There has been real heated discussion around the 2 new local TV shows starring social media comedians and influencers, with social media raving about their favorites and stark differences in the shows.
The line of
reasoning in the online uproar that caught my attention would have been the identification
of the uptown versus ghetto comparisons, with one show clearly more relatable
to the masses because of its blatant showing of inner-city culture and behaviors
that naturally flow from the contestants.
It is interesting that the ghetto as a subculture of Jamaican culture and highlighted
by dancehall seems to pull a lot of younger upper- and middle-class Jamaicans who
would not have experienced the inner-city life in the slightest, especially as a
society of deep in classism and colorism. These economical differences are painfully
obvious, yet the identity carved out by those in the inner city have sustained
so many and created industries.
So, the
fact is that ghetto/inner city culture and lifestyle as subset of Jamaica is
not every Jamaican’s identity and culture in the same way Rastafarianism is not.
With that said I find it almost repulsive that so many are quick to defend ghetto
culture when it amuses them and its convenient to be a “badman” or “goodie”. But
even quicker to ditch the faux identity when it disturbs their comfortable
addresses above the US Embassy as someone once said or it does not suit their
image at the time.
But this is
not just an individualistic issue, we often see the ghetto portrayed as other
in big creative performances such as plays, and “clean” dancehall artiste mainstreamed
by corporate and government. Where major earnings are funneled to a selected few
that can be marketed as wholesome entertaining neglecting the realness of
dancehall and the ghetto.
I must end
by saying that we are “One People”, but still very much “Out of Many”.
We must decide to come to see and face our biases and privileges to move ahead
as more just, equitable and fair society.
Mario B.
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