How does “high” culture affect the Caribbean? That could be a really offensive question by implying that there is both “high” culture and “low” instead of just culture. How does one differentiate between high and low in culture? Culture is the accumulation of all the societies and traditions that make up the people of a specified region.  While the Caribbean is a mixture of a wide range of cultures, none are classed as “higher” (or better) than others.

Maybe High Culture refers to music, literature and art. There have been a lot of people in these fields and they have all contributed. Singers such as Bob Marly and The Mighty Sparrow exposed the Caribbean Music to the world. Writers such as Herman Wouk immortalized the Caribbean society in “Don’t stop the Carnival”. Artists such as Eva Wilkin captured the beauty of the Caribbean children through her numerous watercolors.

One could try to equate society with culture and, while again it is offensive, there are societies that are classed as “high” and “low”. Unfortunately this also usually means wealthy and poor. The wealthy section of Caribbean Culture basically employees the poor section, providing jobs and income as well as connections with overseas businesses.So the “high” culture affects and provides jobs in the Caribbean.

High society also tends to heavily influence the politicians and laws in the region. They control the money used in campaigns to the point where in the Caribbean, like the rest of the world, they decide who will run and often who will win. High society is where most of the decision makers are to be found. It definitely effects the Caribbean.

Perhaps “High” culture refers to “High Class”, which is different from high society. A drug dealer may be worth millions and drink $1000.00 bottles of wine, supporting politicians that enact laws which help him stay out of prison, the dealer is “high” society but not “high” class. The “high” class can be wealthy, but can also be teachers, ministers, and farmers that help to set the morals of the society; “high” class in the Caribbean equals high principles!

Some count the “high” culture as being the cultures of foreigners that move here from around the world to retire or set up businesses, frequently known as “Ex-Patriots”. Ex-Pats often supply money and experience needed in the Caribbean and, while classified as “high” society, usually stay out of politics. Their culture effects the Caribbean by bringing in money and also exposing the poorer Caribbean people to citizens that aren’t just tourists.

Ex-Patriots are valuable to various sections of the Caribbean society. They give money to charities and churches, often provide scholarships to schools or students, help with health services, and provide a significant amount of employment, even during tough financial times. Most, though not all, of the Ex-Patriots benefit the Caribbean.

So, there is no “high” culture or “low culture in the Caribbean, just culture. Just like everywhere else it is made up of the good and the bad, the wealthy and the poor, locals and foreigners. It is impossible to separate high from low when dealing with culture! But the Caribbean is where one can have a “high time” for fun and relaxation!