Myths about Jamaican men debunked
WHAT is 100 per cent a myth about Jamaican men, that has been so normalised, that it’s almost impossible to set the record straight? Men say they have been subjected to these unbeliefs that exist largely due to long-standing cultural norms, societal expectations, and historical roles that have been passed down through generations.
Traditional ideas of masculinity often paint men in a certain light, and over time, these stereotypes became deeply ingrained in media, religion, education, and family structures, creating rigid definitions of what it means to “be a man.” These myths persist because they are reinforced subtly through language, media portrayals, peer pressure, and even workplace dynamics.
The men below say for far too long they have been labelled, and it’s time to debunk the myths that have long stood about them as men, fathers, lovers, and just plain people.
Adrian, 54:
This is not only regarding Jamaican men, but all black men. There’s a myth that we are all blessed a certain way, and are better lovers than others. But this is not true at all, and all it does is lead to disappointment, when a woman is looking for something that doesn’t exist. It’s full time we put an end to this.
Tyrique, 40:
Just because I’m not the Energizer bunny who wants to get it on 24/7, doesn’t mean I don’t find you attractive, or that I swing the other way. The pressure to keep up with this idea that we’re supposed to be on call always, is what drives young men to seek performance enhancement drugs, because if you dare say no, the amount of names you will be called!
Andre, 37:
We’re not afraid of washing certain areas. Most of us actually bathe properly, and don’t just let the water run down, if you get my drift.
Akeel, 27:
We don’t all want a youth to carry on the legacy, nor do we all want to spread our seed and have out our lot. In fact, plenty of us are terrified of having children, and just like some women nowadays, we don’t want to be fathers either. Also, the same way some women fear having a baby with the wrong man, it’s the same way some men fear having a child with the wrong woman, because the wrong mother can also ruin a man’s life.
Kymani, 34:
We’re not all liars and cheaters. In fact, none of my close friends cheat on their partners. Also, we don’t all want to get married to someone overseas for a green card. Some of us — a large number — are actually good, decent men, who have values.
Arlando, 32:
It’s a myth that we’ll go after anything in a skirt. Truly, lots of women are a turn-off, and not because I don’t like you, or are not turned on by you and your perceived sexiness, means there’s anything wrong with me.
