Do We Really Lack A National Identity?

Royal Gazette Opinion, Thursday 21 April 2005

One of the most surprising things to emerge during Bermuda’s independence debate is the number of Bermudians who have said that they don’t have a sense of national pride.

At the recent meetings of the Bermuda Independence Commission several attendees said that they are ashamed to admit that they live in a British Dependent Territory. Some said that Bermuda needs a flag and national anthem to call its own. Others believe that the forging of a common national identity will help eliminate racism.

Do Bermudians really lack a national identity, as even the Premier professes to believe? Most Bermudians seem to be exceptionally proud of their home. They are keen supporters of the Island’s athletes in international events and enthusiastic participants in its cultural celebrations. They fly kites on Good Friday, watch the parade on May 24th, and play crown and anchor at Cup Match. These do not seem like people with an identity crisis.

It’s interesting to compare the patriotism on display here with that seen in other countries. Arguably the most patriotic country is the United States, as I was reminded during my recent holiday in Florida.

While eating my lunch in the USA section of the Epcot World Showcase one day, the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps marched past playing the American national anthem. As they did, roughly half of the diners around me put down their cheeseburgers and sodas and stood up in respect. Many placed their hands on their hearts.

At SeaWorld, the park’s killer whale show was prefaced with a screening of an Anheuser-Busch commercial honouring the US military. It was followed by an invitation to every member of the US armed forces (or those of their allies) in the audience to stand, to allow the rest of us to applaud them.

Displays such as these can seem naïve and even slightly disturbing to those whose patriotic instincts are less developed. In Europe, unfettered nationalism is still regarded with suspicion, remembered as the cause of many of the wars that have wracked the continent. While there’s much I love about the UK, like many British people I remain cynical about showing such unquestioning allegiance to the land mass on which I happened to be born. I’m not arrogant enough to believe that the UK is better than any other country; I feel no obligation to stand when I hear God Save The Queen; and I wouldn’t even consider flying the Union Jack in my yard, even if I was still living in the UK.

A study conducted in 1998 by the National Opinion Research Centre (NORC) at the University of Chicago sought to provide a more quantitative measure of national pride. 23 nations were studied using two scales. The first looked at pride in specific achievements, such as science, sports and the arts. The second considered general national pride, using questions with a harder edge that focused on feelings of national superiority.

Unsurprisingly, the US was ranked as the most patriotic nation overall, coming second on both scales. Great Britain was the 11th most patriotic overall, but only 14th on the general scale. 90% of the American respondents said that they would rather be citizens of the US than of any other country, higher than in any of the other countries surveyed. In Great Britain the figure was 71%.

How does feeling in Bermuda compare? I decided to ask the five questions in the NORC’s general national pride scale on A Limey In Bermuda. Any Bermudian who wishes to take the survey can do so here until the end of next week.

Being an internet poll, the results are unscientific and may not be representative of Bermudians as a whole. That caveat aside, the preliminary results suggest Bermudians are not strong believers in the superiority of their country. 77% agree that there are some things about Bermuda that make them ashamed, far higher than the highest score in the NORC survey. This could be because those who are not ashamed by some of the antics of Bermuda’s government are likely to be the ones ashamed by Bermuda’s status as a British territory.

Bermudians also seem to value morality above allegiance to the flag: a mere 6% think people should support Bermuda even if it’s wrong, much lower than the NORC’s lowest score.

Independence probably would increase national pride in Bermuda, if only by removing the colonial status that some regard as a source of shame. But that seems unlikely to lead to more tangible benefits. Despite the patriotism of the US, its politics is no less partisan and its race relations no less strained than they are here.

Comments

[shipstones on 22.04.05 at 19:24]

Turtle,
I think that was the best post I have ever read. Thank you!

[shipstones on 22.04.05 at 19:49]

Guilden,
The top brokers Marsh and Aon are run by Bermudians, Joe Rego and Mike Fisher. Oliver Heyliger runs Willis!!!! All Bermudians.
And when you say there are Bermudians left behind with equal capabilities to expats, please quote specific cases, these can be addressed and rectified.

[shipstones on 22.04.05 at 19:50]

Trevor Woolridge and his wife were there also!

[Combat Banker on 22.04.05 at 20:08]

Don't forget Phil Butterfield at Bank Of Bermuda either. It is only part of the second largest Bank on the planet now!

[big bad wolf on 22.04.05 at 20:39]

Who cares if a disgraced AME Minister was at the event...Maybe he said a prayer for the Bermuda Delegation. God knows they need one...^..^

[shipstones on 22.04.05 at 21:13]

Just the same as if I saw you there and introduced to the assembled if you werew there on a freebee with no interest at all in the insurance industry!!

[Homunculus on 22.04.05 at 22:04]

Great post, Turtle. A country is first and foremost the experience and development of its people - at least that's how I measure up national identity in any other country. I think it's really sad and pathetic that we have such a hard time identifying Bermudians who we can identify and collectively celebrate as national icons/heroes. I really wonder how many Bermudians who claim to really love their country and profess no lack of national identiy are prepared to stay here through thick and thin. My gut feeling is that if things did get bad, a lot of people (not just expats) would jump ship in the blink of an eye and leave "the rest of us" to figure it out. We'll come together when we are prepared to accept our past for what it is, but I think a few older generations need to go the way of the Dodo before that's going to happen.

[Turtle on 22.04.05 at 23:30]

Shipstones, I'm glad you enjoyed my post. Isn't is wonderful to have things like this brought up and discussed? I have longed for this sort of discussion for years!

Homunculus -

I'm afraid you are right – some Bermudians will never be able to accommodate the valid position of the ‘other side’, and will insist on defining Bermuda according to their experience only. They will go to their graves arguing about it.

I have been wracking my brain to come up with answers to some of the questions you have posed. Who would white Bermudians name as their heroes? Is there such a thing? As you say, many would mention Sir Henry Tucker. At least he can be associated with modern Bermuda, rather than with aspects of the past which many would rather not look at too closely.

In some ways I think we are too close to our recent past to come to a national consensus on the subject. Many white Bermudians are not comfortable with facing the fact that their forefathers were the opponents in the struggles for universal suffrage, workers' rights and desegregation.

We might find it easier to come together in erecting a statue to commemorate an event. I think the most important national event would be the emancipation of slavery on 1st August 1834. Barbados has huge statue of a slave (known as Bussa) breaking his chains in the centre of one of the main roundabouts. I don't know how we as Bermudians would portray this momentous occasion - I do know that at the moment my vote for sculptor would go to Bill Ming, hands down! The key thing is that the statue would have to be in a prime location - not off to one side somewhere, but dominating a significant intersection or similar. Let's get rid of the Desmond Fountain sculptures in City Hall fountain and put it there! The grounds of the Cabinet Office would be another good spot, but it would be a shame to detract from the war memorial, which needs its own quiet space.

Anyway, let me stop here and see what others have to say.

[big bad wolf on 22.04.05 at 23:38]

WE already do you twit its called CUP MATCH...If you want a statue get off your ass and commision one...Brother ^..^

[Turtle on 22.04.05 at 23:49]

Cool your toes Wolfie!

I am well aware of the origins of Cup Match! Don't be a twit yourself!

Homunculus was talking about the possibility of a statue to a national hero. If you can think of a better idea for a statue say so!

Your Friend in the West End!

[big bad wolf on 23.04.05 at 00:19]

Ok now that you have my attention...don't turn turtle on your idea of a statue....ACT On it! and it will be built. Honour ALL our past...If its to Freedom from slavery ..lets design and get it built!!! Love To see a heroic statue to the Gombies Twice the size of life scale!! ^..^ I'm your friend too. ^..^

[Onion on 23.04.05 at 00:25]

Good posts Turtle and Humunculus,

I don't think there was ever any dispute that we have culture. I just don't believe it is celebrated and I believe alot of that is due to a colonial self-hate.

I'll give you an example. in an exempt co where I used to work I was discussing Bermuda culture with two Bermudians and and expat. When I mentioned that the gombeys were a part of our culture the expat had no problem with that. Ironically the two Bermudian girls were like,

"Oh my gosh, no way. Like, like how can you say that? That is like soooo not our culture. Get-outta here. That's west Indian culture."

Yes, they were Bermudian.

Even after I explained to them that Bermuda's colonial history was only 400 years old and that all our culture is a blend of other cultures (as is the case with USA, Canada, Jamaica, Brazil etc etc.) they adamantly refused to accept gombeys as part of our culture.

It was almost as if they were ashamed of anything too "ethnic" being considered Bermudian. They were particularly ashamed in front of the expat.

Yet, when speaking about Bermuda to foreigner they would readily associate with Bermuda culture all the restaurants like Little Venice, Tuscany, Frescoes, or La trott. Or they'd talk about international business.

I find a lot of Bermudians are like this. In fact you can see this attitude portrayed in our tourism campaigns with both UBP and PLP.

We always make sure we don't seem too ethnic. We think that is sooooo sophisticated. We think we are appealing to the rich. That's a myth. When wealthy tourists go to Hawaii they want to go to a show and see those half naked people dancing with grass skirts. They want to have fun.

In Bermuda they are bored stiff. Look at our tourist ads. Some James Dean wannabe look-alike riding around on a 1960s vespa scooter. A photo of some caviar in a plate. Lawyers in their wig and gown standing on a dock. "Woooo, honey, lets pack our bags and go to Bermuda right now!!"

It represents the way too many of us think we need to portray our culture. Conservative and anal.

[Turtle on 23.04.05 at 00:48]

Onion that is so sad. I find it so troubling that it is hard to think of a response.

Wolf, I am just a turtle - need to keep my head low in case I get run over by a motorboat. I must leave the public campaigns for those with teeth who are more suited to them.

Good night. I am headed for my seagrass bed.

[Clydesdale on 23.04.05 at 07:55]

When travelling and someone asks where you are from, how many of you say:
"Oh I am from the British Dependant Territory of Bermuda!"

None as far as I know. We all say Bermuda!!! proudly. Then, of course, we get asked about the triangle. :)

Hey Onion, what sort of cultural things should we be promoting to tourism? Scooters, beaches, golf and bermuda shorts aside!

Turtle,
"Many white Bermudians are not comfortable with facing the fact that their forefathers were the opponents in the struggles for universal suffrage, workers' rights and desegregation."

Are you saying ALL, MANY,SOME?

[Bill Cook on 23.04.05 at 08:14]

Onion,
I noted that in trying to discover what constitutes Bermudian culture you never mentioned that the original settlers were in fact English, would that then indicate that they as English or British have some input as to a cultural aspect that would reflect that?

[Homunculus on 23.04.05 at 09:57]

Cup Match long lost its significance as a memorial to the end of slavery. We'd be fooling ourselves to suggest otherwise. Wasn't there some friction when people said that we should official rename Cup Match "Emancipation Day?" I this was around the time that they started the Emancipation Day "ceremony" in St. Georges.

"In some ways I think we are too close to our recent past to come to a national consensus on the subject. Many white Bermudians are not comfortable with facing the fact that their forefathers were the opponents in the struggles for universal suffrage, workers' rights and desegregation."

Whoa - excellent point!

"Even after I explained to them that Bermuda's colonial history was only 400 years old and that all our culture is a blend of other cultures (as is the case with USA, Canada, Jamaica, Brazil etc etc.) they adamantly refused to accept gombeys as part of our culture."

That's awfully sad.

You know what would be really cool? A national Gombey troupe made up of multiple races. Bring the annual Gombey performance from Dockyard down to Front Street and have a big jam. That could be a good start towards embracing each other and rejuvenating a very important part of our culture.

[Bill Cook on 23.04.05 at 10:17]

Hi Ho,
Cool idea that,
Maybe our political parties could start the ball rolling and alternative yrs at opening of parliament by donning Gombey outfits surely no more strange than the top hats feathered plumes etc. worn at present, even the Gov may get into the act, is it open to both men and women ?
Hard to visualise Grant outfitted but hey he might surprise you !!

[Bill Cook on 23.04.05 at 10:25]

Thought I would look up meaning of culture as frankly I was not too sure.
The Oxford dictionary says "relating to the cultivation of the mind or manners, esp thru artistic or intellectual activity"
Cultivate "nurture a persons friendship"
maybe we are on to someting here

[Onion on 23.04.05 at 10:52]

Bill, of course our culture is a deriavtion of aspects of British culture. My letter was not meant to be exhaustive.

[Turtle on 23.04.05 at 13:12]

Thanks for the definition of culture Bill - you certainly are onto something!

As far as the all-inclusive gombey troupe is concerned, I'm not so sure it's a good idea.

First, I should say that as a white Bermudian I definitely regard the gombeys as part of my culture - but as a spectator. One of my earliest memories is of the gombeys, and I have heard my grandparents tell stories about seeing them when they were children too (late 1800s).

However, for me, participation in a gombey troupe is an expression of black Bermudian culture, with its roots in slavery, Africa etc etc. The sudden inclusion of whites would be awfully close to cultural appropriation in my view. Of course if that inclusion were to happen gradually that would be a different matter, and would represent natural cultural evolution.

[Turtle on 23.04.05 at 13:37]

Clyde - I used the word 'many'. I have no idea how many, I am drawing on my own experience in talking to other white Bermudians. I have found that 'many' white Bermudians I have come into contact with want to reject any discussion of those aspects of the past. In my view they find it way too uncomfortable.

What's your experience?

[The other Susan on 23.04.05 at 14:02]

Bill and Turtle, gombeys, dinghy racing, kite making, codfish and potatoes are all expressions of Bermuda's everyday culture - also known as folklife' Traditions passed down informally over time within a group. The tradition was not learned by formal education or from popular culture through magazines, books, or the media. Folklife includes folklore, folk art, beliefs and rituals, crafts, music, and occupations. The group may be a family, neighborhood, ethnic occupational, or religious group, or a region.

You're quite right Turtle, about not appropriating the gombey tradition. I have had the honour of learning about this tradition from costume makers, drummers and captains and I doubt any of them would appreciate someone who wasn't raised in the family tradition donning a costume and taking part.

If you are interested in talking to people who are some of the 'tradition bearers' of Bermuda's folklife, go to Verdmont on Sunday May 1st.

[shipstones on 23.04.05 at 14:26]

Can somebody tell me why salted codfish became so popular? Local fish was so abundant and presumably cheap. Why would imported salted fish be so popular, or was codfish caught locally, or was it any old salted fish that used to be used?

[Weeee on 23.04.05 at 14:36]

We also created the Bermuda rig. Almost every boat with a 3 sided sail boils down to what us Bermudians created. It's not recognized enough. With the sloop coming it will be nice to have something to show for the work of some of our ancestors

[Turtle on 23.04.05 at 14:37]

Ships - I think the importing of salt cod has something to do with Bermuda trading with Newfoundland. Azorean immigrants to Bermuda also brought a tradition of salt cod use with them. I'd like to know more about this too.

[Bay Grape on 23.04.05 at 14:41]

Good posts, Turtle and Homunculus. I like the idea of recognizing heroes, as mentioned, but I think Emancipation should take precedence. When we were growing up, I don't ever remember learning about Emancipation at school. Nor did I know who Dr. E.F. Gordon was. There is such an ongoing need for education and recognizing the incredible positive qualities in so many of all our forefathers and foremothers. I agree that City Hall would be a significant location for a sculptural piece of art about freedom. That whole front oval could be about freedom, including figures of those who pushed for equality in all ways. (Yes, please take the Desmond fountain statues out of there). I hate to say it, but I never "got" the Johnny Barnes statue thing. I'm sure he personally cheers up a number of people in the morning, but my first thought when I saw the statue was "let's get serious." It might be a nice "add-on," but when there is no monument to the fall of slavery, no visual recognition of the extraordinary moral leadership of a few towards equality, the Johnny Barnes statue looked like a "pet person" to me.

[Turtle on 23.04.05 at 14:43]

Other Susan - Thanks for the information on folklife and for the heads-up about the thing at Verdmont on 1st May - unfortunately I am going to be away that weekend. Darn.

On the other hand I noticed that Government is advertising for someone to document Bermuda's oral history and folklife. This looks like a postive way to build on the work of groups like Mosaic and efforts like the Smithsonian thing a few years back.

[Bill Cook on 23.04.05 at 19:27]

To all who enjoy a look back at Bermudian folklore and interesting anecdotal stuff, I recommend reading Scott Stallard's BERMUDA 1899, Scott is way too modest and he writes well about Bermuda as well as about his own remarkable accomplishments in the far corners of the world, so much so he has been given membership in the Explorers Club I think David Saul also.
Some of the old time Bermudian cures and recipes are quite fascinating.
Scotts photographic books of Bermuda are wonderful I have all of them.
Check out these well produced treasures.

[The Limey on 23.04.05 at 21:50]

According to Friday's Royal Gazette, the Department of Education is considering renaming Clearwater Middle, Dellwood Middle and Spice Valley Middle Schools to "reflect the names of past champions and heroes in the community". Given the talk here about the need to do more to recognise Bermuda's heroes, do you think this is a good idea?

[Andrew on 23.04.05 at 23:06]

Only if it will mean that standards will increase, teachers will be hired and more than 36% of our students will graduate!

Otherwise, no.

[Bill Cook on 24.04.05 at 08:23]

Limey,
You would need to fine tune the definition of champion and hero,with a relevance to education,one could be an uneducated thug yet possibly put the shot well enough to win a gold medal in the Olympics, not neccessarily someone a scholar would look up to.
It would make more sense to have schools named after educators who contributed much and were held in high esteem.
Remember too that given Bermudas troubled bi racial past that care would need to be exercised to be sensitive and diplomatic, which recently does not always happen.

[Lickinalong on 24.04.05 at 10:15]

It is amazing how little we know about the origins of some of our cultural icons like codfish. My understanding is that salted cod was developed in Newfoundland in the 1500s. Salted cod provided one of the few forms of preserved food that could be used on long voyages and was a valuable commodity. From its early days Bermuda had close ties with Newfoundland. At one time Bermuda and Newfoundland shared the same Bishop of the Anglican Church. Bermudians set up a trade with the Newfies, producing salt at the salt ponds in Turks and Caicos and delivering it to Newfoundland for the salted cod. I have a theory that the Bermuda boats also delivered black rum since Newfoundland's national drink is a very strong dark rum called Screech which resembles our black rum.

My wife's great grandfather was a seafaring merchant who used to trade with the Newfies. Each spring he would travel to Newfoundland and cut ice from the ice fields. It would be wrapped in straw as insulation and he would then sail as fast as he could to Bermuda and then sell the ice. Sounds improbable but its true.

[The other Susan on 24.04.05 at 18:00]

We also got into trouble with Newfoundlanders for fishing for cod in their waters.

[Homunculus on 24.04.05 at 18:00]

I don't see how renaming schools could be a negative thing, so I see no harm in it. Naming the schools after educators or people who played major roles in society could at least give people something to think about. It could just be a nice reminder that there were those before us who fought long and hard for us to have the freedom, security and wealth we now take for granted.

[Shark on 24.04.05 at 19:25]

as long as there not named after politicions ;)

[Turtle on 24.04.05 at 21:06]

This isn't a new thing - we already have Victor Scott School and Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy - and we used to have Robert Crawford School.

I suspect the Government is about to break new ground and name the schools after more controversial (read more political) figures. But who knows? Perhaps they'll choose historical figures - one of the ferries is named after Venturilla.

It's a start. Most of the streets in Hamilton are named after royal figures or governors. It's time we caught up with ourselves and honoured other parts of our heritage too.

[Onion on 24.04.05 at 23:47]

Turtle, I do not think whites getting involved in a gombey troupe is cultural appropriation.

Have you not watched the tens of thoudands of white Brazilians or Trinidadians getting involved in Carnival every year in their respective countries? I'm not talking about as spectators either.

[Turtle on 25.04.05 at 00:33]

Good point Onion, but I believe that Carnival, which you referred to, has its roots in Roman Catholicism, which is not based on race to begin with. It marks the last day before the beginning of Lent and its 40 days of self-imposed deprivation. It is also celebrated in New Orleans, by both races.

As I understand it cultural appropriation is using aspects of someone else’s culture in a way that undermines or ignores or does not respect its deeper meaning to the ‘owners’.

Looking at the all-inclusive gombey troupe idea: How would those involved in the gombey troupes feel as ‘owners’ of the tradition? I could be wrong, but I don’t think they would find it acceptable, because it would change the tradition in a way that challenges its very roots, and ignores its deeper meaning for those involved - and probably for a lot of black and white Bermudians too.

We already have lots of traditions which are shared by all Bermudians (listed in various other posts on this thread). And white Bermudians have a “companion tradition” which is the experience of gombeys as non-participants in the actual dancing.

It may be that one day these two traditions will gradually merge, but I still think any proposal to artificially encourage such a merger which is not initiated by the ‘owners’ of the gombey tradition is not only unnatural but constitutes some form of cultural appropriation.

[Onion on 25.04.05 at 00:55]

Turtle, Carnival does not have its roots in Roman Catholicism directly. Lent is Catholic. The carnival itself is not Catholic. Carnival is made up of all forms of dance and music that to a large degree are borne out of slave traditions. Eg. Capawaya(sp) is a Brazilian form of martial arts that slaves used to disguise as a dance. Many white Brazilians partake in this.

I think there are a vast amount of blacks who themselves don't appreciate the history or "deeper meaning" behind a lot of our traditions. So if whites want to participate in gombey dancing then they should feel free. If they choose not to their decision not to partkake should not be because they are appropriating anything.

Having said all this I am aware that the prevailing mentality amongst blacks and whites is very conservative and somewhat anal at times. There are many Bermudians, black and white, who would not be caught dead hopping around with the gombeys on Front St on 24th May. That's a fact.

Such inhibitions are not as rife in many other countries where people are a little less tight-azzed.

[Turtle on 25.04.05 at 01:22]

Interesting! I didn't know all that background to Carnival and capoeira. I wonder how the involvement of white Brazilians and Trinidadians began?

[Onion on 25.04.05 at 01:32]

They just want to enjoy it with everyone else!

[Bill Cook on 25.04.05 at 10:38]

Religion in Brazil is a unique blend of Christianity and African Religion ie Vodoo which to an outsider is puzzling.As the mix is of Africans,Portuguese,Indians,and Europeans,etc.
At Christmas and New Yr. hundreds of thousands of Cariocas dress up in all white light candles on the beach at night and throw offerings of flowers etc into the sea, to the "Gods"
In reality they are not truly religious but will bend any rules just to have a fun time.
Carnivale is one time that everyone can join in as long as they respect the structure of the Samba Schools as this is a serious contest.
While it is true that on the surface there is no racial discrimination, there is a social strata of wealth as 90% of the countries wealth is in the control of a handful of families none of which are white although there are wealthy non whites but not in the top circles.
Spent considerable time there over past 30 yrs some fellow Bermudians went and are still there.
They are Portuguese and speak the language.

[Bill Cook on 25.04.05 at 10:41]

OOPS should be none of which are Black,the top ruling families that is.

[Onion on 25.04.05 at 12:00]

Yes, racism still exists in Brazil. My point was that on the entertainment and cultural side whites are just as much "in the mix".

[Two Cents on 25.04.05 at 13:12]

After spending several month long vacations (8 or 9) in Brazil, I found that the divide isn't as much racial as it is economic. There is a similarity betwen the Brazilians and us (Bermudians) you often see cariocas dressed in expensive clothing or wearing NBA/NFL gear that is obviously way beyond their means soley for the impression of sucess. One day at our Brazilian "local", our waiters joined us for drinks after work and after a while I noticed that they were all drinking Budweiser, so I asked why Bud and not Brahma or one of the other local beers that are a quarter of the price and tastes just as good. I was told by several of them "If someone sees us drinking Budweiser, they know we are doing well for ourselves... even if we aren't." These "haves" without a doubt have disdain for their "have not" countrymen.

At the other end of the spectrum, I also spent a day and a half (our tour guide took us there, before and after a 48 hour rainforest tour)in a large favella (near Sao Corado), that is where you see true "racial unity" some of the poorest people you'll ever see, with the happiest, life loving attitudes. All living together and joining resources to survive. The day we got to the favella, there was a funeral for a man who died whilst attempting to steal electricity by hooking car jumper cables from the pole to his house, he died but provided electricity for several houses on his street, he was considered a martyr.

[El(the) Somner on 12.10.06 at 16:52]

in regards to Bermudas national pride and it's seemless non-existence....this to me is due to the fact that Bermuda has advanced without it's people (the majority that is)as somebody had mentioned earlier and I agree with totally, a country's greatest resource is it's people. we all remember that that there was an avenue for the non academic student to travel along and make a name for himself/have something to be pround of. once that avenue was blockaded it left many of the members of the majority, who I might add were/are quite capable of true success, feeling disenfranchised. (on the measure of sucess......Bermudians have been hoodwinked into the belief that success is a strictly financial element.)
we can talk about traditions, gombeys, fishcakes, kites, ducking stool, the exhibition, peppercorn ceremony, etc. all we want.........if Bermudians, Black or white, are not part of the development of the land in which these traditions hail....they too will die just as our so called pride has.
me personally, I am proud to be from a speck in the middle of the atlantic, and consider myself special to be a member of such a small population in such a mysterious place.
While I was in school in Canada I found it interesting how many people had no idea where Bermuda was but had heard of the triangle (of course the only thing they had known about) and it allways brought a smile to my face when they realized the oh so close proximity to north america once explained, while we reasoned over the dark and stormys that I provided. Someone mentioned also the likeness of our blackseal rum to newfoundland screech, our codfish and potatoe national dish is also a staple of newfoundland, both are results of our colonial past(as is our measure of success).
but back to the topic at hand.....national pride development.
my idea is that with the re-instatement of trade/hospitality education (directly after middle school) with the incorporation of apprenticeship programs as a part of the curriculum, under qualified Bermudian tradesmen as well as foreign workers as a viable option for our young people there would be an upsurgence of gross national pride eventually. we have two mega high school structures I am sure one can be used for academics and the other for trade/hospitality studies (CBA the site of the trade education center of the past can be revamped and returned to the edu center that it once was)students of this trade center can redevelop areas such as the club med in st. georges and the baselands in somerset (virtually free of charge with the cost of materials being paramount)for the use of much needed affordable housing,for starters.
some mentioned names from our past that were instrumental in the development of Bermuda as it is today.......I don't think they (especially Dr E.F Gordon) would be happy with the state of affairs that Bermuda is in right now in regards to our "Bermudian" Workforce in the areas of trade/hospitality.
it is us, the Bermudian that needs to be building the buildings,doing the plumbing/electrical, and working in the hotels and restaurants. but those jobs have been deemed petty by our society.......every job is important to the whole.
if you go to the union building there are posters up in the lobby about the riots and labour marches that went on. it seems to me as if those things went on in vain, as it may have made things better at the time, but I thought life was about progress & growth. why are we upset over the same things today as we were 30-40 years ago.
it is my realization that we cannot rely on either the UBP or the PLP....things were not beneficial for the majority when the UBP held the reins of power. as the reins were handed over to the PLP and we thought that the situation would change for the better of the country (as we thought that now the majority would have a voice) slowly we realized that the members of the PLP had inducted themselves into the minority, and the members with even the slightest bit of integrity were cast to the side. someone mentioned that the premier did not "premier" at the peppercorn ceremony, well you should have been at the labour day celebrations, the only minister that was in attendance from the beginning of the race was Dale Butler. it seems to me that once folks reach certain echelons of society they forget that they are a part of a whole.....they forget about attending community events, just to be with the people that they so call "govern", just because.
someone mentioned sporting figures.......Bermuda does nothing to support it's sportspersons, until they make a name for themselves by themselves. the youth programes have dwindled significantly, there is no major sponsorship for the development of our youth sport programes, we have many athletes past, present, and future, who if backed by the appropriate resources could/could have put Bermuda on the proverbial "map".
we can talk of independence, but if we're to enter into independence with the sad state of affairs that the majority of Bermudians face, things will only get worse faster.
I can admit some people that are members of the majority have their priorities a lil backwards, but one has to ask the question what is that a result of......and we all know the answer.(the measure of success for the slow folks....like the bretheren in Brazil who drink budweiser instead of brahma so they can LOOK like they've "made it")
we are all aware that NONE of us actually come from Bermuda, but we have all made up our minds to stay and be Bermudians, so we have to put aside petty differences and come together to achieve a common goal, and that is to develop Bermuda for the wellbeing of our prosperity.
we have a unique position being such a small population, we can try diferent methods untill we reach success, but everyone has to be willing to work together for each other.

on another note:
while I was in school in Canada, to my surprise in a grcery store chain called Pete's fruitique they had Loquats for sale, they were a product of spain. although they were quite large......... they were tasteless. immediately this gave me the idea of the cultivation of Bermudas loquats for export. after contemplation on the subject, figured that loquats could maybe even be developed into a skin product, we already have jam and chutney, and I am sure we all know about it's laxative effects. why haven't we capitolised on this? I am sure it could be quite lucrative.....just in case int. business folds on us.
hey just an idea

oh and the prisoners at westgate need to be out picking up trash along the railroad tracks. KBB after all it is another world.....or have we forgotten?

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 17:36]

El(the) Somner - I quite agree with what you say. If we could only get rid of all the politicians and let Bermudians get on with it we'd quickly realize just how much pride we have in both oursleves and our nation.

Oh yes, and that part about loquats having a laxative effect. If that's true then it explains why I was always running home from school. ;-)

[Bill Cook on 12.10.06 at 17:38]

Hey is Sommers Gold not made from loquats ?

Helps those on a liquid diet !!

[SmokingGun on 12.10.06 at 17:49]

Sommers Gold is made from loquats? And loquats are a laxative to boot? Sheesh - brings a whole new meaning to the term "Gold Rush".

[El Somner on 16.10.06 at 14:08]

yes SmokingGun.......get rid of the politrickers.
like my mama used to say, I brought you into this world and I can take you out.
she prefered a belt nicknamed "motivation" but we have a vote.
really we just need another option, instead of the left hand or the right hand of the same body. A representative of the regular Joe, who is not afraid to be a regular Joe