Essay Example on Jamaica's National Motto: Out of Many, One People

Introduction

Columbus was the first person to identify and name the island "Island Santiago." The nation’s motto was formed in 1962 after the country had gained independence from Great Britain. The National Motto, 'Out of many, one people' exemplifies the diversity of the citizens of Jamaica, which is a mix of different races and even cultures, but the motto keeps them together. The motto is based on the Jamaican's multi-racial roots and even religions. This motto replaced the Latin one, which did not have a relation with Jamaican independence. Therefore, the motto enhances togetherness despite racial differences.

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Thesis Statement

Jamaica's motto 'Out of many, one people' well espouses the need for not only a socially just but also inclusive society, but the realization of these ideals remains inadequate as evidenced by instances of gang violence, social class differences, and the tendency of the bourgeoisie to forget uplifting others languishing in poverty.

Criterion Points

Jamaicans have not been living up to their national motto as there are class indifferences in the nation. Social inequality in the nation is class-based. In Jamaica, white families or light-skinned are the ones who own most of the wealth (Bryan 4). Also, only a significant wealth portion is controlled by people of Middle Eastern and Chinese heritage. Black individuals are mainly confined to small and middle-size enterprises (SMEs). Although race plays a significant role in social stratification, people are judged based on their physical features and color. It means that the residents are not fulfilling their motto’s aim.

Although the Jamaican motto emphasizes diversity and living in harmony, Jamaicans now engage in gang-related and violent behaviors. The country has been struggling with gang violence for years (Leslie 10). Although different governments have utilized measures such as military deployment and curfew, they have had limited success. Also, Jamaicans are not living peacefully in neighborhoods, locations, and classes as the motto proposed (Leslie 12). There are several unacceptable and outrageous violence levels, which include high rates of murder and abuse of disabled, older citizens, children, and women.

Jamaicans have abandoned their motto since talented persons, who, after years of hard work, achieve fame and also wealthiness, soon move to the middle class forgetting their background (Jamaica Observer Limited). After getting to the middle class, they cut links with the people living in the ghetto, and at any opportunity, they disown their initial origins. The issue tends to increase separation among the people of Jamaica (Jamaica Observer Limited). The move has also enhanced cultural differences between the people in the middle class and the lower class.

Summarize Objections to Criteria or Match

On the issue of class indifference, it is present in every community. Therefore, Jamaica is not an exemption even with the existence of its motto 'Out of many, one people.' In any nation, the major things that define a social class include prestige, wealth, and power (Henslin et al. 251). Therefore, having social indifference in the nation has nothing to do with the Jamaican motto. In Jamaica, people associate the black with being untrustworthy, ignorant, and lazy. Apart from Jamaica, other nations also feel the same for people of color.

In life, everyone wants the best for themselves and even their children. Therefore, after hard work, it is right for the talented people who have achieved wealth and fame to forget their roots. Despite having a good motto of 'Out of many, one people,' everyone has their goals. According to the Maslow hierarchy, human beings have an innate curiosity. After achieving one need, they tend to strive to achieve other needs (McGuire 4). From Maslow's hierarchy, higher needs emerge after one feels that he or she has efficiently satisfied the previous needs. It means that famous individuals strive for higher achievements instead of being reminded of their past and associating with them.

Respond to Any Objections

Moving to a different social class is a good strategy for talented individuals. However, they should not forget their roots and the mission of their motto. One of the major reasons is because it is the foundation of their existence, as stated, 'Out of many, one people.' It is their background that defines them. Therefore, even though after getting fame and wealth, one should strive for higher goals as stated by Maslow, people should always remember where they came from and even offer assistance to the individuals in their hood.

Final Evaluation or Conclusion

In summary, it is evident that Jamaicans have not efficiently lived to its motto of 'Out of many, one people' as there are still instances of gang violence, social class differences, and the tendency of the bourgeoisie to forget uplifting others languishing in poverty. However, even though fulfilling the motto is important, people have their personal goals, and social class indifference is common in all nations. Even with the existence of differences in social classes, the famous and talented individuals should not forget their roots as that is what defines them.

Works Cited

Bryan, P. E. (2000). The Jamaican People, 1880-1902: Race, Class, and Social Control. University of West Indies Press.

Henslin, James M., et al. Sociology: A down to earth approach. Pearson Higher Education AU, 2015.

Jamaica Observer Limited. Out of Many, One People: Motto or Myth? 2 Aug. 2015, www.jamaicaobserver.com/editorial/Out-of-many--one-people--Motto-or-myth-_19221909.

Leslie, Glaister. Confronting the don: The political economy of gang violence in Jamaica. Geneva, Switzerland: Small Arms Survey, 2010.

McGuire, Kevin John. Maslow's hierarchy of needs. An introduction. GRIN Verlag, 2012.