How is jamaicans american different from african americans?

Answer 1

Jamaican culture was shaped by the experiences of slavery then colonization under British rule in Jamaica. African American culture was shaped by slavery and then the long fight against racism in America. For both peoples, the experience of centuries long slavery and forced acculturation separated us from our African cultural heritage in a way that made it difficult to preserve it. Both peoples trace our ancestors to Africa, but neither has significant cultural traditions other than some elements of music and some foods, that are directly traceable to Africa.

Jamaican immigrants in America (as with most immigrants) tend to be highly entrepreneurial and financially successful, but Jamaica itself is a poor country that relies heavily on exports of natural resources and tourism and tends to have very volatile elections.

Cultural differences between Jamaicans and African Americans tend to fade very quickly in the second generation, with American born children and especially grandchildren of immigrants tending to consider themselves African American while still embracing their Jamaican heritage.

Answer 2

If you mean, "Why are Jamaican-Americans able to overcome racism and prosper to such a much greater degree than African-Americans?" I'd say that's a good question. Perhaps because Jamaica's white population is a minority, and Jamaica is generally so poor, that personal drive becomes thematic and victim status is less prominent in the psyche. It would make a good study, but I doubt if any firm conclusions could be drawn.

Answer 3

You've got to be kidding me. Right? You cant be serious. LOL. Jamaicans come from JAMAICA. An island. Derived from the West Indies. African-Americans are born in America (duh) and there heritage comes from Africa. Africa and Jamaica are NOWHERE near eachother! LOLLLL.

Answer 4

Ancestry. Why we want to define each other by our ancestry is something I still don't understand. I'm an American with no prefix on the name.

Answer 5

In terms of race, we are all the same. We are both the Black race. But different nationality. It is like a German and Polish. Same race, but different nationality.

Answer 6

because some are from jamaca and some from africa, they are two totally different countries

Answer 7

Nothing

Answer 8

some from jamaca, some from africa