Cheese and Bread Mon!!!!

Aaron,

I've got to tell you, I have read a lot of "rants" on the islands, but yours seems to be a little more grounded than the rest. It is interesting to see different perspectives on St. Croix...your opinions are in stark contrast to that of Linda's. I wonder why that is? I wonder if it has to do with the fact that you are younger (assuming), and are looked at as someone who is taking jobs from the locals? I wonder if the same is true of St. Thomas? What are the impressions of the some of you have just moved? Do you feel the effects of racism?

I think the adversity that you are finding makes me want to move even more. Don't get me wrong, I would be pretty pissed off if someone was threatening me. I think I am more intrigued, it sheds light to the fact that the islands are more than just a vacation spot. That life's issues are still in motion, regardless of where you are. Maybe it is because I can tell all those people who look at us "movers" as people who are "running from life" that they couldn't be more wrong!

I think you're probably right about the differences in perceptions of those recently moved.

1. Older folks tend to be more laid back, less ready to take offense. And less apt to be in situations that might cause confrontation.

2. I have seen some preference in hiring. I am looking for a part time job, office administration, and, after two promising interviews, still no job. The concept of part time is not common except in the service industry. And, why should someone hire me, who doesn't NEED a job, when unemployment is so high here? Plus I don't have the network that a longer-time resident might have. Ric, on the other hand found a "beach" job very quickly. I think that's because he's older and looks like a refugee from margaritaville. The upscale resort he works for wants someone who looks the part but won't cause any trouble.

3. We live on the NorthWest area of the island, just above Mon Bijou. We live in the country, with all kinds of people. No walls, no gates (well, we do have a gate to keep the dogs out of the garbage)! We are trying very hard to "fit in" (whatever that means). We also NEVER say "In Kentucky we ........ whatever".

4. And finally, we did more than a year's worth of research. We had money to fall back on, our own things (not furniture) and our own cars. We never felt stressed or forced to pick a place to live or a job. We knew what we were getting into and what the problems would be. We didn't throw some things in a backpack and plan to live on the beach.

So far, we like it a lot.

Hello Chad and Dawn,

I can not comment personally as to the sentiments Crucians might have toward newcomers, I am from St. Thomas, and even though the islands are all one they each have their own spirit and personality and their residents as well are unique in the same way and in experiences. In any case you asked about St. Thomas and so I will comment on that.

I have seen instances that would be categorized as racist here on St. Thomas. I have had them addressed at me and addressed to others around me. The racist behaviors have been from Caribbean people and from Stateside people. While I have seen it I don't think St. Thomas is an overly racist place.

You asked a great question - you said do locals see a newcomer potentially as someone taking their jobs. Sure they do but it depends on the job environment as to whether you will actually experience this as a newcomer. And it is not simply that this new person is "taking potential jobs" it is more complex (potential wage differences, potential package differences, potential work ethic differences, comments that are made, stereotypes....) Depending on the job environment it is likely a newcomer might experience some sense of co-workers talking behind their backs or being not too helpful.

--Islander

OK i have some comments:

1. How do you know that your wife's car was keyed because she was white and works for a white guy?

2. I disagree on your comment, "The U.S govornment has given these people so much for so many years". Most of the rights that we have, have been achieved by VIRGIN ISLANDERS (the framers of the Organic Act, D. Hamilton Jackson, among others). We are not given handouts, if you are putting it that way. Yes, the US government helps us out, but for the majority of things, we are on our own. Not that this is a bad thing, but let me point out that per capita, residents of states receive more benefits from the government (i.e. Medicare, Social Security, etc...) than residents of territories.

3. We don't say "mon", if you pay attention, it's more like "mahn". "Mon" is a stereotypical word that offends me with I see it.

4. the thing that happened with the chicken in a pot is obeah, NOT voodoo. Wrong island, sir.

5. How do you know that you were called a white piece of trash because you "work hard". How would you know that was the reason?