Why do Jamaicans think Americans always need something?

[uscgamecock]

Just venting a little bit here...

I love visiting the amazing beaches of Negril, but it would be great to be able to walk down the beach without 100 hustlers trying to scam me. It would also be nice to be able to take a nap in a beach chair without someone waking me up every 5 minutes. Just because I am walking down the beach or down the road does not mean that I need anything at all. I just like to walk. No, means NO. Leave me alone scammer.

No, I don't want to ride a jetski. No, I don't want to go parasailing. No, I don't want any ganja. No, if I don't want any ganja, what makes you think I want cocaine. I don't want to meet nice Jamaican girls. (yeah right) No, I don't want your handmade bracelet. No, I don't want any fruit. No, I don't want your cooked lobster that has been unrefrigerated in the hot sun walking up and down the beach for 2 hours. etc, etc, etc...

Respect? I will respect you when you back off and give me some peace & quiet. When I need or want something, I will go buy it. I spend plenty of money every visit, but won't give these fools on the beach a dime because they annoy me.

Oh and my favorite... "It's better to beg than steal so give me a 5 dollars..." Those guys probably make more money per day doing that than I make in a day working my butt off.

Beaches in Jamaica are like the internet: full of annoying spam!

[Jdub]

USC, have you considered that this is the way people earn a living? There are very few jobs in Jamaica, so tourism and selling things to tourists is the #1 economy in this poor country. The majority of Jamaicans are proud people and if given the chance, would not sell items on the beach to make a living. No one has a choice of where they are born or the conditions they are born into. We who were born in a country that offer opportunities really had no decision in the matter. I work in social services and on behalf of people in need. If they had a choice, they would not be in the situation they are in. I know all the lines about "pulling yourself uo by your bootstraps" and that whole line of thinking. One thing many of us in the US, Canada, and many other countries have is access to opportunity. We didn't do anything to deserve it, we were fortunate enough to be born into it. A few words for your consideration. Blessings on you.

[Rob]

Why do you think this is an American thing? Are no other country's tourists subject to the same?

You are visiting a tourist area in a developing country. Tourist areas ALL OVER THE PLANET cater to their visitors. If no one would ask a tourist what they would like, then many people (not you obviously) would never have the gumption to ask.

Why are they asking you for a jetski ride? Maybe because tourists like jetski rides. Why are they asking if you want to go parasailing? That is because tourists do like to parasail. Why are they asking you if you want ganja or coke? Maybe that question is better answered by why is the demand for marijuana and coke so astronomically high in the good ol' US of A?

Asking if you want a girl? Hmmmm, isnt that referred to as the "world's oldest profession"? Can Jamaica stop something that has existed since mankind has been mankind?

A handmade bracelet? Dont you think millions of tourists like yourself have bought handmade bracelets?

Fruit? Dont you need to eat? And something healthy at that! The lobster thing does kind of creep me out too, but to each their own...

When it comes to respect, isnt that a two way street? Does one automatically deserve unconditional respect, or does one earn it? Have you considered what it is like to live in a developing country and seeing people who are much better off than you come to your country and then say they dont want anything of what you are offering? How long would be able to take it? I am not saying you need to buy anything, but why in the world think everyone is trying to scam you?

Was the person who offered the jetski not going to get you a jetski ride at the agreed price? Was the fruit vendor going to scam you on the fruit? Why think everyone you meet is a scammer?

It is perfectly fine if you dont want to give anyone on the beach a dime - that is your dime to give. But why not try to be a bit more open minded and understanding. If you want to walk a beach without anyone disturbing you, you can find that in Jamaica. But dont expect there to be resorts, beach bars or activities of really any kind in those locations. Negril is unique in what it does offer, and that is something for everyone.

[Blueallah]

The first time I went to Jamaica I found it really annoying that absolutley everybody wanted to sell me goods or services. Then I came home and immediately had someone ask me to give them something for absoluetly nothing. I much more respect the guy offering something no matter what it is.

[Jaherring]

I understand USCGAMECOCK!!! I know the feeling!! BUT...lol...We are far outnumbered here..lmao!!

[Lapurr]

I have bought bra's, dresses, and teddy bears all out of a bag..on the beach...oh and peanuts, cotton candy,ice cream, pattys, cd's , soup bowls and see no eveil, hear no evil speak no evil wood carving! and so much more and I dont even have to leave my beach chair....not a big fan of walking....lounging and shopping! Negril beach is great!!

[Rob]

Jaherring,

I know the feeling too being an American and visiting Jamaica for a good decade before moving here. But with understanding, I came to realize the problem was more with my preconceived perceptions as opposed to anything Jamaicans were actively doing against Americans....

Also, being an American, we do cherish democracy. Democracy means that the majority rules, that the majority makes the correct decision. If you feel you are "far outnumbered here", then what is that telling you?

[Bnewb]

It really TICKS ME OFF...
when the patty man is late!!!!

[Sam I Am]

If you dont want to buy from the beach vendors that is fine... totally your decision. But I think it might be a bit harsh to refer to them as scammers and fools. They are vendors and business people and aside from the people selling drugs/prostitution, they are not doing anything illegal and are trying to make a living.

[uscgamecock]

Americans, Germans, Canadians, Martians... whatever. The beach vendors are equally annoying to all vacationers and surely must hurt your return visitor rate. I didn't intend to single out Americans.

They wouldn't bother me if they would leave someone alone who obviously doesn't want to be bothered. Waking people up sleeping in a beach chair to try to sell them something is crossing the line. Demanding "respect," wanting to do that silly fist bump thing and chasing after me to ask me what I need when I have already politely said NO and kept walking is crossing the line.