Courtesy of Bowie State University
A new research project that will address how Caribbean writers have complicated the stereotypes of how people around the world view everyday life in the islands has received a $60,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Kim Evelyn, assistant professor in the department of language, literature and cultural studies, was awarded the grant, conduct the study and publish a book on the topic.
The project will involve conducting research on tourists, returning migrants and inter-island travelers in the Caribbean while exploring the literary works representing the three categories. Articles and other published work depicting the challenges of tourism and the exploitation that is sometimes connected with the business; migrants and their expression of nostalgia and reaffirmation of their Caribbean identity; and inter-island travelers who demonstrate results of their movement within the region and since of nostalgia will all be reviewed as part of the project.
“Caribbean writers have complicated the stereotypical view of life in the islands,” said Dr. Evelyn. “The concept of the Caribbean and its beautiful beaches has been over-simplified into people believing that the region is a travelers’ paradise. My ultimate goal is to show how writers in the region and diaspora question how the region is positioned globally and not focus on romanticizing the islands, the people and their culture. The world needs to understand that people who live in the Caribbean islands have the same dreams and aspirations as others who come there to visit.”
Dr. Evelyn recommends that travelers be responsible and spend money in the islands by supporting restaurants, rental car establishments and other locally owned businesses which will help boost the economy and those who live in the Caribbean.