Name: Form: CS3A Date: 10/9/11 Subject: Caribbean Studies Topic: Homework

1) Assess the positive and negative results which may arise from living in a culturally diverse society. (30 marks ) Or 2) The Caribbean is a region where cultural difference far outweighs commonalities that might exist. These differences occur within and between the various societies and cultural in the Caribbean. Assess this view. (30 marks)

Question 1

Cultural diversity refers to differences in race, ethnicity, language, nationality and religion among various groups within a community. The Caribbean region was colonized by the Europeans who brought slaves from Africa and Asia to work. As a result of these different people living together a culturally diverse society was formed. A culturally diverse society however has its positive and negative aspects which will be mentioned in this essay. Living in a culturally diverse society can impact persons positively as it teaches them to accept and appreciate different cultures as they get accustomed to it. Persons of this society also get entertainment and interesting new experiences from the different cultures in the society such as a variety of food, music, fashion, festivals and celebrations. Another positive impact of cultural diversity in a society is the mixing of the different cultures and ethnics to produces new forms or creole forms; this process is known as hybridization. Hybridization forms new music, art, literature and poetry that represent more than one ethnic group. Persons who dont have a strong connection with the any of the ethnic groups they are from have their own view and behaviour and are positive influences in a culturally diverse society. Living in a culturally diverse society also teaches persons from an early age that they need to think wisely about situations and to promote peace as conflicts will arise around them due to the maintaining the balance between ethnicities which is the essence of democracy. Living in a culturally diverse society can also have negative results as it leads to prejudice that arise from socialization with family and friends. This will then lead to myths and misconceptions of the other ethnic group to be believed as facts. Feelings of discrimination will also be a negative result, as persons may feel that they were taken advantage of and that their lifestyle and ways of earning a living may be at risk. This will lead to ethnic violence and riots. Cultural diversity also leads to a negative impact in politics as political parties will become separated according to race and in such cases politics will be a competition of the races. This makes jobs, promotions, opportunities and gifts limited to people who are not of the ruling party. Ethnic hate will also arise due to the feeling of ethnic superiority as one group will feel that the other is getting more. Living in a culturally diverse society has positive and negative results that all depends on the citizens behaviour.