Despite a huge tradition of slave revolts Jamaica also plagued by authoritarian conservatism. Powerful rebel tradition and punitive and controlling. A paradox? Not really. One reinforces the other locked in a spiral.

Some factors: a) 307 years of colonization including 183 years of plantation slavery. b) a neocolonial decolonization process. The British used a combo of inculcating self-hatred + brutal summary punishment incl regular whipping + privileges to slave drivers who did the whipping

c) the preservation of a color-class hierarchy with white/brown at top Black in middle and bottom. The Black middle conflicted: OTOH often Black nationalist; OTOH anxious not to jeopardize the hard-won gains which they have struggled to achieve against great odds. Precarious

d) at the popular level another paradox: belief in 'reasoning' but also a strong streak of punitive authoritarianism. A good licking is an appropriate punishment not only for children but also adults in certain circumstances. This is pre-colo but reinforced by colo/neo-colo

e) the role of religion esp in middle/lower middle. This plays a huge role in reinforcing homophobia/patriarchy and notions of 'the guilty self' which requires constant monitoring so as not to 'transgress'. Pompously call a 'negative philosophical anthropology' aka misanthropy

f) the role of 'education'/our top grammar schools in particular. Another paradox: an extremely high level of education for influential minority who lead the country politically and socially. Also inculcate a deep conservatism and 'respect for authority' via the 'prefect' system

Here is how it seems to work: a) authoritarian conformity imposed; b) people rebel; c) elite and middle scared that this is the dreaded 'opening of the floodgates' of their nightmares so intensify ZOZO; d) people rebel more widely/deeply; e) repressed again. Downward spiral

Some of this, with appropriate modifications, may also apply in West/East Africa @afalli @waweru @cchukudebelu @ChifeDr

Thinking a bit of the very old traditions of village 'self-help' in which it's legit to take the law into your own hands and to administer a good thrashing. Also resolving disputes by fisticuffs rather than referring to Ezemmuo/village gods or elders/Igw