The Cultural Differences Of Culture And Racism In Jamaica And Jamaica

Cultural expression frequently serves as a way to cope with conditions of a society or culture. Film, literature, and music all serve as cultural time machines. These modes of cultural travel can send us back and help us understand the cultural impact of the past and give us a greater understanding of why the world is what it is today. In the countries of Brazil and Jamaica, with similar histories of oppression, slavery, genocide, crushing poverty and systemic racism, it is not surprising to see similarities within many of their cultural expressions, but especially in their music.

Brazil and Jamaica, like the majority of the new world colonies, were established and colonized as financial resources for the Portuguese and the Spanish invaders.

Both kinds of music stem from the hardships on the nation’s history and many of the lyrics speak out about the oppression many faced as slaves and some still face day to day as citizens. Despite more than a century of steadfastness, both Brazil and Jamaica still suffer from social and economic disparity. Both countries are still dominated by a white upper class intent on maintaining their prosperity with little concern for the predominantly non-white poor. Slums and shantytowns encircle the metropolitan areas of Jamaica and

It gave many a platform to have their thoughts heard, it was also a way for many freed slaves and oppressed black people to make a comfortable living. In Jamaica, reggae was the music people began creating to bring the harsh message of the lives of black people to the government and tourists. Afro-Brazilian music has a similar tone and message. Within both genres, there is the constant fight against oppression, joblessness, hunger, and the lack of opportunity. A great example of Jamaican reggae comes from the many songs of the late, Bob Marley. Similar to the musical stylings of reggae, Afro-Brazilian music, whether pop music or traditional, is a celebration of the black identity and culture. Much of Brazil’s music also carries a similar message of black resistance that Marley often sang