Irritating habits of the Jamaican man
LET’S make it clear — not all Jamaican men are the same. And while many are known for their swag, confidence, respectfulness and sense of humour, many women cringe because the lesser fraction is influenced by some borderline aggressive and disrespectful norms that have somehow become etched in our culture.
All Woman asked a few women to share the habits of Jamaican men that have become commonplace which makes them uncomfortable. Their stories are below.
Donette, 39, vendor:
I hate that they think they can slap a woman on her bottom and she should be fine with that. I have a big butt, and late last year a guy and I really got into it because it’s like my bottom invited him to slap it and I didn’t know about it. Another thing is how they love to rub up against a woman’s butt. If there’s a crowd or the bus is full you can expect them to be forcing themselves on you.
Shernette, 29, customer care representative:
I hate the hissing. It’s annoying, it’s demeaning. I’m not a dog or a cat or any other type of animal so I don’t want a soul to try to get my attention that way. As a matter of fact, I definitely will not answer.
Viveen, 43, designer:
I don’t like that Jamaican men love to boast about what they can do in the bedroom especially when there is company. They also like to make some sly remarks about their sex life in the presence of others. Two of the three men I’ve dated, as well as dates of my friends, have done this in my presence and I really do hate it.
Tina, 35, hairstylist:
I hate that Jamaican men love to give bun and cannot take it. They act like you must be okay with it because “man must have nuff gyal and gyal inna bungle”. Jamaican men love to operate like cheating is a gene that they inherit. I don’t like it.
Sammi, 24, sales representative:
I don’t like that every woman is “babes” or “baby” or “honey”. No thank you, do not call me that. If you ask me my name I’ll tell you or make up one to tell you, but don’t call me those names. Those are reserved for my intimate partner. I don’t get how this has been normalised.
Claudette, 32, nurse:
What makes me uncomfortable is how questions about sex, age and even finances became a part of the “Getting to know you” pool of questions. No matter how decent they sell themselves to be, you just wait because the subtle sexual suggestions and questions are coming. That is bound to make me uncomfortable, I mean at this time I barely know you… Do you think I really want to tell you I like whips and chains? Jamaican men need to learn how to chill and to make the conversation flow.
Kimone, 27, teacher:
My biggest pet peeve is their ignorance about what is an appropriate time to call or text. You cannot just text someone any hours you’re up or you wake up unless it is established that it is okay to do that. Then the constant texting or voice notes are very annoying. Then you have the ones that as soon and they start to text you they want a picture even though there is a display picture. Once a man is doing any of those things it is highly likely that I am going to ignore, avoid or block you; don’t make me uncomfortable, man.
