This morning I was sitting here thinking that since I can’t go to Jamaica for a while I should start writing about my own city and the adventures one could have here, but then I realized that there would be no adventures because I’m normal in Calgary. There is nothing different about me in my hometown that if I drove into a new neighborhood people would notice and go out of their way to show me around and make sure I’m entertained. Whereas, if I did the same thing in Jamaica I would stick out like a sore thumb and be the focal point. This brought me to thinking that for most of us Jamaica-addicts, we are fixated on what we don’t necessarily get at home – attention.
When I say attention I’m using the word in more ways than one. For some (females) the attention could mean that they get it from Jamaican men and become the type who keep returning to the island for some lovin’. No one can fault them for it because how many times in your home town do you get attention BECAUSE you’re a white female? How many twenty five year old hot boys hit on a forty year old fluffy gyal back home?
For others it just means that because we’re willing to venture out into uncharted territory the attention is naturally drawn to us because of such behavior. I like to get lost in random places and meet the most random people who are all about showing off what’s great about their neighborhood even if there’s nothing great about it at all. Mind you, I’m not ignorant to the fact that being white and female adds to the experience of being doted on and entertained BUT it’s not just that because foreign males get the same attention when they’re willing to be adventurous and learn about the culture.
I can’t lie, I don’t like to “blend in” because that’s so normal and is probably the reason why I feel isolated in my home town. But the fact that I don’t like blending in is an oxymoron when I’m in Jamaica because I DO like to blend in in Jamaica. One of the things that pisses me off the most there is that I can’t walk with any man without it being assumed I’m his woman or his foreign wife. If any of those assuming people knew me at all they’d know I will never be a foreign wife unless I marry someone for business, and I mean business that benefits me, not them LOL. That’s an exaggeration but I’m just telling you how unlikely it is.
Having said all that I think a fixation on being different regardless of where we are isn’t a bad thing at all. I think people become complacent and lost when trying to fit into the status quo. People tend not to change an established behavior unless the incentive to change is compelling, and for me travel and discovery are compelling enough! If my appearance can enhance the way I experience things abroad but not at home, then I will continue to use it to my advantage.
Comments
10 responses to “Our Fixation With Being Different”
I really like this post and I know exactly what you mean having done a bit of traveling myself, there are places you go that you will never blend in but so long as you enjoy where you are nothing else matters.
@Erin – LOL!! I knew someone would comment on that part.
@ IMOW – Thanks. And yes, there are so many benefits to being “different” when you travel. Great experiences. Jamaican hospitality rules!
Great article!!
and i`m only 38. Not 40!
JOKE!!!!!
very insightful
Great post, sums it up perfectly!!
Nice post!
Sweetheart, you hit the nail on the head. Currently I am in Negril and I was just thinking to myself the other day “what is it that I love about being here and about so-and-so” and today–kazaam! I happen to look upon your blog. I have been coming to Jamaica since 2003, and I can’t see going anywhere else. There is sooo much love and acceptance here that can’t be measured anywhere else in the world.
Jasmin, thanks for that comment. I think it’s a mutual love thing in Jamaica – we love it because they love us and vice versa.
Interesting, I’ve been going since 2003 too!
One year long, long ago my aunt came home to Jamaica for a visit and was walking around town with my sisters. While walking some guys called out to my aunt, in the usual yard manner to which my sisters took exception and proceeded to curse out the guys. To their shock and awe my older aunt jump in the middle shouting at my sisters to leave the guys alone because she does not get this while at home in the states and she was enjoying the attention.
Hahahaha I get it though. I understand it a little bit why the attention is nice sometimes. It gets overwhelming but still creates some fun moments.