's going to show. And you will just look silly and stupid.

Answer 8

be yourself and dont try so hard. im not jamaican but i have alot of friends that are jamaican and they dont like phonies so be yourself.

Answer 9

im sure a realy nice guy and you are handspm but you need to tell people hey i maybe white but i'm rich and your not

Answer 10

The best way is to.............. dress in a tux and tails, top hat, get a drum.......... walk up and down the street beating the drum..... shouting to the people............ hear I am you lucky people....