What *is* it with West Indian men?
Not ten minutes ago, I am sitting here in my office, quietly minding my business, when I hear this infernal ruckus right outside. Little boys screaming and dogs barking like all hell has broken loose on the beach. Here at my place of employment we are used to these things, but this was more extreme than usual.
I hurry outside, because I just *know* that my dog is one of the ruckus-makers, and what do I see? A grown-ass man, arms raised, big stick in one hand, surrounded by the afore-mentioned barking dogs and screaming boys. The stick is flailing around so fast I can’t tell if he’s trying to hit the kids, the dogs or even himself. Or maybe he’s keeping the stick away from the kids? Like, teasing them with it? I don’t know; all I know is that it’s BULLSHIT and I will not tolerate it, not here, not during the working day. So I shout “Dreadie! What the hell do you think you’re doing? Put down that stick! Behave like a grown-up! And get the FUCK BACK TO WORK!”
He is now sulking and will pretend he hates me for the next few hours. Then he’ll forget all about it. In the meantime, however, I’m sure he will spread the word that I think he should “bow down to a dog”.
Sigh. Yeah, I know, I know, I really know how to “make friends and influence people”. I could care less though. In this instance in particular. (What bothers me about the incident is that it makes me seem old. I AM NOT OLD!)
My American readers will think this whole anecdote just plain weird. To them, let me say this: There is a bizarre power struggle between West Indian men and West Indian canines around which I just cannot wrap my mind. My understanding is that a West Indian man would sooner die than treat an animal with anything remotely resembling respect. Somehow, it’s like treating any animal with respect would make them less of a man. Does this make sense? Hardly. I would argue that the inverse is true. But you need to keep it in cultural context. You need to realize that the notion of “being a man” is very complicated and tainted by the remnants of colonial attitudes. I try to keep these things in mind. But I can’t and won’t change my visceral reaction to what I consider cruelty for cruelty’s sake.
Here’s where it really gets cute: It has been explained to me that the Almighty Himself sanctions this shit. I have been referred to a passage in the bible regarding this. I don’t pretend to be a biblical scholar, but I recall the passage in question as the Big Guy telling us it’s our responsibility to look after his other creations on his Almighty Behalf. It’s called stewardship. Right?
I submit that the logic I describe above – this logic that says that treating something/someone with respect constitutes ”bowing down” — it is at best faulty and at worst totally psychotic. Because, really, what does it say about a man when he chooses a dog as a sparring partner? When he picks a fight with a child? When he abuses a woman he knows will not fight back?
Posted by maria 
