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Back to My Own Country Summary

Summary & analysis of andrea levy's back to my own country .

‘ Back to My Own Country ’ is an essay written by Andrea Levy, a British author renowned for her exploration of themes related to identity, race, and immigration. The essay reflects Levy’s personal experiences growing up as a second-generation British person of Caribbean descent and her journey to embrace her cultural heritage. Andrea Levy was born in London in 1956 to Jamaican parents who immigrated to the UK. Levy’s writing often delves into the complexities of multiculturalism, belonging, and the legacy of the British Empire.

Back to My Own Country  | Summary & Analysis 

In the early 1960s, during the era of the British Empire’s decline and the rise of the British Commonwealth, the narrator recalls a poignant experience on a London bus. They encountered a friendly black man from the Caribbean who tried to engage with fellow passengers, who were all white and mostly ignored him due to his differences. The narrator, also of Caribbean descent, felt a strong connection to him and wanted to bridge the gap of misunderstanding between him and the other passengers. This encounter left a lasting impression on the narrator, prompting questions about the historical links that brought people from the Caribbean to Britain and the subsequent lack of understanding between cultures. The narrator grew up in a London council estate, went to a local school, and led a typical working-class life, but this encounter highlighted the importance of exploring the lost history and cultural diversity that shaped Britain.

The narrator’s parents immigrated from Jamaica to Britain in the post-World War II era seeking better opportunities. Despite being middle-class in Jamaica, they faced challenges in England, struggling to find adequate housing and jobs. The narrator’s father worked for the Post Office, while their mother, unable to use her Jamaican teaching qualification, took up sewing. Despite their hardships, the parents believed in assimilating, keeping a low profile, and being respectful to make a life in the UK.The family’s fair skin made them feel superior due to the color-based class system in Jamaica. This resulted in their isolation from darker-skinned Caribbean immigrants in England. The narrator was expected to avoid associating with darker-skinned individuals, and skin color became a significant factor in their upbringing.

The family experienced racial prejudice, with people questioning their right to be in the country, ridiculing their culture, appearance, and smell. Despite the mistreatment, the narrator initially sought acceptance from those who discriminated against them. Over time, they came to realize the importance of standing up against racial discrimination. The text highlights the challenges and complexities of immigrant life in post-war Britain, including the struggle for acceptance and the internalized biases within the narrator’s own family.

The narrator experienced pervasive but subtle racism during their life in Britain, leading to feelings of self-hatred and shame about their Caribbean heritage. They made efforts to assimilate and be as British as possible, disregarding their Jamaican background. Growing up, their friends knew little about the Caribbean and showed no curiosity, which made the narrator feel like an outsider. This feeling intensified as they encountered more middle-class people during their time at art college and attempted to hide their working-class origins.

However, a pivotal moment occurred when the narrator participated in a racism awareness course at a sex-education project. Initially aligning with the white group, they were beckoned over to the black side, which made them realize their own insecurity about identifying as black. They questioned whether they met certain qualifications or had the right experiences to claim a black identity. This experience marked a turning point, causing the narrator to confront their own identity and ultimately embrace their black heritage. It was a profound and life-changing moment for them. Writing became a lifeline for the narrator, as they embarked on a writing course that encouraged exploring their personal experiences, including their family upbringing and complex relationship with race.

Through writing, they began to understand that their experiences as a black person in a majority white country were part of the broader black experience. Writing also led them to a life-changing visit to Jamaica, where they discovered family and heritage they had never known, inspiring them to embrace their Caribbean background and identity.

Now proudly identifying as a black British writer, their fiction often revolves around their Caribbean heritage. They share a sentiment similar to Toni Morrison, who found richness in writing from her perspective as a black woman. Delving into their Caribbean heritage made the narrator increasingly interested in Britain’s Caribbean history. They highlight how the Caribbean played a crucial role in Europe’s early colonization efforts, with various European powers, including Britain, exploiting the islands.

The British involvement in the Caribbean, particularly in sugar production with the labor of enslaved Africans, contributed significantly to the country’s wealth and the growth of cities like Bristol, Liverpool, and London. The profits from Caribbean slavery were reinvested in Britain’s industry and infrastructure, fueling the expansion of the British Empire. The British government compensate slave owners with a substantial sum of twenty million pounds when slavery ended in 1833. This payment was for the perceived loss of their ‘property,’ portraying the slave owners as the victims in this historical context.

However, the Caribbean islands hold a far more complex history beyond just slavery. Many people, including indentured servants, impoverished individuals from various regions of Britain, press-ganged sailors, convicts, Sephardic Jews, Middle Eastern merchants, and later indentured laborers from India and China, came to the Caribbean under duress or seeking a new life. This resulted in a diverse and unique social mix, leading to the development of Creole cultures and a complex hierarchy based on skin color. Even after slavery formally ended, the British continued to implement a policy of racial apartheid in the Caribbean until the 1960s, maintaining a racial divide. The absence of this history from British mainstream education has led to a significant knowledge gap, contributing to the feeling of otherness experienced by individuals like the black man on the bus.

The silence surrounding British plantation slavery in the Caribbean in history books is notable, and the legacy of this silence is a claim that the issue has no lasting impact on the country. However, this silence ignores the profound historical and societal implications of British slavery in the Caribbean.

The lack of education about this history is reflected in the author’s own experiences and interactions, where even educated interviewers admitted not knowing about Britain’s involvement in Caribbean slavery. There is also a widespread misunderstanding about the geography and diversity of the Caribbean islands among the general public. The author emphasizes that the history of the black people of the Caribbean is missing from the collective knowledge and asserts that it should be an integral part of British history, comparable to events like the Norman Conquest or the Tudor era.

The Caribbean holds a unique place in Britain’s imperial history, as one of the earliest and longest-lasting parts of the British Empire. Its population mix and the creation of distinctive societies make it stand out. While other parts of the empire debate their British legacies in terms of railways, bureaucracies, or governance systems, the Caribbean’s legacy is intertwined with everything, including its towns, cities, landscapes, and most importantly, the people themselves. The Caribbean’s influence on modern Britain, from its rise as a world power to its attitudes on race, is undeniable. Stuart Hall’s perspective emphasizes that the very concept of British ‘greatness’ is connected to the empire.

The author and their family are as much a product of Britain as the white children they grew up with in Highbury. Britain’s history in the Caribbean made it almost inevitable for people like the author’s father and the passengers on the Windrush ship to end up in the UK. This immigration, often seen as a ‘gift’ to Britain, has enriched the country with diverse talents, ideas, creativity, and ways of life, turning it into a sophisticated multicultural society. The text underscores that despite the significant contributions of Afro-Caribbean immigrants to Britain, there are still many young people of Caribbean descent who lack an understanding of their heritage, and many white Britons who remain unaware of the shared histories that connect them. The author calls for recognizing the Caribbean’s vital place in British history and its role in shaping the nation’s identity and development.

Back to My Own Country  | Socio-Historical Context 

The  British Empire  was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history. It spanned the globe, with colonies and territories in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean. The Caribbean region was particularly significant as it was one of the earliest areas colonized by the British. The Caribbean colonies played a vital role in the British Empire’s economic prosperity. Plantations in the Caribbean, primarily focused on sugar production, were highly profitable and relied heavily on enslaved labor from Africa. The exploitation of enslaved Africans was central to the success of these plantations. The legacy of slavery in the Caribbean is a critical aspect of colonial history. Enslaved Africans endured immense suffering, and the plantation system left a profound impact on the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the Caribbean. The end of slavery in the 19th century did not erase these historical scars.

The text also reflects on the racial prejudices and discrimination faced by Caribbean immigrants and their descendants in post-war Britain. Prejudice was deeply rooted in British society and extended to various aspects of life, including housing, employment, and social interactions. The author mentions the alienation experienced by the black man on the London bus, illustrating how racial stereotypes and biases affected everyday interactions. The prevailing view at the time often portrayed people of Caribbean descent as outsiders or ‘aliens’ in their own country. Racial prejudice was systemic, and institutions, including the workplace and public services, often upheld discriminatory practices. Black individuals frequently faced limited opportunities and unequal treatment, despite being British subjects. The essay illustrates the challenges of race relations and racial prejudice faced by Caribbean immigrants in post-war Britain. These historical contexts are essential to understanding the experiences and perspectives of individuals like the author and her family.

After World War II, Britain faced significant economic challenges, including the need for labor to rebuild the country. Many British men had been conscripted for military service, and the war had also caused a decline in the British working-age population. To address labor shortages and boost the economy, Britain  actively encouraged immigration from its Commonwealth countries.  This act provided a form of citizenship to people in Commonwealth countries and their territories. It allowed them to travel to Britain without needing a visa or work permit, making it easier for individuals from the Commonwealth to settle in the UK. The arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in June 1948 is considered a significant milestone in the history of Caribbean immigration to Britain. The ship carried 492 passengers from the Caribbean, mainly from Jamaica, to Tilbury Docks in Essex. The passengers included individuals who had served in the British armed forces during the war and others seeking better economic prospects.

The Windrush generation is named after this ship and represents the first large wave of Caribbean immigrants to Britain. They came to be known as the ‘Windrush Generation’ and played a crucial role in the post-war reconstruction of Britain. Many of them took on essential jobs in healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, contributing significantly to the country’s recovery. Despite their contributions, the Windrush generation faced numerous challenges in Britain, including racial discrimination and unequal treatment. This discrimination extended to housing, employment, and public services. Despite being British subjects, they often encountered hostility and prejudice. The Windrush generation laid the foundation for subsequent waves of Caribbean immigration to Britain. Over the years, their descendants have become an integral part of British society, contributing culturally, economically, and socially to the nation’s diverse fabric. In recent years, the Windrush generation faced a controversy related to their citizenship status.

Changes in immigration laws and a lack of documentation led to many facing the threat of deportation, despite having lived in Britain for decades. This issue brought significant public attention to the contributions and challenges faced by this generation.

Caribbean immigrants who arrived in post-war Britain often faced a  cultural disconnect . They left behind their homeland, traditions, and social networks to adapt to a society with different customs and norms. This cultural gap created challenges in finding a sense of belonging. Many Caribbean immigrants, like the author’s family, grappled with questions of identity. They were caught between their Caribbean heritage and the pressure to assimilate into British culture. This struggle often led to a sense of not fully belonging to either culture. Language played a significant role in cultural assimilation. Caribbean immigrants may have spoken English, but their accents and dialects were different. This sometimes led to communication barriers and misunderstandings, contributing to feelings of isolation.

Caribbean immigrants often faced racial prejudice and discrimination, making the process of assimilation more challenging. Negative stereotypes and unequal treatment made it difficult to fully integrate into British society. However, the  legacy of Caribbean immigration  has left an indelible mark on British society, contributing to a multicultural, diverse, and enriched nation that celebrates its Caribbean heritage and values the contributions of immigrants and their descendants.

Back to My Own Country  | Rhetorical and Literary Devices  

Levy employs   imagery  throughout the essay to help readers vividly imagine the scenes and situations she describes. 

Levy provides rich details about the setting, such as the London bus, the council estate, and the neighborhoods. These descriptions allow readers to immerse themselves in the environments she grew up in and the situations she experienced. Levy also often employs imagery to highlight contrasts, such as the contrast between her family’s Caribbean background and the predominantly white neighborhood or the contrast between her childhood experiences and the multicultural London of today. These contrasts help convey the evolving nature of British society and the changing perceptions of race and identity. Additionally, when discussing the historical context of British colonialism and the Caribbean, Levy uses imagery to evoke the past, such as the imagery of sugar plantations and enslaved labor, which helps readers visualize the historical injustices and their enduring impact.

The use of  anecdotes  in the essay adds a personal and human dimension to the narrative. These personal stories serve to connect the author’s experiences and family history to broader socio-historical themes. Anecdotes also provide concrete examples that illustrate the larger ideas and issues discussed in the essay. For example, Levy begins her essay with a personal anecdote from her childhood. She recalls a specific incident on a London bus in the 1960s when she encountered a black man who was trying to engage with white passengers. This anecdote serves as an engaging introduction to the themes of identity, race, and belonging. It draws readers into the author’s personal experience and sets the tone for the essay.

Throughout the essay, Levy shares anecdotes from her family’s background, such as her father’s arrival on the Empire Windrush and her mother’s journey on a Jamaica Banana Producers boat. She also mentions various other anecdotes such as about her mother finding money, about visiting Jamaica, about media interviews etc

There is also prominent use of ethos, pathos, and logos in Andrea Levy’s essay.  Ethos  refers to the ethical appeal, which involves establishing the author’s credibility and trustworthiness. Andrea Levy draws on her personal experiences and family history as a person of Caribbean heritage growing up in Britain. This personal connection establishes her as a credible narrator who can speak authentically about the themes of race, identity, and immigration.

Pathos  relates to the emotional appeal, aiming to evoke strong emotions and empathy in the audience. Levy uses emotionally charged language to convey the feelings of shame, embarrassment, and longing she experienced as a child. She also shares personal anecdotes, such as her mother finding money when they had none or her visit to Jamaica, which evoke a range of emotions, from hope and resilience to discovery and connection. These anecdotes engage the reader’s emotions and create a deeper connection to the narrative.

Logos  refers to the logical appeal, which involves using reasoning and evidence to persuade the audience. Levy incorporates historical facts and information about the British Empire, Caribbean history, and immigration to support her arguments. She discusses the history of British plantation slavery and its economic impact, providing a logical basis for understanding the legacy of Caribbean immigration in Britain. The author offers observations and insights into the social and cultural dynamics of her time, such as the racial prejudices, assimilation challenges, and the changing landscape of multicultural London. These observations contribute to a logical understanding of the issues at hand. These persuasive elements work together to make her narrative compelling and thought-provoking.

In ‘ Back to My Own Country ,’ Levy provides insight into her upbringing, feelings of alienation, and eventual rediscovery of her Caribbean roots. The essay delves into the broader context of Britain’s relationship with the Caribbean and its legacy, addressing issues of race, identity, and the impact of historical events on individuals and societies.

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SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS of THE HEART OF THE TREE by Henry Cuyler Bunner

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Back to My Own Country: An essay by the late Andrea Levy

In this reflective essay the Late Andrea Levy who sadly died of cancer on 14th February 2019 aged just 62 delves deep into notions of racism and pinpoints events which compelled her to use writing as a tool to explore and understand her Caribbean heritage.

I remember a journey I took on a London bus when I was a young girl. It was in the early 1960s. The bus was full of people and one of them was a black man. That was not a common sight in those days. I could tell from his accent that, like my parents, he was from somewhere in the Caribbean. He was talkative, smiling politely at people and trying to engage them in chat. But all the other people on the bus were white and they were looking at him askance. Nobody would be drawn into conversation; they clearly wanted nothing to do with him. But he carried on trying anyway.

I was embarrassed by him, but also overcome with pity for his hopeless attempt to be friendly on a London bus. I was sure that he was a nice man and that if those people on the bus could just get to know him then they would like him. My family also came from the Caribbean. I identified with him. He somehow became my mum and dad , my sisters, me. But to the other people on the bus he was more than a stranger, he was an alien. I felt a longing to make some introductions. I could sense the misunderstandings that were taking place, but I didn’t know why, or what I could do. The man was different. He looked different and he sounded different. But how come people in England did not know him? Why was he, and why were all black people from Britain’s old empire, so completely alien to them? This encounter is something I will never forget.

The same thing would not happen today in quite that way. Everyone is used to a mix of cultures and London buses are full of Londoners from all over the world. But still there are silences and gaps in our knowledge and understanding. What are the links that made Britain a natural destination for that Caribbean man on the bus, 50 years ago? How and why did Britain forge those links in the first place? These are questions that have come to fascinate me, because they reveal what amounts to a lost history for many of us. It was certainly lost to me for much of my early life, and it was a loss that caused me some problems.

At the time of my bus ride I lived on a council estate in north London. I went to a local school. Spoke like a good cockney. I played outside with all the white kids who lived around my way – rounders, skipping and hide and seek. I ate a lot of sweets. Watched a lot of television: Coronation Street , Emergency Ward 10 . Loved the Arsenal. Hated Tottenham Hotspur. I lived the life of an ordinary London working-class girl.

But my parents had come to this country from Jamaica. And in the area of London where we lived, that made my family very odd. We were immigrants. Outsiders. My dad had been a passenger on the Empire Windrush ship when it famously sailed into Tilbury in June 1948 and, according to many, changed the face of Britain for ever. My mum came to England on a Jamaica Banana Producer’s boat. It sailed into West India dock on Guy Fawkes Night in the same year, under a shower of fireworks that my mum believed were to welcome her.

back to my country essay

My dad was an accounting clerk in Jamaica for, among other companies, Tate & Lyle. My mum was a teacher. They were middle class. They grew up in large houses. They even had servants. They came to Britain on British Empire passports in order to find more opportunities for work and advancement. But once here they struggled to find good housing. They had to live in one room for many years. They had a period of being homeless and then living in half-way housing where my dad was not allowed to stay with his wife and his three children. Eventually they were housed in the council flat in Highbury where I was born, and where I grew up.

My dad did not have trouble finding work. He was employed by the Post Office. But my mum was not allowed to use her Jamaican teaching qualification to teach in England. She needed to re-train. So she took in sewing throughout my childhood. But she still nursed her dream of becoming a teacher again.

In England, the fabled Mother Country that they had learned so much about at school in Jamaica, my parents were poor and working class.

They believed that in order to get on in this country they should live quietly and not make a fuss. They should assimilate and be as respectable as they possibly could. Clean the front step every week. Go to church on Sundays. Keep their children well dressed and scrubbed behind the ears.

On one occasion my mum did not have money to buy food for our dinner. None at all. She worried that she might be forced into the humiliation of asking someone, a neighbour perhaps, for a loan. She walked out into the street praying for a solution, and found a one-pound note lying on the pavement. In my mum’s eyes that was not a stroke of luck, that was a strategy.

My parents believed that, with no real entitlement to anything, they must accept what this country was willing to give. They were, after all, immigrants. As long as they didn’t do anything too unusual that might upset the people of England, then they could get on. My mum was desperate for my dad to lose his accent and stop saying ‘nah man’ and ‘cha’ in every sentence. They never discussed Jamaica with anyone. My mum would get embarrassed if she saw a black person drawing attention to themselves. It drew attention to her as well, and she hated that.

My family is fair-skinned. In Jamaica this had had a big effect on my parents’ upbringing, because of the class system, inherited from British colonial times, people took the colour of your skin very seriously. My parents had grown up to believe themselves to be of a higher class than any darker-skinned person. This isolated them from other black Caribbeans who came to live here – they wanted nothing to do with them.

My mum once told me how, back in Jamaica, her father would not let her play with children darker than her. She said wistfully, ‘But I had to, or I would have had no one to play with’. So when she came to England she was pleased to be bringing her children up amongst white children. We would always have lighter-skinned children to play with. I was expected to isolate myself from darker-skinned people too, and it seemed perfectly normal to me that the colour of your skin was one of the most important things about you. White people of course never had to think about it. But if you were not white, well then, how black were you? I accepted all of this as logical. That was how I would be judged.

Light-skinned or not, still we were asked, ‘When are you going back to your own country?’, ‘Why are you here?’, ‘Why is your food so funny?’, ‘Why does your hair stick up?’, ‘Why do you smell?’ The clear message was that our family was foreign and had no right to be here. When a member of the far-right group the National Front waved one of their leaflets in my face and started laughing, I felt I owed them some sort of apology. I wanted them to like me. It would be years before I realised I could be angry with them.

The racism I encountered was rarely violent, or extreme, but it was insidious and ever present and it had a profound effect on me. I hated myself. I was ashamed of my family, and embarrassed that they came from the Caribbean.

In my efforts to be as British as I could be, I was completely indifferent to Jamaica. None of my friends knew anything about the Caribbean. They didn’t know where it was, or who lived there, or why. And they had no curiosity about it beyond asking why black people were in this country. It was too foreign and therefore not worth knowing.

As I got older my feeling of outsiderness became more marked, as did the feeling that nothing in my background – my class or my ethnicity – was really worth having. At art college I encountered middle-class people for the first time. Proper middle class – debutantes with ponies, that sort of thing. Keeping those origins of mine a secret became paramount. Few people at my college knew I lived on a council estate. Once, when given a lift home, I got my friends to drop me at the gate of a proper house. I walked up the path waving them off. Then as soon as they were out of view I walked back to my flat.

I got a degree in textile design and worked as a designer for about ten minutes before I realised it was not for me. After that I worked for a brief while as a shop assistant, a dresser at the BBC and the Royal Opera House, and a receptionist at a family-planning clinic.

Then something happened. I was working part-time for a sex-education project for young people in Islington. One day the staff had to take part in a racism awareness course. We were asked to split into two groups, black and white. I walked over to the white side of the room. It was, ironically, where I felt most at home – all my friends, my boyfriend, my flatmates, were white. But my fellow workers had other ideas and I found myself being beckoned over by people on the black side. With some hesitation I crossed the floor. It was a rude awakening. It sent me to bed for a week.

By this time I was scared to call myself a black person. I didn’t feel I had the right qualifications. Didn’t you have to have grown up in a ‘black community’? Didn’t you need to go to the Caribbean a lot? Didn’t your parents need to be proud of being black? Didn’t my friends need to be black? My upbringing was so far removed from all of that, I felt sure I would be found out as an imposter. I was not part of the black experience, surely?

It was a life-changing moment.

back to my country essay

Fortunately I had recently enrolled on an afternoon-a-week writing course at the City Lit in London, just as a hobby. Writing came to my rescue. The course had an emphasis on writing about what you know. So, nervously I began to explore what I knew – my family upbringing and background, and my complicated relationship with colour. Thinking about what I knew, and exploring my background with words, began to open it up for me as never before. I soon came to realise that my experience of growing up in this country was part of what it meant to be black. All those agonies over skin shade. Those silences about where we had come from. The shame. The denial. In fact I came to see that every black person’s life, no matter what it is, is part of the black experience. Because being black in a majority white country comes with a myriad of complications and contradictions. It was writing that helped me to understand that.

A few months into the course I had the urge to visit Jamaica for the very first time and stay with the family I had never met. I went for Christmas. It was an amazing experience. I discovered a family I had never really known I had. I realised that I meant something to people who lived on the other side of the world. I met my aunt and cousins and saw where my mum grew up. I realised for the first time that I had a background and an ancestry that was fascinating and worth exploring. Not only that, but I had the means to do it – through writing.

I am now happy to be called a black British writer, and the fiction I have written has all been about my Caribbean heritage in some way or another. It is a very rich seam for a writer and it is, quite simply, the reason that I write. Toni Morrison was once asked if she felt constrained by her being seen as a black writer. She replied: ‘ being a black woman writer is not a shallow place but a rich place to write from. It doesn’t limit my imagination; it expands it. ’ That is how I feel.

The more I began to delve into my Caribbean heritage the more interesting Britain’s Caribbean story became for me. The story of the Caribbean is a white story too and one that goes back a long way. The region was right at the very heart of Europe’s early experiments in colonising the world. In the 1500s it was the Spanish who first exploited those newly found islands, displacing the indigenous people. The Dutch, the French and the British came soon after. The island claimed earliest for Britain was Barbados, in 1625. But soon Britain was a major coloniser in the region. A whole string of islands became ‘British’. Islands that for a long time were seen as our most lucrative overseas possessions. Sugar was the main crop, as important to Britain then as oil is today. It was planted, harvested and processed by the slave labour of black Africans. That slave trade from West Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas was the largest forced migration in human history. Those islands soon became brutal island-factories helping to fuel and to fund the Industrial Revolution in Britain. Huge family fortunes were made. Major cities like Bristol, Liverpool and London grew wealthy on the proceeds. The money that slavery in the Caribbean generated was reinvested in Britain’s industry and infrastructure. Britain’s empire grew as a result.

When British slavery finally ended in 1833, compensation was paid by the British government. It amounted to 20 million pounds (many billions in today’s money). It was paid to the slave owners for the loss of their property. They were seen as the injured party.

But there is more to those Caribbean islands than just the history of slavery. Many white people went, if not in chains, then under duress: indentured servants and poor people from all corners of Britain who were trying to escape hardship at home or to build a new life. Many were press-ganged sailors, or convict labour. There were Sephardic Jews from Iberia, merchants from the Middle East and, later, indentured labourers from India and China. A social mix was created like in no other place on earth. Creole cultures developed with a wide range of skin colours that were elaborately classified (mulatto, quadroon, octoroon and so on) as a divide-and-rule tactic by the British plantocracy. Racial difference and racial value developed into a ‘science’. After the end of slavery in the Caribbean the British continued to rule their islands through a policy of racial apartheid right up until they finally left in the 1960s.

But all this happened 3,000 miles away from Britain, and as a result it has been possible for it to quietly disappear from British mainstream history. This is the absence, the gap in knowledge, the amnesia of the British that made the black man on the bus such an alien. It is unthinkable that a book on American history could leave out plantation slavery in the southern states. But in British history books the equivalent is the case, or at least the importance of those centuries of British slavery in the Caribbean is underplayed. That British plantation slavery has no lasting legacy for this country is absurd, but it is a claim that is made implicitly by this silence. It was so very long ago, it seems to say, we don’t need to dredge it up.

I remember what I was taught at school about Britain in the Caribbean. I had one lesson on the transatlantic slave trade. We looked at illustrations of slaves in ships. But that was all. I learned much more about William Wilberforce and the campaign for the abolition of slavery than anything about the life of a slave. We know more about slavery in the American South than in the British Caribbean. We are familiar with the struggles of African Americans from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement. But American slavery was different from Caribbean slavery. In the Caribbean, slaves far outnumbered the white owners, and that mix of isolation, fear and dependency produced very different societies from those of the American South. America’s story will not do for us. Our legacy of slavery is unique, and we need to understand what it is.

I wrote a novel, The Long Song , set in the time of slavery in the Caribbean, and when I was promoting the book I had numerous media interviews. On two separate occasions the interviewers – bright, university-educated people in each case – admitted to me that they had not known that Britain had used slaves in the Caribbean. Slavery they thought had only been in America. Going around the country doing readings I was surprised at the ignorance of people about where the islands were, or of how many of them there were. Many people I met believed all people from the Caribbean came from Jamaica.

And what of the period after slavery? What about the century of ‘racial apartheid’ that grew up in the colonial era, the time when my mum and dad learned to know their racial place and to keep themselves separate? The history of the black people of the Caribbean is missing.

Apart from being an exotic holiday destination the islands have now become an irrelevance here. They are no longer wealthy. They are not rich with natural resources. They no longer have the power they enjoyed when some of the most famous families in Britain were there. It is too easy to forget what happened and how it has affected our lives today. But it is as much a part of British history as the Norman Conquest, or the Tudors.

No one would claim that out of Britain’s many stories of empire the Caribbean is the most important. But it is one of the earliest, one of the longest in duration, and certainly one of the most unusual in terms of population mix and the creation of unique societies. In other parts of Britain’s old empire, such as India or Africa, we can debate what fading legacy the British have left, whether it is railways, bureaucracies or parliamentary systems. In the Caribbean the legacy is, in one sense, everything. Not just the towns, the cities and the landscape, but the very people themselves; their origins, their ethnic mix, their hybrid cultures, all result from what the British did on those islands before they finally left them. And conversely, Britain growing to become a world power, its attitudes to race, and even how it sees itself today, these things are in no small part the legacy that the British Caribbean has left for modern Britain. ‘The very notion of Great Britain’s “greatness” is bound up with Empire’ , the cultural theorist, Stuart Hall, once wrote: ‘Euro-scepticism and little Englander nationalism could hardly survive if people understood whose sugar flowed through English blood, and rotted English teeth’.

What this means of course is that I, and my family, are products of Britain just as much as the white kids I grew up with in Highbury. Given Britain’s history in the Caribbean it was almost inevitable that people like my dad and his fellow passengers on the Windrush would end up here. They belonged, whether Britain realised it or not. One of the consequences of having an empire, of being a cultural hub, is that the world ultimately comes to you. That’s how hubs work.

Britons of Caribbean heritage have been in this country in significant numbers for 65 years now. We are three or four generations on from the man on the London bus. Immigration to Britain since the end of the Second World War has been a final, unexpected gift to Britain from its old empire. The benefits that the labour and the enterprise of immigrants, like those from the Caribbean, have brought to Britain are incalculable. Their ideas, their creativity and their ways of life have helped turn this country into a sophisticated multi-culture. This windfall of talent and variety is one of the great unforeseen benefits to Britain.

But there are still countless young Britons today of Afro-Caribbean descent who have as little understanding of their ancestry and have as little evidence of their worth as I did when I was growing up. And there are countless white Britons who are unaware of the histories that bind us together. Britain made the Caribbean that my parents came from. It provided the people – black and white – who make up my ancestry. In return my ancestors, through their forced labour and their enterprise, contributed greatly to the development of modern Britain. My heritage is Britain’s story too. It is time to put the Caribbean back where it belongs – in the main narrative

First published in Great Britain in 2014 by Tinder Press 

Illustrations by Hannah Ekua Buckman Written by The Late Andrea Levy

Andrea Levy died on 14th February 2019 ages just 62 after living with Cancer for 15 years. She was born in England to Jamaican parents who came to Britain in 1948. After attending writing workshops when she was in her mid-thirties, Levy began to write the novels that she, as a young woman, had always wanted to read – entertaining novels that reflect the experiences of black Britons, which look at Britain and its changing population and at the intimacies that bind British history with that of the Caribbean. She has written six books, including Small Island , which was the unique winner of both the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Whitbread book of the Year, in addition to the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize and the Orange Prize ‘Best of the Best’. Her most recent novel, The Long Song , won the Walter Scott Prize and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

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Connected Cultures

  • Eddie Hewitt
  • Oct 31, 2015

Six Stories and an Essay by Andrea Levy - a review, part one.

Updated: Nov 11, 2020

Back to My Own Country (an essay)

Today, “Everyone is used to a mixture of cultures”, Andrea Levy asserts. In contrast, again according to the author, many of us just don’t know about British black history and how a big part of our combined culture and society have been formed. Levy claims that “The history of the black people of the Caribbean is missing” and clearly wants to set out this history and to right some wrongs. This entails a detailed explanation of why Caribbeans came to Britain and why Britain forged links with the region in the first place. She felt the need to explore this issue when she was growing up, and still feels the need to explain it now.

back to my country essay

The essay is also personal, and deals with her own story amongst the stories of the many. Britain is her own country. Jamaica is also her own country. Details of her family’s adaptation to London life, the way that her dual sense of belonging developed and how she became a writer are among the many fascinating insights provided.

Much of this essay is retrospective, but understanding this history is the key to a better present, to moving forward, to making sure that racism is left firmly in the past.

Levy has previously written about the sugar plantations and slavery in her brilliant novel The Long Song. She is quite simply one of the finest writers of realist fiction, and is equally compelling in this essay. Referring to the “The British Plantocracy”, Levy reflects on the impact of British government rule as well as wide-spread attitudes based on “a policy of racial apartheid” which continued into the nineteen sixties. The impact of the British was more complex and diverse than many may realise. Levy informs us that there were plenty of poor white people in the Caribbean, and hence “A social mix was created like no other place on earth”. In return, and with reference to the days and years following the arrival in London of the Empire Windrush in 1948, Levy points out how Britain has benefitted from the incalculable labour, enterprise, and creativity of black people. All of this has contributed to the development of Britain as a “sophisticated multiculture”.

back to my country essay

The Empire Windrush, photo via Getty

So, why do people not know about Caribbean history ?

Levy is convinced that this is “A lost history for many of us”. This is, she believes, partly because it happened 3000 miles away, but more so because we are not taught enough in schools about slavery. We are taught more about William Wilberforce and abolition. There is still a need to understand what took place and what it meant. Even “bright, university educated people” have interviewed Levy and shown ignorance of Britain’s use of slaves in the Caribbean. Levy thinks this ignorance is commonplace, and that it is just too easy (presumably for white British people) to forget.

Racism and colour

This ignorance of history became apparent to Levy at an early stage in her life. She recalls one of the most basic forms of racism in being asked the question “why are you here ?” Levy adds that at the time she felt she owed an apology to the National Front, and that this led to self-hate. But Britain was her home. This was where she was born. Levy also refers to England as the Mother Country. There are echoes of Small Island here.

Levy talks a lot in this essay about the colour of skin and particularly the different shades of black, though notably avoids using the American term “colorism”. Early on in life, Levy was scared to call herself black and saw herself as white, continuing to do so until a surprisingly advanced age, when she was shocked and hurt on being obliged to join the black half of the room during a race awareness class. This is reminiscent of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s comments on not knowing that she was black until she went to America.

Writing and self-discovery

Having identified her complex relationship with colour as a problem that was stopping her from understanding herself and her place in society, Levy found a channel for self-development. “Writing came to my rescue”. Initially she benefited from writing about what she knew (i.e. her life in Britain) and exploring her background with words. But she also knew that “Being black in a majority white country comes with a myriad of complications and contradictions”.

Levy was helped here by visiting Jamaica and discovering more of her family and her roots, and feeling at home there too. Through this, she developed a greater understanding of her skin, her race and her culture. With this increased knowledge of her ancestry and the mixing of peoples, Levy became able to say “I can now happily be called a black British writer.” She knows that she and her family are “products of Britain” just as much as the white people in Britain are, and states “My heritage is Britain’s story too.” This is her story, and one that she draws on in her novels, stories, and essays.

Through her writing, Levy responds to the need to both express herself and to inform others. She is on a mission. “It is time to put the Caribbean back where it belongs – in the main narrative of British history”. In this essay and beyond, Levy affirms and celebrates the fundamental links between peoples and nations, and firmly sets out what it means to live together, however difficult their joint history has been.

back to my country essay

Andrea Levy, photo via The Independent

Implications for Britain today

Quite simply, there is so much for modern Britain to consider. Perhaps the best place for us to start is for all of us to seek to better understand how dependent we are, and have been, on others. We also need to know how this dependence has led to insularism and cruelty. Levy calls on the historian Stuart Hall to make this plain : “Euro-scepticism and Little England nationalism could hardly survive if people understood whose sugar flowed through English blood and rotted English teeth”. Disturbingly, not only do certain groups of people in England / Britain not know about Black British Caribbean history, they do not want to know. This ongoing, often deliberate ignorance is damaging within society and across the globe. The truth must come out.

Reflections

Like millions of other British black people of Caribbean extract, Andrea Levy has more than one country to call her own. The journey suggested in the title does not have to be made. The journey, instead, has been one of learning and self-discovery. A journey to find and claim one’s rightful place in society in the face of challenging and oppressive circumstances. Levy calls on us all to realise that we are both the contributors to history and the products of history.

Important questions remain. Exactly how do we move on from here ? Knowing where we come from and establishing what links us together is not the same as eradicating racism. It is part of that process, and frustratingly we are not as advanced here as we need to be. Moreover, how do we measure progress ?

Levy is reflective and self-analytical in this essay, and combines the personal with the universal. In telling us about her own story and the story of her family, she also relates to millions of other people and to their experiences of Britain and the Caribbean. So many of these experiences have been shared, and there is so much that will help to join us together still.

© Eddie Hewitt 2015

Part two of Six Stories and An Essay - A Review : The Stories

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My Country Essay

India has such a deep history and culture that one will become lost in its beauty while looking for it. India is a nation renowned for its cultural richness, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. Here are a few sample essays on the topic ‘My Country’.

100 Words Essay On My Country

Indian culture plays a significant role in people's lives. With its vibrant culture, cuisine, history, and traditions, it makes people's lives happier. Despite the fact that it is recognised as the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism, all people of all faiths coexist harmoniously in this region. People fall head over heels in love with India's diverse cuisine and spices, which are famous worldwide. Along with the well-known Taj Mahal, it features amazing architecture and monuments. It has given the world many things, like ayurveda, zero, yoga, and many others. The diverse set of values distinguishes India from other countries of the world.

My Country Essay

200 Words Essay On My Country

India, also known as Hindustan, is the biggest democracy in the world. It is a secular and democratic country, meaning that the citizens of India have the right to vote in choosing their leaders. India is known as a country with "Unity in diversity". It means that people with different cultures and traditions speaking different languages live together. India is bounded in the north by the snow-capped Himalayas and in the south by Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean. In the east by the Bay of Bengal and in the west by the Arabian Sea.

India shares its borders with countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world. It has been recorded as the second most populous country after China.

India has immensely contributed to the fields of literature and science. Authors like Rabindranath Tagore, Ruskin Bond, Kiran Desai and many more have contributed largely to Indian literature. In the field of science, India made advancements in nuclear physics, astrophysics and so on. India attracts tourists due to its rich heritage and beautiful climate. India today is striving to become a global leader and a force to be reckoned with.

500 Words Essay On My Country

India is my motherland and I recognise myself as an Indian before anything else. India is also known as ‘Bharat’ and ‘Hindustan’, it is the biggest democracy in the world. It is known for its vast diversity and rich culture. India is one of the world's oldest civilisations, dating back over 4000 years. India is home to many renowned artists, chivalrous warriors and leaders who have contributed largely to making India what it is today.

Political Scenario | 'Unity in diversity' is the best phrase to explain the vast diversity present in our country. People of various cultures, speaking different languages, reside in India. India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic with a parliamentary government. This means that a Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister advises the President, the constitutional head of the country. Indians elect their leaders and are free to do anything they desire but under the confines of the law.

Indian History | India's history is divided into ancient, medieval, and modern history. The ancient period began in prehistoric times and ended in the Gupta period. The Middle Ages began in the Post Gupta period and ended with the arrival of the Europeans. From 1858 to 1947, the British ruled India and were exploiting its rich culture and wealth, leading to extreme poverty among the Indians. Then started the Modern period, which was marked by the advent of new technologies, discoveries and ideas.

India's Beauty | India is a country with beautiful landmarks and heritage. Each state of India has its history. Some of the famous landmarks of India are the Taj Mahal, the Jagannath Temple, the Gateway of India, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, the golden temple, the Sanchi Stupa and so on. There are several tourist attractions in India which people visit during their holidays. Kashmir, Puri, Darjeeling, Kerala, Shillong, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar island are some of those.

Technological Advancements | India is not lagging behind anymore when it comes to technological advancements and science. India has immensely contributed to science and technology in the past few years. Technology has played an important role in boosting India's economy. The growth in this field ponders on the evolution of Indian scientific research. India has contributed on the grounds of astronomy, nuclear physics, astrophysics and many more. Indians take immense pride in their country for its rich diversity and aims to preserve India's heritage.

India During Pandemic

India has the second-largest population in the world and yet it managed the COVID-19 pandemic admirably with its vaccines Covaxin and CoverShield, which protected everyone from the deadly virus. India put a lot of effort towards developing the domestic market with all the Covid-19-related supplies during the pandemic.

India introduced the following protocols and procedures to effectively handle the pandemic situation—

India introduced early bidding procedures and quality assurance protocols.

Efficient supply chain management system was established based on computerised models that help predict cases and hospitalisations, including interprovincial oxygen and intensive care unit requirements based on epidemiological trends.

Expeditious and quality-assured move of COVID products to government e-procurement sites was established which enabled states to access these products at competitive prices without going through a bidding process.

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

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Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Back to My Own Country / Andrea Levy

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assimilate means to :

care and training given to a child while growing up

combined from different sources

expectation; right

become like the majority in a region or country by adopting its customs,viewpoint, character,or attitude

Andrea Levy was motivated to explore her idea of home by the realization that

she was part of a culture similar to the one she recognized

she doesn't belong to this world

she was part of a culture different from the one she recognized

Levy uses light and joyful adjectives to describe the Caribbean man’s mannerisms.

She portrays the man as identical as the other people on the bus

She portrays the man as an engaging and open person, who is trying hard to fit into a situation that is probably very uncomfortable for him.

She portrays the man as a dull person, who is trying easily to fit into a situation that is probably very comfortable for him.

With whom do the sympathies of the author lie in this anecdote?

It seems her sympathies are leaning towards the man from the African origins.

It seems her sympathies are leaning towards the man from England

It seems her sympathies are leaning towards the man from the Caribbean .

People were subjected to forced labor. This means.....

They were considered property and used as barter in the Caribbean.

They were equal in rights with the original inhabitants.

They were considered landlords who could afford their lands and properties.

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COMMENTS

  1. Back to My Own Country Summary

    ' Back to My Own Country ' is an essay written by Andrea Levy, a British author renowned for her exploration of themes related to identity, race, and immigration. The essay reflects Levy's personal experiences growing up as a second-generation British person of Caribbean descent and her journey to embrace her cultural heritage. Andrea ...

  2. Back to My Own Country: An Essay Flashcards

    According to "Back to My Own Country," which best describes the effect the Caribbean slave-owning economy had on the British Empire? Part B. Which of the following passages from the essay best supports the answer to Part A? Part A. The Caribbean economy enabled the British Empire to thrive and expand.

  3. Back to My Own Country: An essay by the late Andrea Levy

    It is time to put the Caribbean back where it belongs - in the main narrative. First published in Great Britain in 2014 by Tinder Press. Illustrations by Hannah Ekua Buckman Written by The Late Andrea Levy. Andrea Levy died on 14th February 2019 ages just 62 after living with Cancer for 15 years.

  4. Returning to Roots in Andrea Levy's "Back to My Own Country"

    Andrea levy in her essay "Back to My Own Country" gives account of symbolic her journey to her own country i.e. self-discovery and place of blacks in British history. This new knowledge enables her to claim her rightful place and question the ignorance of majority of Britons. Keywords: Colonialism, decolonization, roots, identity, self ...

  5. Six Stories and an Essay by Andrea Levy

    Back to My Own Country (an essay) Today, "Everyone is used to a mixture of cultures", Andrea Levy asserts. In contrast, again according to the author, many of us just don't know about British black history and how a big part of our combined culture and society have been formed. Levy claims that "The history of the black people of the Caribbean is missing" and clearly wants to set out ...

  6. Summary Of Back To My Own Country By Andrea Levy

    The essay "Back to My Own Country" by Andrea Levy offers an exploration of the challenges faced by immigrants and minorities in 20th-century England. From a personal perspective, the essay provides an analysis of the author's intricate upbringing in a culture rife with many social obstacles. It emphasizes the difficulties encountered by people ...

  7. Back to My Own Country: An Essay by Andrea Levy Flashcards

    Back to My Own Country: An Essay by Andrea Levy. assimilate. Click the card to flip 👆. become like the majority of people in a region or country by adopting its customs, viewpoints, character, or attitudes. llegar a ser como la mayoría de las personas en una región o país al adoptar sus costumbres, puntos de vista, carácter o actitudes ...

  8. Identity Crisis in Andrea Levi's 'Back to My Own Country (An Essay

    Add Paper to My Library. Share: Permalink. Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely. Copy URL. ... V., Jayajothilakshmi, Identity Crisis in Andrea Levi's 'Back to My Own Country (An Essay)' - A View from West to East (December 20, 2019). International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE), 2019, ...

  9. Erik Valdez

    Back to My Own Country: An Essay Analyze Point of View and Purpose An essay is a short work of nonfiction that explores a specific topic and conveys a distinct point of view: the author's ideas, beliefs, and judgments about a specific topic. For example, in "Back to My Own Country: An Essay." Andrea Levy shares her point of view about growing up black in the predominantly white culture ...

  10. 6.1 Back to My Own Country An Essay & Complete Activities.pdf

    6. Write a summary of "Back to My Own Country: An Essay" to confirm your understanding of the text. Andrea Levy describes how she was reared in the short narrative" Back to My Own Country: An Essay" as well as the experiences she had after moving from Jamaica to London. When the classroom was divided, Levy had freely discussed it saying, "I moved over to the white side of the room."

  11. Pages 690 703, Andrea Levy's Back to My Own Country An Essay, A

    McGee of 303 and Learnstrong.net lectures from the Senior edition of the MyPerspectives text Pages 690-703: Andrea Levy's Back to My Own Country: An Essay, A

  12. Identity Crisis in Andrea Levi‟s "Back to My Own Country (an essay

    This paper explores the humanity represented in the novel of Manju Kapur and the altruistic sense in real life. In the day-today busy life, people are working round the clock for their family's ...

  13. PDF 12th Grade ELA

    aNcHor teXt: essaY Back to My own country: an essay Andrea Levy aNcHor teXt: essaY shooting an elephant George Orwell poetrY collectioN 1 the seafarer translated by Burton Raffel MEDIA CONNECTION: The Seafarer Dover Beach Matthew Arnold escape From the old country Adrienne Su poetrY collectioN 2 the Widow at Windsor Rudyard Kipling From lucy ...

  14. "Back to My Own Country: An Essay"

    According to "Back to My Own Country," why was Levy ashamed of her family when she was young? because she had absorbed the lesson that it was better to be white than black. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A In the second half of "Back to My Own Country," Levy writes at length about the 300 years ...

  15. Compare And Contrast Back To My Own Country And Shooting ...

    However, Orwell's essay represents the differences between law and moral beliefs, demonstrating no moral freedom whereas in Levy's essay she discusses her experience of freedom through learning and self discovery. In "Back to my own country," Levy claims that today in modern society everybody is used to a mixture of cultures.

  16. My Country Essay

    500 Words Essay On My Country. India is my motherland and I recognise myself as an Indian before anything else. India is also known as 'Bharat' and 'Hindustan', it is the biggest democracy in the world. It is known for its vast diversity and rich culture. India is one of the world's oldest civilisations, dating back over 4000 years.

  17. Write a summary of "Back to My Own Country: An Essay

    Answer. Answer: "Back to My Own Country" is a personal essay written by Andrea Levy, a British-born writer of Jamaican descent. In the essay, Levy reflects on her experiences growing up in a predominantly white society and the impact that racism had on her sense of identity. She describes her visit to Jamaica, the birthplace of her parents, as ...

  18. Back to My Own Country / Andrea Levy

    Back to My Own Country / Andrea Levy. 1. Multiple Choice. 2. Multiple Choice. 3. Multiple Choice. Levy uses light and joyful adjectives to describe the Caribbean man's mannerisms. She portrays the man as an engaging and open person, who is trying hard to fit into a situation that is probably very uncomfortable for him.

  19. Back to My Own Country: An Essay Flashcards

    According to "Back to My Own Country," which best describes the effect the Caribbean slave-owning economy had on the British Empire? Part B. Which of the following passages from the essay best supports the answer to Part A? Part A. The Caribbean economy enabled the British Empire to thrive and expand.

  20. Write a summary of "Back to My Own Country

    Andrea Levy, a British author of Jamaican heritage, wrote "Back to My Own Country" as a memoir. Levy 's personal journey of self-discovery and identity as a British second-generation immigrant is highlighted in the biography. In the memoir, Levy recalls her childhood, Growing up in a mostly white working-class neighborhood in 1960s London,

  21. Back to my own country what incident is the author describe at the

    At the beginning of the essay, the writer recounts an incident that highlights the cultural differences she experienced upon returning to her native Jamaica after spending her formative years in England.. What was the incident? In "Back to My Own Country," by Andrea Levy, the narrator describes how she disembarks from the plane and is immediately struck by the sounds, vibrant colors, and the ...

  22. Back to My Own Country: An Essay Flashcards

    n. uncountably large number; variety. indigenous (ihn DIHJ uh nuhs) adj. native to a particular. country or region. hybrid (HY brihd) adj. combined from different. sources. Concept Vocabulary Page 690 Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free.

  23. How Israel and allied defenses intercepted more than 300 Iranian ...

    Most of the more than 300 Iranian munitions, the majority of which are believed to have been launched from inside of Iran's territory during a five-hour attack, were intercepted before they got ...

  24. "Back to my own country: An Essay"

    The title 'Back to my own country: An Essay' suggests that the assignment revolves around expressing personal experiences or reflections on returning to one's home country. In this task, you might describe your feelings, expectations, and the reality of being back in your home environment. Such an essay could explore themes of culture, identity ...