Out of Many, One People
Out of Many, One People
Grade 7
Term 1, Unit 2
Unit Title: Valuing Heritage- Yours and Mine
In our previous blog, we looked at the Tainos and so, we will explore other ethnic groups in Jamaica. This blog will provide information about The Chinese.
Chinese workers were imported from China, shortly after the Emancipation of the Africans. The first group of Chinese workers arrived in 1854. The second group arrived in Jamaica between 1864-1870 and the third group arrived on June 12 in 1884. The Chinese came to work on sugar plantations across the island and when their contracts ended or expired, some decided to stay and establish their own businesses. Those who remained developed the Chinese Benevolent Society, which was founded by Chung Fah Fuicon in 1890. The Chinese Benevolent Association, formerly, the Chinese Benevolent Society, was developed to look after their interests, and welfare, to promote charitable activities and mutual assistance among themselves, and to act as arbitrators in the settlement of their disputes.
Contributions of the Chinese
1. New businesses, such as supermarkets, and clothing stores, which offer reasonable prices and flexible payment plans, which have helped many Jamaican families. Through their businesses and commercial innovations, they have made major contributions to Jamaica's economic development.
2. Foods, for example, noodles, soy sauce, sweet and sour chicken
3. Spices and herbs, for example, ginseng and ginger
4. Dance- Chinese Dragon Dance and Lion Dance. The Chinese custom of setting off fireworks in celebration of special occasions was adopted by Jamaican and this is practiced around Christmas time. The traditional Lion and Dragon dances have also been incorporated into Grand Gala, which is a yearly celebration used to highlight our cultural diversity.
5. Games of chance such as 'cash pot' and 'Lucky 5'. The Chines brought their tradition of gambling with them and introduced a variety of games to Jamaica. The games of chance tradition was adopted by Jamaicans.
1. Which challenges do you think the Chinese may have encountered when they came to Jamaica and worked on the sugar plantations?
2. The Chinese came to Jamaica as simple workers in 1854. Today, a majority of the businesses in Jamaica are owned and operated by the Chinese. What does this tell you about the Chinese as an ethnic group?
3. How have the various contribution of the Chinese shaped our culture as Jamaicans?
4. Why do you think the Chinese, as an ethnic is so successful in Jamaica?
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The Chinese have made significant contributions to Jamaican culture, which have had a lasting impact on the country's identity. Here are some ways in which the Chinese have shaped Jamaican culture:
ReplyDeleteCuisine: Chinese cuisine has had a major influence on Jamaican food. Many popular Jamaican dishes, such as rice and peas, include ingredients and cooking techniques that were borrowed from Chinese cuisine. Additionally, Chinese restaurants are a common sight in Jamaica, and Chinese food is widely enjoyed by Jamaicans.
Trade and Commerce: The Chinese have been involved in trade and commerce in Jamaica for many years. They have established businesses in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and construction. This has contributed to the economic development of Jamaica and has created job opportunities for many Jamaicans.
Language: The Chinese language has also had an impact on Jamaican culture. Many Jamaicans who have worked or interacted with Chinese people have learned to speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Additionally, some Chinese words and phrases have entered Jamaican Patois, the local dialect, and are commonly used by Jamaicans.
Religion: The Chinese have also brought their religious beliefs to Jamaica. Buddhism, for example, is practiced by many Chinese Jamaicans and has become an important part of Jamaica's religious landscape.
Art and Culture: Chinese art and culture have influenced Jamaican art and culture in various ways. Chinese calligraphy, for example, has inspired Jamaican artists to experiment with new forms of lettering and typography. Additionally, Chinese festivals, such as the Chinese New Year, are celebrated by Jamaicans, and have become a part of Jamaica's cultural calendar.
Thank you for your extensive response. What are some sterotypes that we have in Jamaica about the Chinese? What reservations do we have about them as an Ethnic group?
DeleteThe Chinese have had a big impact on Jamaican culture in many different ways. Firstly, they have influenced Jamaican cuisine, with many popular dishes incorporating ingredients and cooking techniques from Chinese cuisine. Secondly, they have been involved in trade and commerce in Jamaica, helping to create jobs and contribute to the country's economic development. Thirdly, the Chinese language and some of their words have become a part of Jamaican Patois, the local dialect. Fourthly, Buddhism, a Chinese religion, is practiced by many Chinese Jamaicans and has become a part of Jamaica's religious landscape. Lastly, Chinese art and culture have inspired Jamaican artists to experiment with new forms of lettering and typography, and Chinese festivals are celebrated by Jamaicans and have become a part of Jamaica's cultural calendar.
ReplyDelete1.The Chinese workers who came to Jamaica to work on sugar plantations faced a number of challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and harsh working conditions. They were brought to the island to work under harsh conditions and were often subjected to long hours and low wages. Additionally, many of the Chinese immigrants were isolated from their families and communities, which made it difficult for them to build social networks and find support.
ReplyDelete2. The fact that a majority of businesses in Jamaica are owned and operated by the Chinese suggests that they are a hard-working and entrepreneurial ethnic group. It also suggests that they have been able to thrive and succeed in a variety of industries, from agriculture to retail to manufacturing.
3. The contributions of the Chinese to Jamaican culture are many, and include the introduction of new foods, such as jerk chicken and fried rice, as well as the construction of landmark buildings, such as the Chinese Benevolent Association building in Kingston. Chinese cultural traditions, such as martial arts and lion dancing, have also been incorporated into Jamaican culture.
4. There are a number of reasons why the Chinese have been so successful in Jamaica. One possible explanation is that they have a strong work ethic and are willing to put in long hours to achieve success. Additionally, the Chinese have a long history of entrepreneurship, and are skilled at identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities.