High Culture And The Caribbean

The term 'high culture' seems to automatically suggest elitism and superiority. However, like many other phrases used in the English language, that term is used in a variety of ways. At one extreme, it is perceived as elitist; the preferences and tastes of those who presume to be in the upper-stratum of society. Another aspect of it is that it is the set of cultural products that define a culture or one that - though not necessarily popular - is held in high esteem.

The Caribbean - as every other region is the New World - was once under the colonial rule of European masters. The different groups that were brought to the Caribbean were then incorporated into the culture of the colonial masters to a greater or lesser extent. As a result of this, the usage of 'high culture' in this article refers to the Caribbean derivatives of the culture of colonial rulers. As a tourist-oriented region, 'high culture' has had a very significant socio-economic impact.
 
Carnival

Carnival is an institution, particularly in the Eastern Caribbean. The concept would seem like 'popular culture', but it was really derived from 'high culture' - specifically the French 'masquerade' tradition. It is important to note that modern Caribbean Carnivals contain elements of both popular and high culture. It is known that a number of people involved in Carnival - designers especially- come from the upper stratum of Caribbean society.

The origin of Carnival in the Caribbean is the mimicking of the tradition of the ruling elite in the days of slavery. Carnival - in its highest form - is also considered to be representative of Caribbean history and eclectic influences. There are Carnival shows, like the 'Dimanche Gras', that are designed specifically to showcase the creative talents of costume designers who are artists in their own right.

Music

It may seem strange, but music contains an influence of 'high culture' in the Caribbean. The type of music that I refer to is not 'ragga music' or music with mass appeal. In the Caribbean- particularly in colonial times- the classical music of the UK and parts of Europe were held in high esteem in the Caribbean.
There are classical choirs in the Caribbean even today. What is even more important is that those who had been schooled in 'high culture' have been inspired to customise it to the myriad Caribbean cultures. For instance, the concept of the "folk choir" was pioneered by those who felt that the 'high culture' of the European could be adapted to the indigenous form.

The steel pan - the versatile instrument of Trinidadian origin - has emerged from being marginalised as 'riff-raff' culture. That stigma was reduced by the official identification of the steel pan as a national instrument. Today, apart from the ordinary steel bands, there are now several 'steel orchestras'. Steel orchestras have changed the view of the steel pan as the musical instrument of the riff-raff, to an instrument for refined music connoisseur.

Literature and art

Literature and art are not necessarily very popular in the Caribbean, but are held in high esteem. There is a distinct Caribbean identity in paintings and literature. Involvement in artistry has diffused from the upper-stratum of Caribbean society to the lower ones. In addition, production of art and artefacts created a body of craftsmen within the region. Much of their business is generated from souvenir sales.

Caribbean literature - through exponents like V.S. Naipaul, Samuel Selvon and Derek Walcott- has defined the Caribbean identity to the world. The impact of it has been primarily social. It has allowed West Indian students to learn about themselves and examine the societies in which they live. It is very important to acknowledge that this sphere of Caribbean 'high culture' is dominated by the English-speaking Caribbean- demonstrating the influence of British rule on the Caribbean identity.

The impact of 'high culture' on the Caribbean is generally a legacy of the colonial era. The fact that the culture of the colonial masters and ruling elites have been both adopted and adapted to the Caribbean has made the greatest impact. Uniquely, there is a thin line between Caribbean 'high culture' and 'mass culture' in some instances.

In any event, the impact of high culture on the Caribbean is both social and economic. It has helped shaped the Caribbean identity. The adaptation of 'high culture' in the Caribbean has played a major role in tourism. The Caribbean is not marketed as an idyllic getaway alone, but a region rich in culture and cultural expression. The symbiotic relationship between high culture and mass culture in the Caribbean and its economic permutations, are what makes 'high culture' even more influential in the isles of the West Indies.