A Small Place

Why does Antigua still cling to its colonel traditions and  past even though they have gained independence?

Why are non native Antiguans seem to be treated better than the natives in there own country?

are we see the a one sided view of this testimony?

      In this excerpt the author Jamaica Kincaid talks about her native home of Antigua which is a island in the west Indies. Kincaid talks about the issues this region has and the overwhelming influence the outside has on this tiny island. The author starts to explains the beauty of Antigua  and with this beauty tourist come to abuse  this. After reading for while I sensed that this reading was slowing becoming hostile. With the author coming down hard on the outside forces that are controlling her homeland.

    She uses and excellent writing technique putting you in the eyes of a tourist ,explaining what you see and what you think, and using the the expression of 'ignorance is bliss" as a centering point on the issue.

She further explains ,that outsiders(tourist), are treated better and are at a higher status then the Antigans in there own country. As what can be seen a paradise is really a neglected island with poor infrastructure,and with politicians that care little for the growth and prosperity of Antigua. Another point I find that strengthen this point is that the culture of Antigua as the author put it has a sort of imported culture, in which the public of Antigua celebrate figures such as the Queen of England's birthday and adopt the certain customs from the outside. The Author has a strong sense of nationalism , she loves her homeland but hates what it hasbecame where business and politics cater to outsiders than investing in the public's interest like hospitals and schools.

     I would have to agree with the author stance that Antigua is unjust and corrupt. There is no equality and the natives aren't being treated first. I would feel the same way if the United States had to adopt England's traditions and celebrate there leaders. These countries that were colonizes such as Antigua, need to get back to there roots and revitalize there culture, they have to put there people first and in that way they can grow.