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!