Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[spottycatz]

despite the programs that you cite, and the "policemen" that you count, it is clear that the aggressiveness has increased rather than decreased......

Sorry Ed, but you 'appear' to be in a vocal minority, and thats OK, because that's what boards like these are for, but I've never had the problems you've encountered, so I can't relate. The PEOPLE who work the beach are making a living the best they can and the best they are allowed to do. They provide a service that you personally don't want, but there are others of us that go and have gone to Negril regularly and for a long time, that do talk, buy from and enjoy their company. Personally, the beach would be a poorer place without the vendors. I would rather have them on the sand than the hoards of coloured plastic wristband striders, that march stoically ahead untill they get back to their place of 'safety'! Just sayin'.

[BikerMike]

chill out,if the world was tilted a llikkle bit it could be you!

respect

semi

[Rob]

despite the programs that you cite, and the "policemen" that you count, it is clear that the aggressiveness has increased rather than decreased......

Ed,

It is not "clear" at all. This is why I mentioned that posting your speculation as fact is incorrect and misleading.

While that may be the feeling you take away from your vacation stay, in many other posts here and on other travel boards, other visitors have stated the exact opposite. A number of people feel that there is less harassment in the recent years than they experienced in their past visits. And please remember that their feelings are every bit as strong, honest, heartfelt and true to them as yours are to you. Dismissing their feelings and stating your feelings as fact is not correct and is misleading.

No one is suggesting that there is no tourism harassment. In fact, Jamaican the government recognizes it and has been implementing policies to address it. Is the situation more or less aggressive than it was years ago? Some visitors will say yes and others will say no. It is a matter of opinion. But is a fact that there are both immediate and long term measures being taken by Jamaica to address this issue.

I understand that you feel frustrated. Being frustrated is not a good way to feel. It is your opinion that there is more harassment at the present time, and you are of course entitled to that opinion. But as stated above, it is in no way "clear" or obvious and certainly not a fact.

[Summer]

Manda,

I dont think anyone here has an issue with what the OP felt during their trip as we have all felt that in our own way. But to deal with these feelings by expressing them on a public message forum in a way that is condescending and condemns all Jamaicans is obviously offensive to many.

Living outside America for the better part of two decades now, I find it startling how many Americans dont understand other countries of the world, or even their neighboring countries for that matter. But for me to phrase my feelings as "Why are Americans so stupid when it comes to the world around them?" and post this on a public forum would not win me many positive comments from the American crowd. Not all Americans are like that - so the blanket statement proposed would not even be accurate in the first place. People reading that comment would be well within their right to point that out. Essentially, when you are posting something for the world to read, you need to keep in mind how your words will come off. This is not your private Facebook wall, but an international travel forum. There are ways of getting your point across without offending people.

The main issue that the OP seemed to have by the comments was when they were awoken on the beach by a vendor. There is no excuse for this behavior. Simply none. But I must ask again why blame all Jamaicans for this, why not complain about the property that allowed it? Most properties would never allow this to happen, so how has this become all Jamaicans fault and not the fault of a single property?

And the scammer concept that is prevalent in the OP's first comment does not seem to be based on facts according to their own words. Since the OP says they never gave any of the beach vendors a dime, how would they know if anyone was scamming them or not? To assume and then post for the world to read everyone you meet in Jamaica is scamming you is one of those comments that will obviously offend many and will be responded to in that manner.

The OP also stated that they didnt intend to single out just Americans, but nevertheless entitled their post "Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?". In addition to obviously singling out of American tourists, it does imply an "us vs. them" feeling from the outset. This will also tend to color how people respond to the post. If you post something with combative overtones in the first place, then it should not come as much surprise that some of the replies will come back that way.

And to call part of another culture "silly" as in "silly fist bump" is condescending at best. I am sure this line or even the attitude behind it did not win them many friends here on the board or in Jamaica for that matter.

It is one thing to not like something and state what you didnt like. No one here has any problems with that. Nothing in this world is perfect and we all know that. But if you choose to state your dislikes in a way that is confusing, combative and condescending, then it should come as no surprise if the replies are less than favorable.

You said it Rob!! the part in bolded up top is what I find offensive. I have been to Jamaica just once stayed in the Ironshore neighbourhood as guests of wealthy Jamaicans who have no desire to live anyplace outside of Jamaica. So, not all jamaicans are the way your threadline depicts them.

I understand what the OP is saying but, your threadline should not read Why do Jamaicans etc. etc.

[garysteph1018]

So, someone tell this newbie how to handle an aggressive haggler when "No mon, respect" doesn't work, b/c honestly I might just start crying!

[TizzyATX]

Steph just respectfully but firmly let them know you are not interested and keep walking if they continue, no problem

[Accompong]

I seems to me that "we" are at fault for "Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?" And, I too, think it is not just "Americans".

I am also not including everyone in this statement only the ones that "dem cap fit". People go to Jamaica to enjoy themselves. Some enjoy themselves with men... some with women... some with rum... some with ganja and even some with more "exotic tastes". This is a "free market" society and if someone wants it... someone will supply it.

Old timers will remember when handcarved birds were everywhere on the beach and now, not so much. Why? Because people wanted them so people that were carving alligators and not selling so many started carving birds. After a while, people in China started mass producing the birds cause they could do it cheaper than what a Jamaican carver would do it for and now a lot of the once handcarved birds are simply junk but a whole lot of higglers can make money if they can get someone to buy them.

Stop buying things and sooner or later people will stop trying to sell them. Personally, I don't mind a person trying to sell me something as long as I can say "no thank you" and then they go back to their business. I don't really have a problem as most people do just that. Others who are more agressive won't take no for an answer but they wouldn't take no for an answer anyways but I don't lump them into the same category as I would a salesman or a higgler.

I live in So. Florida and some don't take no for an answer here either. These are the people who actually "NEED" something. Salespeople and higglers satisfy the demand that exists and, in my opinion, thank goodness for that.

Peace and Guidance

[Mr. Twister]

Sometimes they've been handy in helping me remember what I'm needing when I've seen to have forgotten....lol.

[Aud-A-Sea]

We love the vibe in Negril. The people, the music and the freedom. The amount of poverty there is terrible. However, one of the reasons we go is because by leaving behind our tourist dollars, we are helping the locals. Our friend Kingsley shared with us how different things were when he was growing up in Negril before tourism. It wasn't a pretty story.

If I wish to buy something, I will haggle just a bit...it's all part of the vibe. However, I will never be disrespectful to them by offering a grossly undervalued amount. Everyone is trying to make a living and I respect that. However, by the same token, I work for a living too and spend plenty while I am there and I wish to just be able to say once, "No thank you" and be left alone. Respect. I respect that you are trying to make a living and I wish I would be respected when I politely say, "No thank you".

Did the beach stroll once and I was disappointed that I was not able to leisurely stroll with my hubby and just take in the sun, sand and water without keeping my head down in order not to make eye contact and be hassled.

We have been 6 times in 2-1/2 years and always stay on the cliffs. But our last visit was 2 weeks split among Catcha and Banana Shout. Couldn't walk out the gate to simply stroll down to Out of Town Pastry for a patty without being hassled so many times. Never did get our patties...ending up catching one of the cabs and heading back to Catcha.

Whenever I hear Reggae music and think of our friends there: Kingsley, Miss Delsie, Milo, Marianne, Champion, etc. it saddens me that we have no desire to go back any time soon because of not being able to just enjoy the location without the constant hassle.

Went to the Abaco's (out islands of the bahamas) last month and in January will be staying on St. Thomas. Maybe after a few different places, our minds will want to go back to where our heart loves...Negril.

[Misti1]

lol

Sometimes they've been handy in helping me remember what I'm needing when I've seen to have forgotten....lol.