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When African/Caribbean Culture Clashes with Mother's Wishes

Despite the >>>>>>......'extraordinaire and wizz kid knowledge of English grammar, alliterations, conjunctions, proper nouns, common nouns,etc, with the extensive usage of the dictionary; arithmetic, specialising in long division; spelling, geography; general science' ....... <<<<<< and the appreciation for  the Piano,  they were not enough to contain the inherent African/Caribbean culture that afternoon as we gatheted for our usual Summer get- together at our friend's house.

The Piano lessons; the fine education at the St. Joseph's Convent; the proper syntax and eloquence in use of the spoken language was no match for the Barron's Sweet Soca music as it brought out the mood of the African Zombie contained in our friend that afternoon. Try as she may, she could not have ignored the signals of her ancestral spirit upon hearing that soca rythm and the accompanying impulsive behavior, the soca groove.

The Host and Hostess had made sure earlier, that our pallets were were introduced to a managerie of our cultural treets like Saltfish Souse, Curried Goat, Paratta Roti, enough Mauby and healthy portions of Orange Juice to quench our thirst.  The afternoon was indeed one of fun with everyone sharing stories in reminiscent of our town's goings on during our youth.

But the crescendo of the afternoon came at the discretion of the Host in celebrating our leaving with the cultural tradition of "one for the road" and with that, the sound  of Barron had permeated the evening air with his usual melodic rendition of " The Soca Man" and it was then our friend had decided to give us a "lesson on cultural diversity in the post colonial era and its impact on African/Caribbean culture".

The Piono lessons and the early exposure to the finer qualities of learning at St. Joseph's were quickly abandoned as she bisected the Living Room where we were gathered with a 'timing chip of gyration' to the rythim of Baron as we stood there in awe. But as he echoed his chorus to that song in his familar high pitched tone, our friend from the Convent displayed a "mattey" (a salacious wining of the hips for the more sophisticated readers....lol) that almost swept the floor of the Living Room  with her Glutinous Maximus and came back up, unassisted and with ease. She then made us all a "sweet eyes" as if to say, "tell Mother to take dat! and keep her darn Piano!".

Much to the astonishment of everyone, we all left with "our mouths wide open but shut"

And now that the Christmas season is upon us,  I do not anticipate our friend would be humbled in commemorating Christ's birth by singing to the Piano music of "silent night, holy night" but will find another Baron, maybe this time, the one titled  "Crown Him" and celebrate in a manner like the good Christian that she is.

VJL

Re: When African/Caribbean Culture Clashes with Mother's Wishes

That was indeed an afternoon/evening to remember, especially knowing the strict parenting that "wineing" lady came from. And let's remember that she never gave any indication during her youth that she was ever at odds with her parents.

Her gyrations and >>Glutinous Maximus<< came to a crescendo when "Nah Leaving" by Denise Plummer was playing. It was as though she was in effect saying that she too was "nah leaving" and begging for more. My friend, that's what happens when our latent African instincts are awakened and come to the surface. They say you can't keep a good man down, well just the same you can't keep what's basic to us down.

Yes, we were all in absolute shock but glowing admiration that memorable afternoon.

Verne, you could not have chosen a better incident to illustrate your point "When African/Caribbean Culture Clashes with Mother's Wishes."

Re: When African/Caribbean Culture Clashes with Mother's Wishes

T,

I stand corrected,

It was indeed Denise Plummer that drove the Sister out of her mind to perform such calisthenics.

I can see her reading this and laughing ever more.