Wendel Abel
SLAVERY AND colonialism no doubt have left an indelible mark on our history and still influence many of our core values, behaviour and mentality as a people.
The plantation system: Orlando Patterson refers to the plantation system as a "monstrous distortion of human society." This plantation system exists today in many forms; it is reflected in our social systems and workplace organisations.
Family and marriage: The institution of family and marriage were undermined by both masters and slaves. Many forms of unstable unions emerged out of this system. The male slave was encouraged to father as many children as possible with as many women. Promiscuity was widespread. The dominant family patterns which we see today such as a majority of households headed by a single female and visiting relationships as a common union have clearly evolved out of this barbaric system.
Sexual exploitation of women: The sexual exploitation of female slaves was common both by black and white men. Young girls were raped and the common -law wives of male slaves were exploited by the masters.
The big house syndrome: At the heart of the plantation was the great house. Invariably this was perched atop of a hill for security purposes, for enjoyment of the view and the more favourable climatic conditions connected with higher altitudes. The old adage as ''wealthy as a West Indian planter" supports the notion of excessive and ostentatious living. We still aspire to this lifestyle.
The people are lazy: This myth has always been perpetuated in this country. Under slavery people were forced to work not for reward but out of the threat of punishment. People will only work well if adequately rewarded and respected, that is, Jamaican work ethics change when they go abroad. If we pretend to pay people, they will pretend to work. We need to dispel ourselves of the notion that people are going to work for "little or nothing."
Service or servitude: The viciousness of the plantation system was based on enforced servitude. Today we have major problem with service as our people still have not made a distinction between service and servitude.
Browning and bleaching: The plantation system was anchored on the principle that when you are white you are right. When you are brown, stay around and when you are black stay back. The 'coloured' slaves were recruited into the households, they enjoyed greater status and were treated much better than the field slaves. Colour gives status and mobility to individuals on the plantation system. To some extent it still does. Are we then surprised that bleaching is widely practised among our people?
The informer culture: Resistance, rebellion and running away were common practices. Individuals who were suspected of providing information to the masters were viciously dealt with on the plantations by other salves.
The foreign mentality: This practice has always been a part of our reality. Orlando Patterson (The Sociology of Slavery) reports that in the middle of the eighteenth century, 300 children left this country per year for England. A majority of our people continue to look outward for education, fortune and future success.
Attitudes toward the police: The Jamaica Constabulary Force was established after the Morant Bay rebellion. It was established by the ruling planter class to keep the poor in check. The fact that it is referred to as a "Force" conjures its mission to oppress and suppress. The police have reinforced this image over the years and this has resulted in widespread resentment and hatred for the police especially among the poor. The police must be commended for attempting to change this image.
These are mental legacies of the plantation.
-- Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
