– being proud of the ‘country girl/boy’ narrative
WE”RE here again on yet another beautiful Sunday. You’re probably just scrolling your newsfeed or flipping the pages in the papers to find something to read; or, perhaps, you read last week’s column piece, which is the first version of this piece. You’re eager to read about the continuation of this topic. Either way, you’re here, and I do hope you stay because the content of this article should be taken into serious consideration. As mentioned last week, I am a writer from the “Ancient County” and I am here to address some misconceptions or stereotypes and make suggestive crystalline statements to the rest of Guyana.
Last week, I briefly outlined and discussed a few stereotypes we face. This week, after researching and forming conversations with other Berbicians, I’d like to continue with some new stereotypes. I’d like to return to a phrase made earlier: “Ancient County.” Some might take the literal meaning of it a tad too far. “Ancient”, yes, because of the preservation of our county”s history in the form of infrastructure, system and even language. Sometimes, however, the translation of that gets lost along the way. Terms such as: “backwards,” “ignorant,” “outdated” and “country” are all very offensive and in this context can even be used as a synonym for “ancient.” While not being fully “up-to-date” with the time can sometimes be true, I think it goes back to the lack of inclusivity. There”s a golden rule of thumb to which Berbicians unconsciously fall victim; “If it doesn”t happen in GT, it can”t happen up here.” It is at the tip of our tongues but we cannot fully put it into words, how or why this is so. It’s as if we have to prove our worth of deserving the things we need and deserve–utter nonsense.
Race and politics are also right now the biggest and most trending topics right now about Berbice. “Berbicians are racists.” Surely enough, there are always bad eggs in a basket, but that shouldn’t be generalised the entire county of approximately 110,000 (in East Berbice). Most of our communities are loving, family-oriented environments and as the years go by, we find a mixture of races in almost all the communities. The idea of “afro and indo” communities are slowly dying as people are comfortable to live and settle in communities of their choice, regardless of race or culture. Another point to note is that Berbice also consists of West Berbice–Rosignal to Abary. When we speak of Berbice, we often neglect those in the “West Side,” a mistake even myself commonly make.
Seeta Dalloo is a young lady from West Berbice. With much persuasion, she said: “Stereotypes are so widely used in our society. It has become almost a norm for some people, while others don”t even recognise that they are stereotyping or being stereotyped. As an Indian girl growing up, I have dealt with my fair share of stereotypes. I am expected to be nurturing; someone who can care for her family”s domestic needs. I am expected to be polite and accommodating. I was often frowned upon for voicing my opinion in fear of me being deemed disrespectful. Because we are so accustomed to society demanding these qualities from women, women have been socialised to fit into these stereotypes, stripped of our freedom to form our own personality and make our own demands from life. I think it”s important that we first recognise the stereotypes that surround us and use that knowledge to enlighten others who may engage in stereotyping, or may be a victim of stereotypes. Additionally, we should reach out to young girls to educate them of these stereotypes and encourage them to learn about their rights and utilise them to strive against stereotypical beliefs.” As a woman, I can empathise with Seeta because apart from being stereotyped by where you live, it goes further into categories of race, gender and even class.
Delroy Marks is a youth advocate who lives in Rose Hall Town on the Corentyne, Berbice. When asked what he thinks about the topic of breaking stereotypes on Berbice, he said: “For me, it means to change our society”s impression of Berbicians. It means to disregard the usage of labels, attachments, and taboos–where these cease to define one”s career, education, personal growth. “Many times, Berbicians are viewed as uneducated because of their geographical location. Breaking these stereotypes about Berbicians will help to create an impactful society where negativity, racism, and sexism will not stimulate.”
Lastly, you often hear that our county is a “boring” one. I wouldn”t call it “boring,” but our forms of entertainment are different and unique to us. A day of fishing, swimming in a nearby creek/beach and even outdoor village parties are some ways we enjoy and express ourselves. Berbice offers something different to Guyana and the experiences tourists have in this county is like no other compared to the rest of Guyana–uniquely Berbice! Instead of looking at ways to bring new resources, entertainment, systems and human capital to better the county, utilise and build on existing ones. It”s not like we do not have any. Yes, we are different but that can be a good thing. Berbice is my home and I am proud to be a Berbician.
I hope this series of articles enlighten other Berbicians to feel the same way. I also hope the rest of Guyana recognises our contributions, our stance and of course, our differences–for the better. The next time someone calls you a “country boy,” “country girl” or even utters the famous line, “country come to town,” be sure to remember this article. Educate those who may not know better and most important, stay true to who you are. Stay true to being a Berbician.
