
Most people who visit Jamaica describe us as friendly and helpful. They praise our customer service and wish they could learn to live at our more laidback pace. We know how to party until the sun comes up and can just as easily relax at home and sleep through the Sunday rainfall. We are an “unbothered” people — for the most part.
Still, there is another side of Jamaicans. We generally don’t beat around the bush. We are forward and direct. Because of this, many foreigners see us as aggressive, especially when they work with us. Even while enjoying social time, non-Jamaicans often mistake our loud conversations for fights.
Soon enough, someone asks the question, “Why are Jamaicans so mean?” In fact, not only is this the search query that brings a lot of people to my blog, but it’s also a question I get asked often.
Instead of trying to answer this one myself, I’ve enlisted the help of fellow Jamaicans to tell you why we are so mean after all — or that you’re totally mistaken.
1. We Prefer Direct Communication
I dislike Southern Hospitality. Every time a Southerner gives me this as their reason for why the South East is a great place to live, I burst their bubble by telling them that this is precisely what I hate about it and why I don’t trust them. At this point, their eyes are bulging out of their heads.
So, I explain, “I come from a culture where if we don’t like you, we make it perfectly clear. I can respect that. What I have zero respect for is the White lady waving to me while standing under the Confederate flag over her front porch. That makes zero sense to me and I’m not waving back.”
Overseas people tend to be more euphemistic when expressing their frustration. Jamaicans are moreto the point. It's just cultural 🤷♀️. Many Jamaicans tend to see foreigners as hypocritical because they will smile with you even if they can't stand you
— Medium Fluffy 🦁 (@averagejamaican) March 8, 2020
Put more simply, we are not a culture that beats around the bush and we dislike people who do. This is the number one reason Jamaicans gave for why so many people think we’re downright mean.
We're not mean. Bob said "the truth is an offense, but never a sin". We're honest. Unfortunately, when honesty meets the innate expressiveness of patois, people (mis)interpret it for unkindness. Too bad for them that I can compare an attitude/image to 100 different (awful) things
— Ambrosia™ 🇯🇲 Blue Lagoon Budget (@ambrosia_omG) March 7, 2020
Not mean, we're just an extremely direct culture. Comedically Jamaicans are extremely witty with a unique humor. To know it is to love it. But there's plenty of "traditionally" nice Jamaicans though lol
— Ni-Ko-lis We-li-yams, MBA (@InTheNickATime) March 8, 2020
It's not mean it's just that we have no time to pamper and sugar coat to save people's feelings. If you can't handle the truth don't ask a Jamaican because we tell you like it is.
— WenSim (@wensbff) March 8, 2020
More like direct. Other cultures tend to be more diplomatic whereas Jamaicans feel we should say it like it is to avoid misunderstanding. Also we're not very good at hiding our true feelings so it's not surprising that some would interpret this as being mean.
— EpicJamaica (@epicjamaica) March 8, 2020
Mi like how you explain it!! 😌
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 8, 2020
This is one of the big reasons I'm leaving the Southeast. If one more Georgian hits me with the "Southern hospitality" a rass maw go rass somebody. Keep your fake smiles. If you don't like me, say so and move along. Chances are, I don't like you either. We'll save so much time 🤷
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 8, 2020
2. We Engage in Playful Aggression
Have you ever seen two Germans having an exciting conversation before? Chances are, you assumed they were arguing. But, were they really? The German accent is very aggressive. If you’ve never seen jokes about this in pop culture before, I’ll start you off with this video.
The same is true of the Jamaican accent. It sounds aggressive. When you add a few decibels and fast hand movements, you’re left wondering if you should run for your life. Maybe you should, but half the time we’re just playing around. We could lose patience with a friend in two seconds and then be fine again in five.
Most of us speak patois, which is an aggressive language, like German. We don’t beat around the bush and don’t like To waste time. Most foreigners are more on the placating or diplomatic side. The majority of Jamaicans aren’t. Dem too soft and hypocritical. 😪😪
— Sambusak in My Pak (@MoriRebel) March 8, 2020
I wouldn't say we are mean, per say… We're just short-tempered and aggressive. This is seen in our language and interactions like e.g., you're laughing and then slap the nearest person. But, this aggressiveness, is seen as playfulness in our culture. But to others, it isn't.
— bayonetta – 希望 (@LaffehTaffeh) March 8, 2020
…then how we relate to people (Jamaicans and even non-Jamaican who may be friends or not) comes across as mean depending on the social context and differences…. we might really be joking or not really being serious and it comes off as mean
— Gun Gyal✨ (@Sm_i_le_) March 7, 2020
I think we joke a lot about almost everything. You will need a sense of humor. It's not that we are mean, we just find humor in almost everything.
— daphne's daughter (@DeniseWhorms) March 7, 2020
I dont think jamaicans are necessarily mean. We just talk like that…people from other cultures are not used to dealing with any type of what they deem aggressive dialect😂😂😂😂 so to them it sounds like we fighting 😂😂😂
— Kedesha Boothe🇯🇲 (@KedeshaBoothe) March 8, 2020
We are blunt and joke a lot. We are just not as sensitive as everyone else. We are very loving though.
— jamaycanprincess 🇯🇲 (@jamaycanprinces) March 8, 2020
I don't think we're mean, but we're very direct for sure. I think a lot of people hear things said in Patois, or even just our accent when we speak English, and interpret the things we say a lot more aggressively than we might intend, but we're not mean at all.
— But Really Though? 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@jhrissland) March 7, 2020
3. You Crossed the Line
Jamaicans do not take kindly to insults. Reprisal killings make up a significant portion of our murder rate in Jamaica. No, I’m not saying we’re going to kill you if you say the wrong thing.
What I am saying is that we have a culture of responding aggressively when you cross the line. If you think a Jamaican is being mean that’s probably because we thought the same of you and decided to show you what mean really is.
That being said, we will tell you bout your muma and her claat if you fly pass your nest. Just easy yourself and it’ll be “Jamaica; no problem”
— I come with baggage (@aly_berry1) March 8, 2020
So, what did she want you to say? That you're hurt and let's be friends? If she don't move herself ….. 🙄
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 8, 2020
I'm DYING because I'm reading this while you have your name set to "Passive Aggressive"!!! 🤣🤣🤣
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 7, 2020
Moved from Jamaica to NYC so ppl would say I'm mean²…… I can be very mean but that also depends on you, so🤷🏻♀️ just move outta my way n don't come to me with nonsense🙂
— VanillaBeans (@TiinaBeans) March 8, 2020
What I always tell people, we are NOT mean. We're just blunt and straightforward AF and we don't take no shit from nobody. Period.
— Britt The Beauty 🇯🇲💫 (@Britt__Da__Shit) March 8, 2020
When you treat people nice them tek disadvantage of you. You have to be mean to make them know you not too too nice so they won't tek liberty.
— Unregistered Wedding Ring (@askanonpro) March 7, 2020
I think we are more blunt and direct so it maybe a been off putting. Plus we really don't like when people ask, what we would consider a stupid question and our irritation comes out in our response.
— Tassy Wassy (@tas_wirl) March 8, 2020
4. You’re Exploiting Our Culture
In some cultures, imitation is flattery. A prime example of this is America. When you come to the U.S., Americans want you to look American and sound American. Bring the food from your culture, but please do leave everything else at the door. Your religion, your language — all of that can go.
Jamaica is the opposite. In our culture, imitation is an insult. We absolutely hate when you meet us for the first time, and five seconds into learning we’re Jamaican, you’re trying to sound like us and talking about “Jamaican mon” and “Bob Marley.” On a good day and if you’re a tourist, we might let this slide.
On a bad day? Just try not to catch us on a bad day, eh?
Mean? 😂😂 Thinking about it the only reason that would be accurate is where we are tired of our culture being exploited… otherwise we're laughing or stating facts. Personally don't see how Jamaicans get labeled as mean tho lol.
— FyffeStar🇯🇲✨ (@FyffeJireh) March 7, 2020
5. We Have Finite Patience
As one tweep explained, we have a short temper and an even shorter supply of patience. Generally speaking, we don’t like stupid questions and we hate repeating ourselves. On a good day, we’ll humour you. If you catch us on a bad day, well — I already warned you about our bad days.
I think we are more blunt and direct so it maybe a been off putting. Plus we really don't like when people ask, what we would consider a stupid question and our irritation comes out in our response.
— Tassy Wassy (@tas_wirl) March 8, 2020
Rhaatid! 🤧 Why unnuh cyaah be gentle and sweet like sugar and cream? 🤣
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 7, 2020
Can't stand foolishness and will call it out. We're not mean, they're just soft.
— Toruk Makto (@BufbertBeefcake) March 8, 2020
6. You’re Mistaken
One of the most interesting things I’ve noticed is that foreigners who spend a lot of time around Jamaicans are genuinely confused by the question, “Why are Jamaicans so mean?” The thought never crossed their minds. I’m not sure if that says more about their own personality types than our culture, but we sure welcomed them when they came running to our defence!
I keep telling you, Matt. The UK does not count as "farrin". They can deport us until kingdom come, but the UK is an extension of Jamaica. We own it. 🤣
America and Canada are a different story. Most of these responses are based on feedback there and Asia, so far.
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 8, 2020
Not Jamaican, but as a foreigner, I do not think this is true. Haha.
I would say direct & passionate instead.— Jena Marie (@JenaMarie426) March 8, 2020
That's an honest assessment! We accept it! 😌
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 8, 2020
🤣🤣🤣
They're gonna get you for this. Wait til you sign out. 🤧
— Alexis Chateau 🇯🇲🇺🇸 (@alexischateau_) March 8, 2020
7. You Don’t Understand the Cultural Differences
At the heart of all this is that some cultures and the specific people within them perceive Jamaican cultural cues as too aggressive because of the lenses they look through. If they took the time to understand that we are a less restrained and more expressive culture — and how much we love that! — they would understand why we feel less inclined to meet their own cultural standards.
Being prim and proper has its time and place, but applied to us outside of a formal setting, it often stinks of Eurocentric ideals.
What non-Jamaicans should try to understand is the intention behind our perceived 'meanness'. We may be loud and in some cases brutish but we're polite and respectful. We may not coddle or preen but we still care about you. Don't let the frown scare you. Our hearts smile
— Baraka Flaka Flaaaame 🇯🇲 (@blackinnaminute) March 7, 2020
The two cents that I'd add is that we aren't necessarily mean but rather we were raised to be thick skinned and outspoken. Furthermore, our society and culture is inherently aggressive.
— Yogen No Ko🇯🇲 (@styrofoambax) March 8, 2020
The Final Verdict
So, what’s the main takeaway here? Jamaicans are not mean. We’re aggressive, but not mean. We like to yell at each other, but we’re just joking around. If you look awful in that dress, we will tell you so and hurt your feelings. But wouldn’t you rather know now than later?
If you have Jamaicans in your life, cherish them. While we do have some exceptions, most of us are the most genuine people you could ever hope to meet. If we hurt your feelings yesterday, we’re sorry, but thicken up that skin because Lord knows we might do it again tomorrow!
I enjoy entries like these! That section on exploiting our culture really had me thinking bout those “bad days” THEY should avoid😂😂😂 I can remember one of the last persons that I met, my friends friend, not my friend enuh, who almost immediately drew from his “wah gwaan” catalog of Jamaican fight starters kit. As soon as he did the accent mi tell him mi ago tump him Inna him throat. HE made me mean. He’s since then been mostly afraid of me. I absolutely abhor it! Just speak the English you know🙄 or at least be my friend first and feel me out. Some friends do it and I ignore it. On good days.😂😂😂 Heck my husband, before he was my husband did it and I allowed it cause I liked him😂😂😂 but I hate it. Maybe you can help me find words for why I hate it so much. It just feel like mocking. The tone they use sounds so patronizing and unintelligent. Maybe that’s it. But I loved this❣️
I hate it too but my mom especially hates it. The look she gives you after. Mom isn’t very good at keeping her facial expressions in check. 😅
I would say, “In my culture, imitation is not flattery.” That’s how I explain it to them. Some take my word and chill. Others think it’s hilarious and keep going anyway, then wonder why I don’t talk to them.
Maybe mi need fi tump one inna him troat. A juss chue mi fraid a prison innuh! 😭
The same thing is often said about Black American women. I guess people are expecting endless grins!!!
Ha! You’re right about that. I tell Americans that they think Black women are sassy because we’re not afraid to say NO and mean it.
Exactly.
Alexis, I always get a kick out of your posts in which you write about Jamaican folklore, language, and cultural behavior. You probably have enough for a little book🤔!
LoL you guys come back with this book thing again? You’re not tricking me into writing another one. 🤣
Informative, and funny. A good combination. Viva la difference!
Thanks Peter! 😅
This has been fascinating, thank you! I sometimes feel we can learn as much about cultures from the perception of stereotypes (as you address how Jamaicans see how Americans see Jamaicans) as we do from actually talking to someone from those cultures.
You’re never going to get away from stereotypes and from all the people I’ve met, all the countries and cultures, every culture has them.
I knew you’d find this, haha! Thanks for contributing to the mix!
I don’t think I’ll ever escape the stereotypes people have of us, which is why sometimes I don’t bother saying where I’m from. The weed stereotype is the one that gets on my nerves.
When they think you’re aggressive though, that sometimes works in your favour. 😅 Especially as a woman who tends to travel alone.
I agree. That’s why I like to do these. I think First Worlders often pay a lot of attention to how they view others and not enough attention to how we view them and how we view them viewing us. Jamaicans have that skilled ingrained in us to look beyond ourselves because we are a culture of many cultures and we like to absorb new ones.
No escaping the stereotypes though! Even Jamaicans hold proud stereotypes about themselves so that makes it worse for the rest of us to whom those stereotypes do not apply.
That’s an interesting way of looking at it. And funny you say “pay a lot of attention to how they see others” because I experienced this on Twitter a couple of weeks ago. Will email you when I have a window in this quite busy week.
No prob. I’ll keep an eye out. 😅 I realised you must be busy as I actually had time today and checked my inbox but nothing from you yet. 😆
Things are quiet here. I’m going to email you and then head out with the camera
Noted! I should have some free time again today. Want to really check out that website you mentioned as soon as possible too. 🙃
I largely had the email written. Sent now!
This is pure honesty…
This post spoke my mind on a Monday morning✌☕
Please stay out of trouble this Monday morning! 😅
And thanks for reading. 🙂
oh, lawd… I should be asleep but naw, I wanted to see this lol! Yeah, not mean, just blunt, etc etc, like this said. Great entry, Alexis!
Thanks Billie! I’m glad you took the time to read and share. ☺️