A Woman's Place Is In The Kitchen

It would appear that I'm turning into quite the feminist these days, and with good reason. Here's the context:
I'm a student at one of the greatest universities on earth. It's a bubbly melting pot of various ethnicities and nationalities which makes for stimulating discussions and opportunity for cross cultural integration. I suppose that it is with this in mind that the school instituted Culture Day. There, staff and students have the opportunity to sample cuisine from as far as Nigeria and close to home in Jamaica.


Que me- the Antiguan. The FEMALE Antiguan who somehow becomes automatically obligated to conjure up 'moreish' dishes of pepperpot and fungee, ducuna and saltfish by virtue of the fact that I'm here, I'm Antiguan and I'm a girl. Never mind the fact that I'd rather use my free day to catch up on assignments. Let's also not consider the possibility that I just might not actually want to cook. I mean, have you ever grated coconut? In a communal kitchen? With everyone else scampering to clap pot pon stove? Exactly. I'll pass.

I can practically feel people struggle to mask the contempt and the disbelief from their eyes. Good West Indian women cook. Good country ambassadors represent. And you know what, yes we do. What's more, us good West Indian girls and ambassadors have the right to refuse to grate away microscopic bits of our fingers for the sake of 'culture' and reputation.

I am one of three Antiguans on campus, therefore I am an ambassador to the great twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda by default. I wouldn't change it for the world. I absolutely adore it when people ask me about my country. I paint an honest and accurate picture of home as framed by my reality, and I welcome all visitors with open arms. It is my every intention, that anyone who interacts with me learns that Antiguans and Barbudans are a multifaceted warm and friendly people. I  want for my personality, my helpfulness, my work ethic and my countenance to speak well of my people and my homeland, and I do not have to cook to accomplish that.

I make my own choices. Me woman, me cook if me want to...or not, Don't like it? Tough. Now please excuse me while I find some other antiquated gender stereotype to decimate.


Side note, if you're interested in learning more about Antigua and Barbuda here are some online resources you can check out:

The official government of Antigua and Barbuda website:
http://www.ab.gov.ag/

Antigua and Barbuda's Instagram Page is sure to have you booking a flight:
http://i.instagram.com/antiguaandbarbuda/

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbuda

A great group on Facebook with awesome members who love to cook and share local recipes:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ANUrecipeclub/

Or you can just ask me!