Conor Finn
Blog Three
As Jamaicans infiltrate Kennebunk in the summer they bring along their happy spirits, delicious food, and their own cultural norms. Many of my friends in the summertime come from the beautiful island of Jamaica, and we spend hours together playing soccer on the beach, or watching some on the tele. These friends our only with me for three months out of the year and every August is a sad departure, as they head back to their homes and away from their summer homes. Being around these young men and women have shaped my easy going personality and my down to earth outlook of life.
Some Jamaican culture I have experienced in the summer is eating delicious Jamaican dishes with my friends ranging from salted codfish to barnrny. After these dishes we usually enjoy some fresh fruit and a nice cold red stripe beer. One thing I have learned from them is that they enjoy reggae, but more importantly they enjoy all music that “makes their soul at ease.” I have been blessed to have such great teachers about how to relax, sit back and enjoy what is in front of me.
The personal experiences I have had with Jamaicans have ultimately led to my utmost respect for these wonderful people and enjoyable culture. For as long as I live my heart will enjoy each person I meet and my soul will be at ease whenever music is playing. For this outlook I thank my summer friends that have come to Kennebunk Maine for better working opportunities, and the chance to expand their future.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Conor Finn
Blog Number two
Professor Torres
In the early Seventeenth century Jamaicans, as well as many other nationalities, were being brought over to the American Colonies for slave labor. For hundreds of years this was the main immigration pattern for Jamaicans to come to the United States of America. Today Jamaicans can come into America for working opportunities, a better lifestyle, or higher wages. Unlike the early slave trade of Jamaicans, now they can live aside any American and be there equal. In this blog I will focus upon the issues of early Jamaican migration into the United States compared to the migration of Jamaicans today.
During the slave trade Jamaicans were brought over to work in plantations receiving no pay and harsh working conditions. However current Jamaicans coming to America for higher wages experience respectable working conditions. The issue of higher wages comes down to the American dollar being worth 94 times the Jamaican dollar. With this said it is easy to see why many Jamaicans come to work in the U.S. during the summer. Harsh immigration restrictions have long created problems for Jamaicans to move permanently into the States. “These laws include the Commonwealth Immigrants Act of 1962 and the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952.”1
Although America as long been a oasis for migrant workers the economy in Jamaica is quietly growing. The tourism attractions in Jamaica are slowly keeping the migrant workers in the country, and helping build an ever stronger economy. The trip overseas to come here and work is a voyage that many still make for the higher wages and greater opportunity to excel in fields of work other than the tourism market.
Blog Number two
Professor Torres
In the early Seventeenth century Jamaicans, as well as many other nationalities, were being brought over to the American Colonies for slave labor. For hundreds of years this was the main immigration pattern for Jamaicans to come to the United States of America. Today Jamaicans can come into America for working opportunities, a better lifestyle, or higher wages. Unlike the early slave trade of Jamaicans, now they can live aside any American and be there equal. In this blog I will focus upon the issues of early Jamaican migration into the United States compared to the migration of Jamaicans today.
During the slave trade Jamaicans were brought over to work in plantations receiving no pay and harsh working conditions. However current Jamaicans coming to America for higher wages experience respectable working conditions. The issue of higher wages comes down to the American dollar being worth 94 times the Jamaican dollar. With this said it is easy to see why many Jamaicans come to work in the U.S. during the summer. Harsh immigration restrictions have long created problems for Jamaicans to move permanently into the States. “These laws include the Commonwealth Immigrants Act of 1962 and the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952.”1
Although America as long been a oasis for migrant workers the economy in Jamaica is quietly growing. The tourism attractions in Jamaica are slowly keeping the migrant workers in the country, and helping build an ever stronger economy. The trip overseas to come here and work is a voyage that many still make for the higher wages and greater opportunity to excel in fields of work other than the tourism market.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Why I chose this blog topic
Conor Finn
Preofessor Torres
Blog Topic
February 16, 2009
Summertime in Kennebunk, Maine is so full with clear skies and sandy beaches. During the three months of summer my hometown has a major influx of Jamaicans. These people go unseen by the tourists, however the locals extend hands of gratitude and personally develop relationships with these foreign workers.
The intention of my blog is to uncover the increasing Jamaican culture that has been thriving in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport for many years. This topic will be challenging in the aspects of research and to take an etic view of my hometown. Researching the Jamaican culture might take many hours in the library, but I am willing to work hard to learn an interesting aspect of Kennebunk. I will set up my blog with www.blogger.com upon the advice of Professor Torres. For years I lived without a care about different cultures in Kennebunk. Now I am ready to investigate and interpret this special culture along the Coast of Maine.
For a quick insight the Jamaicans start coming in May. They work in very nice restaurants and hotels. Almost every Jamaican is an honest worker and all have extremely down to earth personalities. Being able to familiarize myself with this group of people has formed a certain aspect of my life. This is why I wish to write about the Jamaican culture that works in Kennebunk, Maine during the summer.
Preofessor Torres
Blog Topic
February 16, 2009
Summertime in Kennebunk, Maine is so full with clear skies and sandy beaches. During the three months of summer my hometown has a major influx of Jamaicans. These people go unseen by the tourists, however the locals extend hands of gratitude and personally develop relationships with these foreign workers.
The intention of my blog is to uncover the increasing Jamaican culture that has been thriving in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport for many years. This topic will be challenging in the aspects of research and to take an etic view of my hometown. Researching the Jamaican culture might take many hours in the library, but I am willing to work hard to learn an interesting aspect of Kennebunk. I will set up my blog with www.blogger.com upon the advice of Professor Torres. For years I lived without a care about different cultures in Kennebunk. Now I am ready to investigate and interpret this special culture along the Coast of Maine.
For a quick insight the Jamaicans start coming in May. They work in very nice restaurants and hotels. Almost every Jamaican is an honest worker and all have extremely down to earth personalities. Being able to familiarize myself with this group of people has formed a certain aspect of my life. This is why I wish to write about the Jamaican culture that works in Kennebunk, Maine during the summer.
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