question(s)::::>>> have you asked this/these question(s) of your Ja-boyfriend AND his family...???...Originally Posted by butterfly
what they say..??
what did they tell you..??
if i wanted to know why the chicken crossed the road,
i'd ask the chicken
be hapPpy
Yes, I have asked and they stated that because you are from America and because they have migrated to America on their visits back to their country they are considered rich.
In my opinion I feel those Jamaicans that think it is easy to give out money if you're American/tourist is because they have never traveled outside of Jamaica. Which is unfortunate that visas aren't given out so easily. Just like the quote about Jamaica "Once you go, you know". Once they live in the USA, You have to work hard because money is not freely given away.
Butterfly,
Many of "those Jamaicans" you are mentioning will never ever be allowed to enter the USA unlike the privilege that Jamaica offers the USA! You are aware that Americans are allowed to enter Jamaica rather easily where as America prevents Jamaicans from entering the borders rather passionately, and that is by the USA government! You are aware that minimum wage Americans earns substantially more than the minimum wage Jamaican does per hour for the exact same labor? If so, please help me understand the point you are trying to make.
Are you saying because Americans are better off that they should hold it over the rest of the world? Not sure what point you are trying to make....
Negril.com - For the vacation that never ends!
I think you missed the whole point and way too sensitive about the subject. I never stated anything about americans being better off or holding anything over the rest of the world's head. ??? You sound very bitter, read the post again. You're taking things out of context. I said it is unfortunate that jamaicans cannot get visas so easily. I am not the american government and do not make the minimum wage law so stop being so uptight. You are making me out to be a jamaican hater or something, my man is jamaican and has his visa. I just started a thread that seems to be getting too controversial. Next time i'll keep my comments to myself.
I know plenty of people that have never left the island yet they dont beg. The reasons people beg in Jamaican are no diff than those that beg in Times Square - laziness, drugs, etc.
I feel it is because so many Jamaicans from the touristy areas are successful at getting money from tourists. While you may not be comfortable giving, you have to realize that there are many people that are more generous and/or more naive and give LOTS of money away. For every 5 people that a lazy beach bum calls, at least 1 is gonna fall for the sad story and send money (unofficial statistic).
I am with Seveen, I dont give out my number.
oh and butterfly, I don't think you are attracting those people, it's because you are a good person and I'm sure they can tell you have a big heart. I'm the same way when we first started going, we could never just let our driver wait hours on us, we would always invite them along..by the end of the trip we were broke, it sucks sitting at the airport and can't even buy a coffee..but we learned along the way.
I will continue to bring perfume and chocolates for the maids, and toys and clothes for the kids, but I know my limit.
Chet & Coleen, you are lucky to have found such friends and they are lucky to have you!
Butterfly - he asked b/c he had nothing to lose by asking you as there are so many tourist that do end up sending money. I think I would just choose to leave him alone as he has ulterior motives. There are enough drivers that you can hire and like you said separate friends from business.
I have a small group of friends in Negril that I easily call friends. They have never asked for anything and I don't have to pay for them for anything. One of these friends is also our driver but I do make sure to pay for that as it's only fair. Then there are those people that are "friends" that ask for everything. As soon as they see my cooler on the beach they are quick to ask for a beer or bring an empty cup for something to drink. The first few times, I don't mind sharing but they seem to come around all day every day. I'm trying to still figure out how to put a stop to it without completely cutting them off from me sharing with them.
WWSDD (What Would Snoop Dog Do?)
Excellent question. No one has mine, why would it be needed? Quite a few have my JA cell #, for meeting up reasons...but my home #? Why?
I like this thread. I have often pondered some of the points made here and Rob and Chet's posts really hit home.
Most of the reasons for me going to Negril revolve around the people I meet, both on this board, and at resorts, on the street etc. What never has been within my grasp is KNOWING if the Jamaican folks I meet actually like me...or the dollar signs I represent. Unfortunately, my status as a working American citizen puts me in a position that friendship and a certain amount of ass-kissing can be easily purchased without doing it consciously.
I hope at the end of the day the Jamaicans I meet see past the money I spend. I hope they see that I do care about people and realize that I don't go through my days here in the States drinking Red Stripes and walking around with sandals on my feet. I hope those conversations are more than 'drunken' philosophy...but the plain truth is, we can't be sure that is the case. Jamaicans make generalizations too.
This post is the same as if a Jamaican posted "Why Are All Americans Rich?"...
Life is full of gray...not a lot of black and white. Respect!
Posting Permissions
