I was recently listening to some friends talk about their lives in Jamaica and one of the topics was uptown women versus downtown women. The conversation got heated at some points, but it was very insightful and definitely something worth sharing with the rest of the world.
Uptown versus Downtown is a subject that continually comes up in Jamaica, especially amongst people from Kingston. For those that do not know, Kingston, the capital and largest city in Jamaica is divided into two parts: Downtown and Uptown. Although, Downtown and Uptown are divided geographically, there is more to it than just that. It is as if there are two cultures living in one city (even though there are many cultures in Jamaica, to form one Jamaica). Downtown people acti different from uptown people and alot of attention has been placed on the ladies. Here are some perspectives from various Jamaicans on Downtown Women versus Uptown Women.
ok.. its obvious that those terms aren’t locked to geographical location right… cause a ppl can live uptown ad be classified as “downtown” or vice versa, so it based on their vibe, personality etc.
altho, geographical location is highly affecting in jamaica, therefore, a girl living downtown with an “uptown” attitude is probably really “downtown” indeed, and that part of her may come out when she’s angry, letting her guard down etc.
usually uptown girls are classified by: brown skin (obviously not all), rich, most time dont tek bus, maybe have a car by age 18.. tho thats really uptown. usually long relaxed hair, salon every weekend. when them go uwi etc them party girl, always dressed up and all glammed.. classified as freaks cause they usually stray to the bisexual, oral sex loving type of girls. they twang too, they dont try to speak like a normal jamaican, but sugar coat their accents with usa phrases such as “and like”, “omg” etc etc.. usually dont know ho to do chores because they have helpers etc.
downtown girls may be classified as “butu” in an uptown setting. they speak creole, no sweetening. they style and fasion is usually dif from uptown girls where jamaican fashion is dif from new york fashion for that season. their hairstyles will differ likewise… certain disciplines are instilled in them such as gay is wrong, oral sex is wrong. even tho this doesnt say that they arent just as bisexual, lesbian or “freaky” as any other… uptown girls are more bold and OUT THERE with their “freakiness”
downtown girl listen more danchall music than uptown girls. usually wear less make up. generally more skilled in cleaning cooking etc
That is really a very raw perspective, but the feedback given below is really a clear picture of the differences or perceived differences.
Uptown Girl = Uptown girl is a girl that is from an uptown neighborhood in Kingston. She would have received a good education, and have many of the American amenities at her disposal. She would have a helper, driver, a pool, gardner, etc…She as someone mentioned before, would be able to get her hair and nails done weekly, as well as attend all of the “expensive” uptown parties.In days gone uptown girls, were usually mixed race, lighter skinned, long relaxed hair, etc….Now that has changed as some “Downtown” people have moved into some uptown neighborhoods
Downtown = is usually poor, uneducated ghetto people. They would like in other parts of Kingston, they would be the ones to sport the different weave hairdos, in all the different colors. Their manner of talk is different from someone that lives uptown. They would shop in certain stores, and frequent certain parties. They would dance more slack, and go on their heads etc…
This might seem strange for many people living in North America or homogeneous cultures, but this is the reality for many societies in the Caribbean, Latin America, and other places around the world. Many people go to Jamaica and never really get in touch with this aspect of society, but it is the perceived reality in Kingston.
No Jamaican Slang covered in this post, just a valuable insight into Jamaican Society. To read more commentaries about Uptown vs. Downtown, click here. And if that is not enough, listen to this Richie Spice tune to catch the vibez. Zeen!
Richie Spice – Uptown Girl
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