NATIONAL AND CARIBBEAN IDENTITY 1 Importance of Identity

NATIONAL AND CARIBBEAN IDENTITY 1. Importance of Identity 2. Personalities 3. Appreciating Our Identity

Recap of Last class • In our last class we were able to learn about our National and Caribbean identity. • Today we will examine this topic further: • Why do you think it’s important for us to have a strong identity as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago? • Can’t we just exist in a country and just forget all this talk about all this national identity?

Importance of National Identity encourages: 1. Cultural Diversity awareness- Our people’s ancestors come from various places and have influenced our music, religious and cultural festivals: Carnival, Eid, Parang 2. Unity among the people-we have diversed peoples and therefore partake in each others festivals and various religious/cultural holidays-Religious Festivals: Eid, Divali, Christmas, Easter; Music: parang, rapso, calypso 3. Everyday Friendships amongst its people-encourages appreciation, trust and comradery among everyday people when our national identity is strong. 4. Pooling of human resources-A nation’s human resources (people of a country) assists in developing the nation and encourages citizens to work together for the betterment of the country when national identity is strong. Hence Production is one of our watchwords. It encourages patriotism, national identity and hard work.

Personalities of Trinidad and Tobago • Do personalities / famous people in Trinidad and Tobago contribute to our national identity? How do we feel when we see these personalities? • Name some personalities that contributed to our national identity.

Our Heroes

National Identity and Patriotism • Patriotism means showing a deep love and devotion to your country. It means taking pride in what your country has achieved. • Listen to this song by the young Machel Montano, “I Love my Country” • Head up your book 1 -6. List eight (6) things from sings in his verses that he loves: • 1. I • 2. • 3 •

Appreciating our Identity • Appreciating our identity fosters patriotism. We must show appreciation for: Our environment by avoiding pollution and destruction of natural habitat Our national emblems-respect for anthem and flag Our sites and attractions- museums, historical churches, monuments

CARIFESTA Find out about Carifesta. In a paragraph • What is it? • How often is it held? When was the last time it was held and in what Caribbean country? • What does it showcase? • Have you ever been to a CARIFESTA celebration? • Do you think CARIFESTA is a good or bad idea? Why or why not?

Assignment

Assignment: Personalities of Trinidad and Tobago • Draw this table into your notebooks. Research personalities of Trinidad and Tobago who is recognized in the following areas. (12 marks). This will also be on Moodle. Area Two personalities of Trinidad & Tobago Sport 1. 2. Politics 1. 2. Literature 1. 2. Entertainment 1. 2. Science 1. 2. Art 1. 2