Sunday Cricket

 Sunday Cricket By Jean 'Binta' Breeze

        This story definitely brings to light the rivalry between the Caribbean Islanders and the British in cricket."I say God save Englan so often it is high time likkle blessing fall pon we", this line points to the disparity between England and the Caribbean that the citizens are well aware of. Cricket serves as a type of equal playing field for England and the people of the Caribbean to compete in a non-violent and competitive way. Cricket provides an outlet for people that may be upset with England and want to win against them in a constructive way. Sports also provide a pastime to keep people out of trouble and away from things like crime and drugs so in this way sports are really beneficial for the community. Cricket is a sport of British origin and despite the resentment for Britain the people of the West Indies hold they came to love the sport as their own. This is a prime example of cultural hegemony that comes from colonization, as cricket is something that would have never become an integral part of the Caribbean without the British presence. 

    Sunday Cricket also covers the importance of church and religion in the daily lives of people in the West Indies. "I don't feel dat de number of years yuh spen in church qualify yuh to preach", despite the importance of church itself what qualifies someone to speak in church has always been a topic of debate. In places like the Caribbean where there is a strong emphasis on equality following slavery I think some people may have adverse feelings about leadership. "De howl congregation bawl out Jesus", this line depicts the energy that Caribbean churches have in contrast to western Christian churches. Even though Christianity in the Caribbean is due to colonization the natives of the area have put their own swing on the church and brought in their own vibrant energy. I think the importance of cricket as well as church is very telling of the values in the region. 

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