The Jamaica Observer is one of the main daily newspapers here. Perhaps its most popular page is Page 2, which has pictures from social functions. However, these are social functions attended by a certain crowd, seemingly with a certain complexion. That is, lighter skin.

Hence, this picture I saw on a friend’s Facebook page yesterday. Jamaica’s slogan is “Out of many, one people”, and refers to the diverse backgrounds of its citizens. However, if you were only to read Page 2,  you would think that all Jamaicans are of one complexion. When I first moved here, I heard complaints about Page 2 and its exclusivity, but I thought I would monitor it for myself to see if this is fair. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed it to be true over the past year. I’ve also heard a rumour that the Observer photo editors lighten people’s skin if they think it is too dark.

Who knows if that is true, but it is clear that skin colour remains a major issue here. More than skin colour, in fact, the issue is class. Uptown (wealthy) vs. downtown (poverty). I have had several people tell me they simply will not go downtown (one person said she has not been in 20 years), or they are afraid to. These are the same people who aspire to achieve or maintain uptown status and appear on Page 2. When I was working for the Gleaner at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Fest, I had several people ask me how they can get onto Page 2. I had to tell them a) I work for the other newspaper, and b) I have no control over such things.

I wish I did have control. I might banish Page 2-type features, or at least ensure that I would get a broad, representative population.