Jamaican Faces 'Gatekeeping' Accusations For Not Endorsing Coworker's 'Immersive' Jamaican Experience After Finding Out She Spent The Entire Vacation In Resort

“I pointed out that she didn’t interact with locals, eat the food, or leave the Sandals Resort.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• February 25, 2024

Meet our Jamaican-born narrator (Original Poster), who was a proud ambassador of her Island heritage. Though OP’s parents emigrated in the 80s, they kept their household true to their roots with several trips to the homeland per year.

A fresh-faced OP had recently returned for her annual pilgrimage; she even brought a little souvenir for lunch. As the aroma of spicy delicacies wafted through the air, it drew the attention of a colleague; and so began a casual break-room banter session where OP regaled tales of her recent trip to them. 

Another coworker suddenly inserted herself into the conversation, eager to share her own ‘immersive’ experience in the land of reggae and rum.

When an excited OP probed further, she soon realized her coworker’s version of ‘immersing’ herself in Jamaican culture was not quite it. Her grand Jamaican experience?

A luxurious stay at a Sandals resort, complete with dolphin swims and catamaran cruises. But when OP dug deeper, asking about local haunts, she was met with a blank stare and a feeble excuse about safety concerns in Kingston.

But the real kicker? Her coworker’s reluctance to sample authentic Jamaican cuisine because they seemed ‘too unfamiliar.’ 

With a smile masking her bemusement, OP graciously redirected the conversation to her initial partner, but the tropical truth bombs had already sunk in. She was soon accused of ‘gatekeeping’ her culture and ruining her coworkers' vacation memories.

Was OP wrong for validating her coworker’s ‘Jamaican experience?’ Keep reading to find out the verdict.

The story in detail

OP’s parents made sure to keep her and her siblings connected to their Jamaican culture

OP was having a conversation with some coworkers about her cultural dish, and one of them seemed to be gushing over the Jamaican way of life

Unsurprisingly, OP kicked off a deeper conversation to know her better

Not long into the conversation, OP realized that this particular coworker couldn’t relate to a lot of things about the Jamaican culture despite visiting there

After while, the lady wasn’t happy that OP was no longer engaging her. At this point, OP explained that there was nothing to talk about since she didn’t know much about the country

The lady got upset and accused OP of “gatekeeping” her culture. She further slammed OP for ruining the memory of her vacation to Jamaica

“NTA. Visiting a resort in a foreign country isn't seeing the country.“

“NTA - co-worker B went to an Americanized resort in Jamaica. She never saw the true Jamaica.”

“NTA. Staying at a Sandals resort is not cultural immersion. It's YOUR culture.”

“Not everyone wants to immerse themselves in the food and culture of a place they visit. Sometimes we just want to get away from the cold for a week.”

“NTA. She didn't immerse herself in anything. She just wanted to humble brag and got Uno reversed instead.”

Redditors agreed that OP’s coworker’s resort rendezvous hardly qualified as cultural immersion. Claiming cultural depth without tasting the cuisine or mingling with locals? That's like claiming to be a chef after watching a cooking show. 

True immersion entails embracing the people, flavors, and essence of a culture. On the contrary, she was the one gatekeeping herself from the vast Island, itching to be explored.

After all, cultural pride isn't about exclusivity; it's about sharing the richness of one's heritage with others.

Jesse