Soapbox

Jamaicans please stop celebrating Toronto Mayor Rob Ford use of Jamaican Patois. He is enforcing Jamaican stereotyping

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

It is surprising how many Jamaicans are “bigging up” Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s use of Jamaican patois. The above picture has been making it’s rounds on social media by Jamaicans praising Ford and calling him “Biggah Ford” &  “Rasta Ford”.  This is not good for “Brand Jamaica” as it is enforcing some of the popular Jamaican stereotypes . The mayor has admitted to doing drugs recently. Some will now see him as a  “ganja” smoker because he used Jamaican patois.  People will automatically think he gets his drugs from Jamaicans etc…We may think it is funny but it will affect the Jamaican community.

 

About the author

Soapbox Fi Mi