"DOUGLA" - THE DOUBLE/TRIPLE HERITAGE

On the small Caribbean islands (St Lucia, St Vincent, Grenada, Jamaica...), the "dougla"are viewed in the same light as Indians, due to the minoritiy of Indians.

• dougla, n. (dö-gla) A person whose racial background is a mix of Negro and Asia Indian.  Official Skettel Dictionary : http://www.skettel.com/dictionary/

They are treated the same way, and sometimes still called coolies.

But they in turn are viewed as black if they reside in Canada or the United States.

When they are on their island of origin they assume and share their role and condition as Indo-West Indian.

 
Saint-Lucia's rainbow people enjoy racial harmony :
Tony M., Gentle St. P., Brandon G.

The small island Indian in society is considered Indian by society, mostly without prejudice.

Some Dougla consider themselves just Black just because they haven't been taught their history and the indian culture of their ancestors was washed away by the imperialist.

Says Ram : Initially, I did not consider myself Indian because I had a feeliing I had no right to claim my part of indianness part, since I do no speak Hindi, I am not a Hindu, and I was not born in India.

I do not know much about the larger island i.e. Trinidad & Tobago or Guyana Dougla people, but I assume they are sort of a people in limbo that are not accepted by either side, which puts them in the position of choosing side.

In the small islands the mixture of Indian can make a difference in terms of classification. However, if you are a quarter Indian you are not considered Indian, but you are known 'to come from an Indian family'.

I have noticed that many dougla come to regard themselves by depending on if they retain more indian or more black features.

Most Dougla consider themselves Black because they are shun by indians from India or on the bigger Caribbean islands, and, to a great extent, ignorant about that portion of their heritage.

Some Dougla also believe that reclaiming their indianness part would be a denial of being black. They feel as though they would be viewed with disdain as pro-indian, and their features are more african, and so keep it inside themselves.

This limited conception needs to be overcome by all our people.

What good does it do to the psychic balance of part of the population is a question one may ask. This can all change if one can cast light on the veil of ignorance regarding indianness...

Some dougla are reconnecting with the Indian part of their identity and claim the Indian part of their history and heritage that used to be a shameful feature.

They feel their Indian ancestors and their contributions to their country need to be acknowledged, and thus they are re discovering the wealth of resources that India and her culture brought to the Caribbean and the world.

Considering the threat of globalization, this re-discovery can be an asset.

All West Indian people should be allowed to investigate the heritage, culture, history and wisdom of their ancestors so as to share it as part of the common modern Caribbean lifestyle.

India too is becoming aware of her contribution through the indentured servants and trying to come to terms with this mixed facet of the once indian diaspora.

In turn, India, Europe, Africa, and the world can also benefit from the Caribbean culture that is definitely not just African.

Photo and info contributed by Ram, a Saint-Lucian living in the USA.
First posting 26 March 2005.

• Discussion on the term coolie.
• Mistaken for Another Ethnicity - Would You Get Mad ?
• Comments can be posted down below.