Caribbean Identity

Caribbean Identity
Name
Institution
Caribbean Identity
Introduction and Overview
The concept of identity frames is important in the modern world as it defines how people perceive themselves in their respective regions. Apart from allowing the individuals to identify themselves, the frames are also used by other to form an opinion of other people based on their identities. An identity refers to the unique attributes, manner, and style that define an individual or a group of people and even regions (UWI, 2018). People, objects, and places are thus distinctly recognized by their identities. While people’s identities may be personal choices there is a significant impact of societal and cultural influences on shaping the phenomenon.
The two types of identity are a fact of identity and sense of identity. The fact of identity refers to the situational context upon which the individuals have based their perception of distinction. On the other hand, sense of identity is associated with the worldview or cosmology. People’s identities are therefore products of their social environments. The Caribbean identity is a source of debate with the proponents pointing out to the shared historical past and various institutions such as religion as the basis of their argument (Mintz and Price, 1985). On the other hand, the critics of the perspective outline diversity as a point that cannot make the region to have a single identity. This essay discusses the importance of the Caribbean identity to various territories and individuals in the region using a case of an individual from St.

Kitty.
Identity Frames in the Caribbean
The Caribbean culture can be seen to arise from the identities in which the people associate themselves. The Caribbean culture is, therefore, a significant frame that can be utilized by individuals to identify with the region in all places around the world. The people can thus be represented by elements such as artistic works, literary, culinary, social, and political elements. The people in the modern Caribbean base their identity on various frames such as religion, history, linguistics, race and ethnicity, geography, and politics. Geography is a significant identity formation tool in the region with many people always choosing to identify themselves with the territories in which they were born regardless of any aspects that may be contributing to diversity in of the people (UWI, 2018). A common linguistic tradition in the Caribbean is another identity frame through which the individuals can perceive themselves. For instance, there are various languages such as pidgin and creoles that serve to unite people regardless of their racial, societal, and political divides. Political allegiances are also other significant determinants of identity in the region with the possibility of passing of such loyalties from one generation to another without the people questioning.
The historical identity frame is also another significant aspect that determines how the people perceive themselves in the region. For instance, historical elements such as indentureship, colonialism, and slavery play significant roles in providing a sense of united experiences for a large group of people. Such historical elements make people identify their current position with the various factors and experiences that shaped their lives (Mintz and Price, 1985). Membership to particular religious groups is also essential in providing a sense of identity with the people sharing common beliefs easily identifying with one another regardless of the diversity. Race and ethnicity is another element that defines individuals’ identities across territories. Some of the racial and ethnic groups in the region include creole people and West Indians among others. In other instances, the people may identify themselves as Africans or Europeans in the region.
Importance of the Caribbean Identity
In addition to the need for a sense of control, people are always driven to obtain a sense of identity to help define who they are. Apart from enabling a sense of belonging, identity is also essential in shaping the culture of the people. A cultural identity is, for instance, essential in shaping the attitudes, beliefs, and values of the people while assisting to elicit a strong perspective of a community in the different parts of the world or region (UWI, 2018). People also develop a sense of pride in the cultural identity that separates them from other groups around the world. The Caribbean identity is thus important to the individuals and territories in the region. The identity is therefore essential especially for creating a sense of belonging in a wider territory that goes beyond just one island. The need for an identity beyond the small islands is because identity helps to impart a sense of security especially when associated with large numbers.
Appreciation and enjoyment of the various aspects of cultural identity are other importance that territories and individuals attach to identity (Mintz and Price, 1985). The Caribbean culture is for instance associated with aspects such as the love for cricket, art, and music. As such the Caribbean identity is observed as a significant contributor to individuals’ wellbeing since people not only get a sense of security and belonging but also provide access to social networks that provide shared values and aspirations . In St. Kitts and Nevis, the love for cricket is observed to play critical in reflecting the Caribbean identity that helps in developing a national outlook and a sense of belonging. The country has a modern stadium called Warner Park that is useful for not only showcasing the sporting actions but assist to bring together especially during international matches featuring neighboring countries such as West Indies. The islands also used their identity as a way of expressing their cultural heritage (Mintz and Price, 1985). For instance, music carnivals and festivals in the region are not only social events for bringing people together but are necessary for expressing the heritage of the people. The St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival and St. Kitts Music Festival are some of the important events that are cherished both by the locals and the national living abroad as a way of demonstrating identity. A cultural identity is also essential in understanding the economic development of a territory. The importance of the identity in the economic development is observed in the sense that social capital is created to support the required advancement.
Conclusion
The demographic and the cultural diversity, as well as other factors that affect identity, are used as the basis for the argument that there is no single Caribbean identity. However, in some instances, the Caribbean people may point out to aspects such as linguistic attributes, shared historical past, and religion as some of the factors that contribute to the unified identity in the region. A common legacy of slavery and the present globalization are some of the aspects that may support the notion of a single Caribbean identity. The importance of the Caribbean identified as creating a sense of belonging and the establishment of a social capital that
References
Mintz, S., and S. Price. (1985). Caribbean Contours. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
UWI (2018). Unit 2, Caribbean Identity.