Conor Finn

Professor Torres

Jamaican Culture Blog

In our Introduction to Cultural Anthropology course we have learned of many different cultures from around the world. We have studied topics ranging from transgendered humans to anthropologists investigating the moral and physical destruction that took place in Guatemala. My approach to investigating Jamaican culture in the United States was influenced by the summer Jamaican friends I have. I believe that when anthropologists study a certain culture their must be a reason there driving them or else they would pursue a career of greater pay. What is forgotten is the uniqueness in which anthropologists have to approach situations. For example Daniel Wilkinson in Silence on the Mountain researched many different topics in regard to the strife that engulfed Guatemala for over twenty years. He had to continuously interview willing participants who found it hard to relive the memories they tried to block out for so long. In researching for my topic Wilkinson was fresh in my mind because when I found it difficult to discover reliable sources knowing how difficult it was for him made me feel better of myself. 

Choosing a topic that I have been interested in for much of my life granted me the chance to investigate a certain group of humans I have seen every summer since grade school. Studying the Jamaican culture has allowed me the chance to relive some of my childhood memories and reminisce of my friends I made that leave back for Jamaica at the end of every summer.