Social Graces

[Accompong]

Accompong, perhaps you missed this comment? "Please do not characterize all Jamaicans by my points, most Jamaicans are absolutely wonderful, friendly and warm people especially given the economic and political oppression they deal with."

I'm not sure what's fake about that, perhaps it's the smoke that has not cleared yet?

Perhaps turning on a fan and clearing the air around you would help. I never implied that Jamaicans were "fake". I hearken back to the '60s in California when everyone wanted to look and act like a hippie (for the free love I think! ) A real "hippie" (just like a real Jamaican) can spot a poser from all the way down the street.

Knowing the latest thumb-rubbing handshake won't get a tourist mistaken for a Jamaican. Again, be yourself and the vibe you send out will dictate how you are treated. When you meet a Jamaican that you want to be good friends with, he or she will teach you what is the newest fad and not the other way around.

My point at the beginning is that being "real" and "genuine" in how you approach Jamaicans is more important than being a Phd in Jamaican Culture with a degree from the Internet majoring in DIY Travel Expert 101.

[Seamuis]

Perhaps turning on a fan and clearing the air around you would help. I never implied that Jamaicans were "fake". I hearken back to the '60s in California when everyone wanted to look and act like a hippie (for the free love I think! ) A real "hippie" (just like a real Jamaican) can spot a poser from all the way down the street.

Knowing the latest thumb-rubbing handshake won't get a tourist mistaken for a Jamaican. Again, be yourself and the vibe you send out will dictate how you are treated. When you meet a Jamaican that you want to be good friends with, he or she will teach you what is the newest fad and not the other way around.

My point at the beginning is that being "real" and "genuine" in how you approach Jamaicans is more important than being a Phd in Jamaican Culture with a degree from the Internet majoring in DIY Travel Expert 101.

First, I was not suggesting you be anyone other than yourself.
Second, there is nothing wrong with saying "Wa Gwan" in Jamaica or "Buenos dias" in LatAm.
Third, I was not insinuating those traveling to Jamaica are best served learning the secret handshake of the day, what I was saying is many higglers use handshake as a 'hook.' You try and walk past with a pleasant "No Thank You" and the higglers roll into a big handshake routine. It's a great rapport building technique employed by higglers, which really is no different than any handshake at a business meeting. For some the business is questionable and that is not just in Jamaica.

I agree you will meet cool friendly Jamaicans who will show you the latest newest fad.
I also agree that trying to be anyone other than yourself is a losing proposition, but that is true anywhere.
Apologies if I came across any differently that was not my intent.

-Seamuis