Why I'm Boycotting Jamaica

Kenneth Winfrey
May 1 2007, 10:24AM

I believe that hypermasculinity and the homophobia that comes with it is rooted in the reputation of the buck on the plantation. We must remember that (British) Jamaica was as much a part of the slave trade as America, and that the impact of slavery is alive and well there.

Consider that Britain provides civil partnerships but the acceptance of homosexulaity in its nearly all-black former colony is among the most homphobic in the world.

When we look at the acceptance of homosexuality in the white community in America, and the persistent homophobia and hypermasculinity among blacks in America, the same ethnic disparity exists. People of African decent everywhere seem to be having the hardest time with their same-sex communities.

"Boycott" America too! Stop givng your money to the homphobic black church and other industries, like tobacco and/or those in Jamaica, that persistently fund the governments who create homophobic policy.

Rockinrob
May 1 2007, 10:36AM

NO JAMAICA FOR ME!

Derrick from Philly
May 1 2007, 10:46AM

I think we need to ask gay folks from these anti-gay countries what is the best course of action to take. A boycott would be effective if you show these horrible photographs to "liberals" who usually vacation in Jamaica. But you know, when I visualize the "liberal" who would boycott, I see some white woman--American or European. I don't see black Americans with vacation money(and that's a lot of 'em) joining any boycott. Aint that sad.

It's something to see photographs of black lynch mobs after seeing so many photos of white American lynch mobs from the 1930s and before. A black mob surrounding their victim, taking pleasure from the torture and humiliation they inflict. Soon they'll be bringing their children to watch the mutilation and murder just as the crackas used to do.

Blue
May 1 2007, 10:58AM

I agree with Derrick. Granted, I am willing to bet a good portion of black folks have no clue about any of this, but even if they did, they'd still go there since that is the "vacation destination" for many black people. In fact, my mother wants my entire family to go on vacation there, and I am trying to figure out a way to get out of it without turning this whole thing into a political debate I know they will not understand. I've never really seen what the appeal is about that place anyway - I've never had any desire to spend my money in such a backward and quite frankly unattractive place. People don't understand what these places are really like outside tony resorts and cruise ships. But, to each his own. I made up my mind years ago I'd never set foot there.

gs
May 1 2007, 11:03AM

Thank you for sharing this. I was about to book a trip down there but will be changing plans and go to another caribbean destination for my vacation. I will not spend a dime in this hateful country nor risk potential harm to myself for being a member of the glbt community.

Charles
May 1 2007, 11:46AM

It is not enough to speak to gays about this problem, in order to truly boycott Jamacia you will have to raise awareness within the heterosexual population of America that run to this "backwards" place for their honeymoon and other events.

Check out the link by clicking on my name.

Colin Robinson
May 1 2007, 12:37PM

Why I'm NOT boycotting Jamaica.

Thanks for your thoughtful commentary, Keith. I'm not boycotting Jamaica, though, until Jamaicans ask me to. And so far they haven't. Till then, I'm going to be in Jamaica as often as possible, working and supporting and holding hands with the folks who are fighting back against the violence in some often breathtakingly courageous and imaginative ways, with the drag queens who put on their wigs and pumps and makeup and step into the Falmouths every day. We didn't change the South by boycotting it. Who's coming with me?

brian
May 1 2007, 12:50PM

Sorry Colin I won't be joining you.The same methods used to isolate and influence policy in aparthied South Africa should also be applied to Jamaica. Divest,protest and seek redress for human rights violations.When the economic reality sets in, watch how quickly the Jamaican government steps in to stop these horrific displays.

omar miguel
May 1 2007, 12:57PM

I took my "No Jamiaca Travel" stance years ago when this issue first started to become out of hand. In 2003 a friend asked me to go with her on a trip to Jamaica. I told here I would never financially support Jamaica with my travel dollars as long as they continue to treat LGBT persons less than human.

As for the U.S. Government getting more involved in the situation in Jamiaca...I'm not holding my breath on that. Look at how the U.S. responded to the situations in Sierra Leon and Rwanda.

I agree with Keith Boykin. This is not about imposing liberal values or the "gay agenda" on others. It's simply about Human Rights.

Reginald Naji-Allah
May 1 2007, 1:01PM

I HAVE BEEN BOYCOTTING JAMAICA SINCE 1989!!!!

In 1989 I married my first husband and we naively went on our "honeymoon" to Jamaica. What a mistake that was!!! Not only did we live in fear of being found out to be a gay couple, but the corruption was rediculous. I remember sitting in a cab while two Jamaicans argued over how much they were going to cheat us out of for the fare. Then we were hijacked and taken to some shack in the woods by a guy who offered us his 11 and 13 year old nieces for sex in exchange for "borrowing" our passports and birth certificates so he and his cousin could impersonate us and leave the country. Of course he would mail the documents back to us when they got to America so we could then come home. Not only were we told by him and others in the country that 'we kill batty men"....how it was done by the police as well. close to 20years later it is still going on!!!

Solo
May 1 2007, 1:13PM

I have so many ideas floating in my head right now about this issue I dont know where to start. First since homophobia exist just about everywhere, where is the logic of boycotting Jamaica? If you go down that road well then you would never go anywhere. Plus how does economically crippling an already bad off country help gays in Jamaica? In doing that won't you just be giving the homophobes in that country exactly what they want, no gays in their country? Hmmm! I just can't get over people who complain about collective mistreatment advocating collective punishment! Punishing the entire country of Jamaica for the actions of a relative few. Yeah, that makes sense!

Will
May 1 2007, 1:36PM

Ok Solo, what do you recommend?

cmoney
May 1 2007, 1:53PM

I'm with you on the boycott. I have had many opportuinites to travel to Jamaica and have always refused. I won't go where I'm not welcome--especially where I could be physically harmed for being gay. No one is saying they must change their culture, but they must protect people's human rights. Other islands in the West Indies are similarly homophobic, but they do not encourage or allow to go unpunished physical violence against gays like Jamiaca does, especially against tourists. From what I have read, the Jamaican government and tourist industry is becoming sensitive about it's violent, anti-gay image and is starting to pay some lip service to the rule of law. By putting on more pressure with a boycott, we can encourage them to protect the lives of gays and lesbians in Jamaica. Money talks!

hermit185
May 1 2007, 2:12PM

Well before we launch an all out effort to boycott Jamaica consider that almost all destinations in the black diaspora are equally homophobic. Jamaica just happens to be the most vitriolic. As someone who was born and raised in the caribbean, I know personally the homophobia is deeply intrenched in all the islands. I also know that boycotts or any similar actions are not the answer. Mass boycott only serves to hurt the already poor and disenfranchized. Moreover it gives the peddlers of hate a platform to manipulate these people and drive them deeper into ignorance. I believe the answer lies in working with those gays and lesbians who are at the forefront of the struggle in Jamaica to bring about positive change. The situation in Jamaica is different from the US and requires an approach that involves the gay/lesbian grassroot. Change will be slow but already I can see progress being made, For the first time ever this issue is part of the national discourse but it will take much time to dispell ignorance.

Nyah Molineaux
May 1 2007, 2:25PM

As a Jamaican-American, I feel deep conflict with this issue. I am proud to be a part Jamaican. In my family, the hard values of work is taught by my culture. But at the same time I am ashamed by the way my people have treated the LGBT community. And for my people I am sorry.

I feel we can support the poor in Jamaica, without supporting the government. The tourism dollars that come into Jamaica, do not get to the people who need it anyway.
If you look into any of the hotels on the North Coast, they are owned by Americans. Even if you go to some Jamaican tourist sites, they will only accept American dollars.

The government is so corrupt Keith. It is a damn shame you see lavish living on the coast, while people are suffering in Kingston and other parishes.In 2000 they had riots there, to boycott the economic conditions on the island.

Shabaka
May 1 2007, 2:26PM

Maybe you're right, hermit185, in saying that mass boycotting may actually end up harming the very people we're trying to defend. But the problem is that, and you should know this since you're of Caribbean descent, no LGBT person will dare to speak up locally, we all know of what became of Brian Williamson, Steve Harvey and the likes. So something needs to be done and unfortunately it might just come at a high price.

The Captain
May 1 2007, 2:48PM

What IS human rights?

I see people have a twisted view when they hear this term. Human rights has nothing to do with equal opportunity, rights of expression, or protection.

Aaron
May 1 2007, 3:05PM

I think a MAJOR dialogue needs to get started here in America. There must be a serious problem with child molestation on that island for people to connect homosexuality with children. They need a serious education on the difference between pedophilia and homosexuality. Everyone in the world watches what Americans do and famous successful Black Americans, good or bad, have a far reach that they dont even understand.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, and the many Carribean American performers and American performers can do PSA's through HRC or Human Rights Watch to address this issue. Not Oprah though because their economy would be SHOT! She said she doesnt eat burgers and the beef INDUSTRY suffered. That little hell island would sink. LOL

James
May 1 2007, 3:17PM

One thing that you can do is to start by educationg your friends and family members. That's what I've been doing for the past few years. Anyone who mentions wanting to vacation in Jamaica -- I just let them know about Jamaica's record on LGBT violence. I would also love to see an article about this in the mainstream African American press -- Ebony, Essence, Upscale and the likes. Maybe Black Enterprise would be a good place to start since that magazine recently contained an article about being African American and LGBT on the job.

Hermit185
May 1 2007, 3:42PM

Shabaka, I fully understand the challenges of bringing about change in a society like Jamaica's but I still have to insist that whatever we do to affect that struggle must be done with a spirit of fraternity and consideration for the special circumstances there. Consider for a moment that the places where many LGBT people in Jamaica find whatever freedom of expression that they now enjoy are in the "tourist areas". Destroy the tourist industry and you also eliminate these "oasis of freedom". Pursuing a scorch earth policy that penalizes all, victims and perpetrator, innocent and guilty seems excessively punitive.

Billy
May 1 2007, 4:40PM

It's not just Jamaica- it's almost, if not all of the islands, Bahamas, Aruba etc. I visited Freeport, BH about a month ago and decided to go on a tour of the islands to get myself somewhat accquainted with it.Well, the tour guide was talking about all of the different islands, way of life and than he got on the laws of the BH. Don't know you know this cat said,"it's against the law to be a sissy here in the BH." I remember zoning out when he said that. I wasn't shocked but just disgusted and sad because I thought that it was hard to try to be who you are in the states but at least we have some places to turn-it was very depressing and I knew that I would never go back to any of the islands because I have dated several men from the islands and they all said the same thing but to actually hear the tour guide say it so nonchalant about it just really got to me. I couldn't wait to get home.

ebonbird
May 1 2007, 5:04PM

How much does your decision to boycott Jamaica lend itself to the tactics and strategies employed by gay, lesbian, transgender Jamaicans living in Jamaica (and outside of Jamaica) to improve things for themselves in their home community?

Larry Miller
May 1 2007, 5:20PM

I think we have yet to attack the root of the issue. Jamaicans are homophobic because of their economic situation. Considering that the people live in poverty and are forced to work in the tourist industry, I would argue that the lack of economic wealth makes them reluctant and culturally insensitive to homosexuality. While hypermasculinized images of black men are problematic, I think they do not account for much of the reasoning behind discrimination. We have to examine the class disparity in the country and how poverty might be a contributing factor to social norms and or attitudes. I think once we look at that, we might find that countries with less advanced economic development act more discriminatory toward homosexuals. Although not every country has “clean hands”, countries’ with a significantly higher income per household experience fewer reported instances of prejudice and discrimination toward homosexuals. So, how do we go about attacking homosexual battery? Examine the social, financial, a

cmoney
May 1 2007, 5:25PM

All boycotts cause harm in the short term to people who have little control over their circumstances. In the 80's we boycotted South Africa to help force an end to apartheid. Of course, many Black South Africans were squeezed by that boycott, but it was for the greater good in the long run. Life for all South Africans is better now because change was forced upon them from within and from the outside. No one wants to see Jamaicans suffer, but it is unreasonable to expect gays to support anti-gay hatred either. In the long run, Jamaica will be a better place if it enacts reforms to protect gays and lesbians from violence. A boycott might be what's needed to wake up it's gay movement and get the attention of it's government and leaders to seriously address this problem. Once they figure out we can just as easily fly to Puerto Vallarte as Kingston, maybe they will start to take notice.

Nathan James
May 1 2007, 5:27PM

I once worked for a Jamaican family (they owned the business) and had this illuminating exchange with its Vice-President:

VP: "I couldn't ever tolerate it if my young son said he was gay."
Me: "Surely there are worse things your son could be, like a bank robber or a drug dealer"
VP: "I could live with that, but he could NOT be gay. Back home in Kingston he would be shot. I might also be killed for having a bwatty boy son!"

Mind you, this man was the son and grandson of Jamaica police officers...this is why Jamaica, W.I. (and most of the rest of the Caribbean) is on my "DO NOT GO THERE" list...

Colin Robinson
May 1 2007, 6:27PM

Why I'm not boycotting Jamaica.

Hmm. Is the goal of a boycott to pay Jamaica back for discriminating against you personally? Or is to help change something? Change won't come about from an individual decision to boycott. It requires something organised and strategic. Many cite the anti-apartheid movement as a success, but so many of us "were" against apartheid, but didn't do a damn thing to bring an end to it. Most important, shouldn't we start by asking the people we're supposed to be doing this for (GLBTI folk in Jamaica) what they think first? They aren't all hiding under rocks. This is, after all, about their lives. If they ask me to, and only then, I'll boycott.

Shabaka
May 1 2007, 6:37PM

I agree with you to a degree, Hermit185. Keeping a fraternal spirit is what causes people outside of Jamaica to feel concerned about the lives of our fellow LGBT, but again since they have no voice and the only way to get the Jamaican and other islands authorities to actually re-examine their flawed policies is by considerably impacting the tourism industry, then by all means. I'm pretty sure lynchings skyrocketed in the south when human rights activists started voicing their anger half a century ago. But this didn't stop any of them from actually peacefully but firmly condemn and boycott transportation companies across the nation, wouldn't you agree? So in my opinion, if it worked in the past, chances are, it will work again. Sous one form or another.

nahtan serious
May 1 2007, 7:31PM

I think each person should do what they are able to do to help. If Boycotting works for you...do that! If it doesn't do something else. As a caribbean national form a far less homophobic place I won't/ can't boycott since I know alot of people there. However gays from other caribbean islands have alwasy been hesistnat about visiting Jamaica. And please do not lump us all together! It is one thing to say homophobic things from a pulpit, it is quite another to beat someone to death because they are different!

robert
May 1 2007, 7:34PM

I think the most useful parellel is to to South Africa.. a boycott was a very useful tool in changing apartheid . I am wondering why have not major LGBT organizations like HRC picked up on this??

Solo
May 1 2007, 7:41PM

I completely agree with the need to stop the violence against LGBT community but I think most of the comments here don't take into account the overall crime situation in Jamaica. In a country of just over 2 million people that has roughly 2000 murders a year getting people to focus on violence against LGBT in particular will not be a easy task. Plus being a person of West Indian extraction myself I must say that a take issue with the general tone of all these comments that paint all the islands as homophobic and backward. That imperialistic thread seems to run all through these comments, that need Americans have to go to other countries and tell them how to live. To impose your sense morality, your sense of right and wrong on entire societies. Since reading after reading these comments I reacting with a certain sense of, who the hell are these people? Coming down here and deciding that they don't like how we live. Boycotting? If you want to sensitize people use a less blunt weapon!

Arthur
May 1 2007, 8:33PM

I love the posters who decry using " a sense of morality" on weather to vacation in this miserable place. Somehow, I just don't see any morality when people are being beat down in the streets like dogs to crowds cheering fort their death as an American morality issue, this is a human rights issue. As for it being such a hyper masculine culture, just where on this planet isn't it that way? They are cowards who hide behind a bible, while having children out of wedlock, using drugs, and a crooked government, and are only moral to have a scapegoat to keep the masses happy, gays and lesbians fit the bill, who need to be packing guns and using them since this is one of the most violent countries on earth. Been to Jamaica, and once was enough, didn't encounter any issues being gay and traveling with my partner, but, the way they were cooning for the white tourists for coins left a bad taste in my mouth to never go back.

Rick
May 1 2007, 8:48PM

Billy, obviously you were talking to some ignoramus. It is NOT illegal 'to be a sissy' in the Bahamas. Anti-sodomy laws were struck off the books in the Bahamas years ago. Yes, there are homophobic people here and I would not walk down the streets of the Bahamas holding hands with another man, but I have been to the United States many times and I have visited many states and cities and in many of those places I wouldn't walk down the streets with another man, either.

The problem with too many Caribbean countries (the Bahamas included) is the unhealthy marriage of church and state, especially when those representing the church see God as a weapon of oppression. (But that is a matter for another day, isn't it?)

Well, general elections are tomorrow and I am going to get dressed to go to a club (gay) right in the downtown area and next to a cathedral church. I, nor anyone who goes there, have any fear of bodily harm. I might even buy a drink with one of the many off-duty cops who come in.

Mel Smith
May 1 2007, 8:53PM

I will contact political officals in Jamaica. Boycotting will not be the answer.

Darkrose
May 1 2007, 9:20PM

I don't think that criticizing violent homophobia is "imposing my sense of right and wrong" on another culture--I think that saying it's not okay to beat someone badly enough to put him in the hospital, and then wait outside for him to be released so you can beat him some more isn't culturally specific.

I'm honestly not sure that an organized boycott is the answer, but on the other hand, I'm sure as hell not going to spend my money going someplace where I have to be afraid of getting beaten, raped or killed if I hold my girlfriend's hand. I would very much like to hear from someone from J-FLAG about this, and see what local activist organizations recommend--though I also think it's instructive that the home page of their website mentioned how they're helping queer Jamaicans seek asylum in the US, UK and Canada. When the main local organization is effectively saying that getting out of the country is a good idea, the time for action has arrived.

curious887
May 1 2007, 9:28PM

What a tragic situation. I agree that a boycott might be the best move, but it will have to be a mass effort. How do we effect something like that?

I truly feel for those of you are conflicted on this issue. But to me, no one is "picking on" Jamaica. Rather, it's about targeting a country that is particularly horrible to gays and lesbians. They beat us like dogs and feel justified in doing so. Hitting them where it hurts, economically, makes sense to me. As has been said here, the folks who would feel the pinch most are not the masses of poor who get no take of the tourist dollar.

And Mel, exactly what will contacting officials in Jamaica do? I am certain they could give a damn about gays and lesbians. We can't even get hate-crime legislation passed in this country. What do you think w/ happen by appealing to politicians in a country where masses openly cheer when gays are beaten?

Bajan4eva
May 1 2007, 10:07PM

As a Caribbean national, I am ashamed at the practice of taunting, torturing, beating, and lynching of GLBT persons, prevalent in many of the Caribbean islands. That was one of the main reasons I elected not to go to Jamaica, in particular, for tertiary education but came here to the US. However, going to an HBCU, is often not different from the Caribbean and I believe that we as black people, have this inbuilt and taught hatred and disgust of GLBT persons that perpetuates from generation to generation. While in my particular country, Barbados, it remains illegal to engage in homosexual activity, this "law" is overlooked by police and the general population. Barbados is often looked down upon by other Caribbean nationals as an island that "favours" GLBT persons. I pray that the government will continue to make strides towards complete equality and be a beacon in the Caribbean.

Rp
May 1 2007, 10:45PM

Never again, it's been years for me, but its not worth it. The poverty has turned the people into animals. Any card carrying member of the Gay Community should X Jamaica from their travels. The violence, the bigotry, "one love", my ass. Dont go and encourage your friends and family to do the same!

Ruth White
May 1 2007, 10:50PM

I happened to do some research with JFLAG and JAS looking at AIDS stigma and homophobia. What I heard from some folks was so shocking in so many ways. From both men and women.

We as black people have no 'built-in' hatred and disgust of gay people. and hte buck theory doesn't hold since islands like barbados and trinidad have a different sensibility than jamaicans do.

the combo in jamaica that is so deadly is an already violent culture mixed with the hypermasculinity, a high degree of religiosity that is heavily orthodox in its theology (once said jamaica had highest #of churches per capita in the world), state tolerance for violence against the excluded (the mentally ill have suffered similarly) and a dependence on tourism that is heavily laced with the global sex trade (russian go-go dancers and 'straight' men having 'gay' sex).

Government wont speak out even when confronted by other governments. But even the last prime minister was a target so where does one turn?

Mel Smith
May 1 2007, 10:52PM

If we boycott, Jamaican gays and their Jamaican straight allies will suffer. American support might influence those politicians. So I will see can I possibly contact Colin Powell or someone.

jamaican
May 2 2007, 12:35AM

Keep the pressure on. There's no point you going on vacation where you're not free to relax and be yourself. The anti-gay violence is getting more blatant in Jamaica and homosexuality is a hotbutton issue because more gays are refusing to hide. There are some enlightened voices though. Check out the editorial at http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070501/cleisure/cleisure1.html

J
May 2 2007, 12:59AM

Well, if you don't particularly like Jamaican or WI people then I guess this gives you a legitimate reason to attack them. There are plenty of places in the US and abroad that treat homosexuals the same way, but people seem to be ignoring them.

Anyway, raising awareness and making GLBT people human to homophobes is more powerful than a boycott. People need to see the bruises and the corpses. They need to hear family members scream. Gay and liberal dollars may not matter to Jamaica and other places, and the gay mafia is strong, but they can't touch everyone.

Chapeau
May 2 2007, 1:22AM

It's high time we heard a voice, any voice, and thank Goodness it's Keith Boykin's voice in this case ... calling for an economic boycott of Jamaica.

I've been posting this same argument for month's now on various websites and blogs. I am furious that these Human Rights abuses get no attention from our government.

Jamaica's economy relies upon tourism and rum ... personally I have been boycotting Jamaican products for some time - No Red Stripe or Jamaican Rum allowed at my parties or in my home and I urge friends and family to avoid Jamaica as a tourist destination.

Thank you Keith for raising this issue and lets work together to form a coalition that calls for a unified Boycott until Real changes are made in Jamaica.

chris-leo
May 2 2007, 1:26AM

something's gotta give. they will have, and they will need a stonewall-style riot, or two...

with this level of anti-gay violence, it's just a matter of time.

i'm not saying it's going to have the desired effect, but i can look down the road and see it's coming.

Solo
May 2 2007, 1:27AM

I so getting sick and tired of the people who respond to keith's blogs trying to hang the label of "homophobe" around the necks of every straight black person out there. Black people dont have a history of oppressing anyone, quite to the contrary. Black people are noble and universal most of the time to a fault. Yes there are bias attacks in Jamaica just like everywhere else that anyone can mention. The fact that Jamaica is a relatively poor country somehow make them "animals?" As Rp so crudely put it. That put me in the mind of that incident a few years ago in Wyoming when that gay kid was beaten and hung on a wooden fence until he died. Are all of you going to boycott Wyoming? Blacks are not bigots and a simple diference in moral beliefs is a far cry from being a hater!

Mel Smith
May 2 2007, 7:50AM

Younger gays and lesbians are going to remember these types of incidents and fight heterosexual people in the future. There's an old saying based on what goes around, comes around. The younger generation will not sit back and let people attack them like this. From history, the oppressed always have their fun times, later on.

MidwestGuy
May 2 2007, 10:01AM

As a Carribean native, I have serious problems trying to wrap my mind about this boycott. A boycott? In Jamaica? Although the intent is noble one, I think it kinda ridiculous. There's something to be said about championing causes in foreign lands when we have not adequately dealt w/them here. That is not to suggest that we "shouldn't" be concerned. However, it doesn't seem as if we have a collective voice to affect much change here in the states. Do we really expect that to happen in Jamaica? What an easy and fruitless target that is.
Again, I think the cause is noble but I hope this boycott does not catch much steam. What I would suggest is reaching out to US personalities and going that route. That way, we have real ammunition. Then pressure can be placed on the Jmcan gov't to do something. But stop going to Jamaica when we don't "boycott" NYC due to its history of violence against gays is....

Blue
May 2 2007, 10:29AM

Solo - are u kidding me? You cannot compare what happened to Matthew Shephard to the state of affairs in Jamaica. That was ONE incident. Jamaicans are constantly attacking gay folks - and not just one or two people at a time. In MOBS. Anytime you can rally a bunch of people around a person to throw stones and shit at him because of who he is there is a problem. This has happened a lot in the last year alone. As for black folks - it is what it is. I have quite a few straight friends, many of which I have had for years. But I have had more issues with straight black people than anyone else all my life. I can admit that I go into situations (family, etc.) in attack dog mode, expecting to be offended and insulted. This is not a good thing, as I know everyone is not like. But a sizeable portion of the black community IS anti-gay. It's a fact. And until you live your life in the skin of a black gay man you just won't get it.

Derrick from Philly
May 2 2007, 10:35AM

"Black people don't have a history of oppressing anyone..."

What the hell kind of people was I living around in North Philly the first 34 years of my life?
Nappy-headed Norwegians with heavy tans?

"Black people are noble..."
Most of 'em, but some have been pure niggers since before slavery ended.

And I AINT no snow queen, but I'll never join the Afrocentric pep rally.

ToddyEnglish
May 2 2007, 11:07AM

I have never been to Jamaica and I have no intention of ever supporting them in anyway, shape, or form.
But it doesn't shock me either. Most Jamaicans are incredibly poor and undereducated. The only thing they have to hold onto is the idea of male machismo. If I were a native Jamaican I would start carrying a gun.

Dan
May 2 2007, 11:26AM

As a Jamaican(living in Jamaica) I agree with you Keith, mob violence has to stop; all forms of homophobia has to stop. People just can't go around dispensing violent judgement on anybody. I have personally taken stance to not listen to the murder lyrics endemic to dancehall music, I don't particpate in many things that lead to demise of homosexuals and any marginal group. I believe in human rights and I affirm them everyday, even against the great difficulties in doing so here.I believe that there needs to be meaningful dialogue on not just homophobia but human rights generally in this country. However, I must disagree with you on the methodology used in achieving change here, the answer is not in boycotting the country. Nor is it in having your US politicians show us the way(I believe this a form of neo-colonialism) certainly the American government is no by no means a yardstick to measure what happens here.

Matthew
May 2 2007, 11:38AM

The images I saw on Youtube of that effeminate guy being beaten in Trelawny was very, very disturbing.

Boycoting the country I assure all of you will not change anything. Can anyone quantify how significant the black gay dollar is when compared to the white straight dollar (where most of Jamaica's tourist dollar is earned). Even if that was the case, you would end up hurting the same ones who you are trying to protect: gay Jamaican men. Many of whom are directly employed in Tourism.

You guys need to understand that Jamaicans actually see their homophobia as a part of their cultural identity. Thierin lies the problem. I have spoken to many straight Jamaicans who are actually proud to be homophobic. The main reason why it has now become so bad is because the generation who has been listening to gay-bashing dancehall music for the past 17 years have now come of age. For such a long time day in day out they keep hearing "batty man fi dead, batty man fi dead". They associate killing with homosexuality, an

Mel Smith
May 2 2007, 12:16PM

Well said, Derrick! If heterosexuals want to violent with us, we should be violent with them. That is just my opinion.

Mikey-He Likes It
May 2 2007, 1:28PM

I think the homophobia in Jamaica is so engrained in the culture due to deeply held religious beliefs and impoverished conditions. The big difference in Jamaica is that the violence is often times condoned and ignored by the police who are there to protect. I don't see that here or in any other caribbean island. From what I understand also is that there's a gay underground in Jamaica that flourishes especially amoung the more educated/wealthy set. You'd think these gays would organize to bring about change, but there's just no protection for them. I'm not sure a boycott would work since there are so many hetrosexual couples/singles who love Jamaica and are not willing to stay away on our behalf. What I don't understand is how Jamaican women deal with their men who totally fall over themselves (literally)whenever a white woman enters the room. I'd find this more appalling than homosexuality.

nahtan serious
May 2 2007, 2:01PM

btw a buju banton concert is planned for Madison Square Carden next week I think...check the nyc concert listings

Mel Smith
May 2 2007, 2:17PM

I just found out about the Banton concert(and I will contact msg). I'm sorry. I just cannot excuse the savage behavior of some people in poor nations such as Jamaica. Just study how the issue of skin color has divided that poor nation. You got people with low self esteem because of the European brainwashing of light skin means better! Therefore, they HAD used Bible arguements in Jamaica, to justify treating darker skinned Jamaicans as inferior. Let's be honest: Blacks, worldwide, can be some of the most evil people walking the face of the earth! I'm a 27-year-old black male. And some of you guys want unity with these black heterosexual people? I don't want any unity with a bunch of people who don't see anything wrong with me being attacked. Watch and see. The new young generation of gays and lesbians will not tolerate people spiting and kicking on them. If heterosexuals fight them, they are going to fight them right back!

nahtan serious
May 2 2007, 2:37PM

I just saw the video of the beating on Pams site and it brought me to tears. I was amzed at the number of women taking part in the beating and I was shocked at the continuation after the inital assault. I think they would have killed him! I don't see how any mother (or father for that matter) could watch that video and think that what they are doing is right or even ok. All he did was dress like a woman! Something needs to be done and soon! Buju and Sizzla and all the others that promote violence need to be boycotted! Gays should desist from going to Jamaica! Gays in Jamaica with some clout need to use theri clout to effect change! They must take the risk involved ...

jazzi
May 2 2007, 2:42PM

For me, it's a matter of common sense. Why would I go some place where I know I could be attacke, killed even, just for being who I am? Why would I place myself in harms way? There are places in my home town that I avoid for the same reason. It's not about punishment or penalization. It's just not safe. Simple as that.

cmoney
May 2 2007, 3:38PM

Jazzi: I agree. There is no reason to patronize a place where you are not wanted and may get harmed in the process. As for the Jamaicans and others who are against the boycott, what do you propose be done to change this culture of violence? Would you walk down the street in Kingston holding hands with your lover? If they don't think the Black gay dollar is that significant, then fine, don't worry about spending mine. Vacations are about choice, fun, relaxation and not having to worry about one's personal safety. Just like I wouldn't vacation in Baghdad for fear of being killed I will not go to Jamaica when I have a choice to go somewhere else safe, fun and that appreciates my Black gay dollars.

Derrick from Philly
May 2 2007, 4:09PM

Solo: Your post on the "bad rap" black folks (around the world) are getting for being intolerant of gay people was serious and from your heart. My response was sarcastic and facetious.
I grew up determined to be a part of my black family, my black schoolmates, my black North Philly neighborhood. By 1986, I said, "fuck all them nigguhs." All the excuses some black sgl and dl guys give for black folks' hatred of openly black gay people are either weak, dishonest, or as stupid as the gaybashing shit that comes out of too many black folks' mouths. Blacks' violent anti-gay behavior has destroyed some black gays--not just physical destruction, but destruction of their souls. I've been a witness. My blog friend, Mel Smith, used to write very positive comments--always mentioning great black gay historical figures. Now, many times his posts have some anger/disappointment. I understand.

Don't let 'em get to you, Mel--you're young and strong!

Blue
May 2 2007, 4:33PM

I know what you mean Derrick. I'm 27 too, just like Mel. I had a much rosier outlook on the life as it relates to outsiders when I was in my early 20s. Now, I just feel angrier and angrier as time goes on, and events like the ones chronicled in this blog are why. Black folks and their intolerance are just too much for me. Like I said it's not all, but enough of them- and it's way too much at times. The bullshit about "we are a people raised in church" is stale and tired. People use that shit to cover up their hatred and biases. It makes me not want to be bothered with my family or anybody else for that matter a lot of the time.

MdwestGuy
May 2 2007, 7:00PM

Cmoney..I wouldn't walk down the streets of any American city holding hands w/my partner. I understand not spending your money where u aren't wanted. However, we can use that same analysis for many things being black here in the states. There are many places we visit, places we live and organizations many of us are a part of where "we" know we aren't necessarily welcomed. By the same, I've never witnessed any gay couple walk through the doors of the church holding hands or even have intimate moments while there. Some things you do..some things you don't do. That's just a reality.
Before we cry rivers about what the hetero black community does to us, we need to reevaluate our level of tolerance w/each other. I believe how WE treat each other is no different than the antipathy/indifference that many blacks exhibit towards each other...classisim, elitism, etc.
Again noble goal but lack of strategy has held us back for far too long. Being angry about life makes you incomplete.

Mark
May 2 2007, 9:04PM

The only point I'll make on this topic is that people have to stop with it being a black anti gay thing, gays are unwanted almost everywhere. The hatred is irrational and sick at best, but, its a part of life you have to deal with. Boycott? that's the thing for many to do. Try and help the people there? Another good idea, but, in the end, the only way the glbt community in Jamaica, and other intolerant countries like this, is to stand up to it. And, its annoying that everyone seems to say the black community is so anti-gay, I guess they haven't heard Bush and the GOP or the Prime Minster of Australia and their rants, gay hatred ain't restricted to the black community, or third world ones like Jamaica, with a whole lot of issues.

Until people get rid of that silly "love the sinner, hate the sin b.s, the hate will run rampant.

ejab
May 2 2007, 10:11PM

The naysayers and the puveyors of the neocolonialist theory are missing the point.

At least in America there is some chance for a gay person who has been beaten to seek redress throught the law courts. IN Jamaica this is non-existent.

Have you guys heard of the young homosexual man who was chased into the careenage and drwoned because he could not swim.

Boycott I say.

Ron Lee
May 2 2007, 10:36PM

I'm all for protecting the rights of sgl people of Jamica, lets not boycot, infact lets raise some money maybe donations to NBJC which inturn may issue the the money to organize the lgbt community of Jamica. Brothers and sisters we must remember for years this was the play ground of rich whites str8 & gay and they had our woman & men at their will. There are white homosexuals as we speak moving into the carribean displacing black families who have lived there for generations on the Islands where is the call for action there? where is the sensitivity there? Parades,Flags and all marching down the streets thumbing their noses at the natives and displacing them with no after thought what so ever. PEACE OUT....Anytime a issue come up we need to review the history of the area first...P.S...white people in america are creating laws against homosexuality.

Mel Smith
May 2 2007, 11:12PM

Derrick, I'm just so upset because heterosexual people have literally made us their punching bag, and they are going after men, women and children. I'm convince that we need a worldwide revolution. I visit blackplanet.com and other black websites, and view the pure hate against us. If you read the comments against us, you would be totally shock. They are doing a whole lot more than disagreeing with our sexual orientation. They literally spit in our face, and claims it comes from God. They put a bullet in us, and say it comes from God. They literally punch us in the face, and say it comes from God. Most importantly, heterosexual people believe that they can blow us up in the name of God. It's true. Remember Tim Hardaway. They tried to justify what he said, in the name of God. If Gay Jamaicans want us to support a boycott, we should support their wishes. Right now, we're at war. We are losing the battle because we don't fight back. I will protest Buju Banton contest.