Knocking Our Own Ting
Encyclopedia
Knocking Our Own Ting is an article length satire
written by Evan X Hyde
discussing the Battle of St. George's Caye
, a naval battle off the coast of Belize
occurring in 1798. This battle has been celebrated since 1898 on September 10 as St. George's Caye Day. In the 1950s, Belizeans were beginning to question their identity and beliefs as a people, and one of the first things questioned was the "myth" of St. George's Caye. Did white master and black slave fight as equals? Or were blacks subordinates?
theory, argues that the Battle of St. George's Caye tends to divide Belizeans more than unify them. The combatants in the battle- white slavemasters and black slaves- are ancestors and forefathers of the various shades of Belizean Creole people
and their Spanish (Mexican) opponents are forefathers of the Mestizo
s. The glorifying of the slaves' efforts only further alienates Mestizo people from the development of Belize. Recent From The Publisher expands
For Hyde, the 10th really celebrates the successful division of the Belizean people. He also questions how, after disciplining the runaway slaves from the slave revolt of 1773 harshly, the British decided to use them in fighting the hated Spanish, who had already succeeded in removing the Baymen from the settlement previously. Hyde also questions the relevancy of a holiday for Creole in a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society. He concludes that the Battle is better off celebrated for the achievements of the blacks, rather than any national pride attached to it, as long as Belize remained a colony of Great Britain (Belize became independent in 1981).
Satire
Satire is primarily a literary genre or form, although in practice it can also be found in the graphic and performing arts. In satire, vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, and society itself, into improvement...
written by Evan X Hyde
Evan X Hyde
Evan Anthony Hyde is a writer and journalist. He publishes and writes for the nation's largest newspaper, the Amandala, as well as oversee its subsidiaries, KREM Radio and Krem Television...
discussing the Battle of St. George's Caye
Battle of St. George's Caye
The Battle of St. George's Caye was a short military engagement that lasted from 3 to 10 September 1798, off the coast of what is now Belize...
, a naval battle off the coast of Belize
Belize
Belize is a constitutional monarchy and the northernmost country in Central America. Belize has a diverse society, comprising many cultures and languages. Even though Kriol and Spanish are spoken among the population, Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official...
occurring in 1798. This battle has been celebrated since 1898 on September 10 as St. George's Caye Day. In the 1950s, Belizeans were beginning to question their identity and beliefs as a people, and one of the first things questioned was the "myth" of St. George's Caye. Did white master and black slave fight as equals? Or were blacks subordinates?
Arguments
Hyde, already exposed to Black PowerBlack Power
Black Power is a political slogan and a name for various associated ideologies. It is used in the movement among people of Black African descent throughout the world, though primarily by African Americans in the United States...
theory, argues that the Battle of St. George's Caye tends to divide Belizeans more than unify them. The combatants in the battle- white slavemasters and black slaves- are ancestors and forefathers of the various shades of Belizean Creole people
Belizean Kriol people
The Belizean Creoles, locally known as Kriols, are Creole descendants of English and Scottish log cutters, as well as Black African slaves brought to Belize. Other small minorities include Creoles and the Miskito from Nicaragua, Jamaicans, and other West Indians who assisted in the logging...
and their Spanish (Mexican) opponents are forefathers of the Mestizo
Mestizo
Mestizo is a term traditionally used in Latin America, Philippines and Spain for people of mixed European and Native American heritage or descent...
s. The glorifying of the slaves' efforts only further alienates Mestizo people from the development of Belize. Recent From The Publisher expands
For Hyde, the 10th really celebrates the successful division of the Belizean people. He also questions how, after disciplining the runaway slaves from the slave revolt of 1773 harshly, the British decided to use them in fighting the hated Spanish, who had already succeeded in removing the Baymen from the settlement previously. Hyde also questions the relevancy of a holiday for Creole in a multi-racial, multi-ethnic society. He concludes that the Battle is better off celebrated for the achievements of the blacks, rather than any national pride attached to it, as long as Belize remained a colony of Great Britain (Belize became independent in 1981).