Hey Reader
Last week I wrote about my evolving relationship with dancehall music and concerts. I've heard from many of you, and it seems I'm not alone in this cultural shift! While some of you are discovering new music, most shared that you're sticking to playlists of familiar hits from your favorite eras.
This got me thinking more about cultural evolution. I still listen to dancehall, I just listen to mostly music from 2010 and earlier. However, if a newer song catches my ear and I like it, I might add it to my playlist, but I'm not actively seeking out the newest songs. This made me recognize a shift in my relationship with an element of Jamaican culture that once defined my connection to home.
This evolution happens to all of us. We consciously or unconsciously make decisions about which parts of our cultural heritage we carry forward and which we leave behind. Today, I want to explore this natural process of cultural negotiation—and why the choices we make don't make us "less Caribbean/Jamaican etc."
Cultural Negotiation: Evolution, Not Loss
This selection process is what I call "Cultural Negotiation" in the Cultural Calibration Framework™ I've been developing. It's the stage where we actively determine which cultural elements to embrace, modify, or set aside as our lives and contexts change.
The important thing to understand: negotiation isn't loss—it's evolution. It's not about becoming "less Jamaican" or "less Caribbean," but about developing a more personalized relationship with your cultural identity.
Wisdom from Diana McCaulay
In the latest episode of the podcast with Jamaican author Diana McCaulay, she made a powerful observation about cultural identity: "I love Jamaica, but sometimes I think we love the idea of Jamaica, but the actual place itself, we don't treat very well."
This insight applies equally to our cultural identity. Sometimes we're attached to the idea of being culturally connected, while feeling disconnected from the actual practices that constitute that culture or practices that are deemed inherently Jamaican/Caribbean culture. This tension is natural and part of an evolving relationship with our heritage.
Quick Poll: Your Cultural Evolution
I'd love to hear about your own cultural negotiation process. Please take this Quick Poll about which aspects of Caribbean culture have you consciously chosen not to maintain in your life. I'll share the results in next week's newsletter!
Meet Miss Pauline
Speaking of Diana, I recently read her latest book "A House for Miss Pauline," which tells the story of a Jamaican woman about to turn 100 whose house stones begin talking to her. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because Miss Pauline reminds me of the strong matriarchs in our families who often don't get written into history books.
For Women's History Month, I definitely recommend giving "A House for Miss Pauline" a read. It's a beautiful exploration of how women's stories are preserved and honored across generations.
Support Carry On Friends
Before I sign off, I want to invite you to support Carry On Friends by visiting our store. Our "Caribbean Culture American Life" Totes are the best seller! For Women's History Month, consider picking one up for yourself or for another important woman in your life.
Visit Our Store →
Until next time, remember that your cultural journey is unique and valid. The way you express your Caribbean identity today doesn't have to look like anyone else's—it just needs to be authentic to you.
Walk good,
Kerry-Ann
Carry On Friends + Breadfruit Media
