"Focuses on certain calypsos in the decades leading up to Trinidad’s independence in 1962 in which the calypsonian’s sense of his own freedom is manifested in calypsos that focus on the larger struggle for freedom and autonomy for his society. In these calypsos, there is a subversion of the status quo, a move from a respectful deference to colonial rule to a new postcolonial consciousness. These calypsos focus on changing attitudes toward the British Royal Family, a growing allegiance to a homeland other than Mother England and the major events during the Fifties as plans for a West Indian Federation develop and collapse." (author)
African American Research Center, Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Notes:
351 p, Contents: I. Toco -- II. Class differences and standards of living -- III. Work and the problem of security -- IV. The structure of Toco society -- V. The functioning family -- VI. The rites of death -- VII. The role of religion -- VIII. The shouters -- IX. Divination and magic -- X. The avenues of self-expression -- XI. Retentions and reinterpretations -- Appendix I. Notes on Shango worship -- Appendix II. Official documents bearing on Trinidad Negro customs -- Appendix III. References -- Index
"In this essay I discuss the thwarted cultural translation of modernity across the Atlantic and how this process affected the cultural self-understanding of the Caribbean. I will frame my argument by referring to the Hegelian theme of the Subject insofar as this particular concept condenses and articulates the ideology of modernity as a Eurocentric drive for world domination." (author)
Adieu foulard, adieu madras is a very popular tune from the French Caribbean. It is just as popular today in continental France, where it has been adapted to different musical genres. Yet, for those familiar with the simple melody and its evocative lyrics, which encourages carefree humming, not many may be aware that it is so deeply rooted in the history of French colonialism, island tropes, and ethnic relations. This essay uses Adieu foulard, adieu madras and its multiple sonic meanings as the lens to better understand the dynamics of the (post)colonial relationship of the people of the French Antilles, particularly from the island overseas departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe, many of whom have now migrated permanently to metropolitan France. For these, Adieu has now also become their song of exile.
Environmental determinism was not universally accepted at the end of the 19th century, but it was a useful philosophy for the men of the British Colonial Office who controlled the Crown's Caribbean colonies
iscusses the interpretations of both contemporaries and historians on the amendment presented by Jean Francois Reubell on 15 May 1791 which gave civil and political rights to free men of color living on Santo Domingo
