Are cultural differences that much of a big deal?

Question

My boyfriend is Jamaican,and I am Jewish.He lives in jamaica,I live in the US.(New York).A couple of times he has mentioned that if I were Jamaican,or black American,I would know how to cook a decent meal for him.I have bought a Jamaican cookbook in hopes of learning to cook what he likes.I am after all,Jewish,and have been taught a different way.I told him that we do have many cultural differences,but that they can be worked out.He says he loves me,but that food is very important to him.He is old-fashioned,and expects his food hot and on the table.He says that all Jamaican women know how to cook for their men.Is this true? Or is the cultural differences we have getting in the way? I offer to help cook,but sometimes he laughs at me.I don't know why I stay with him.For some crazy reason,he mesmerizes me!Sometimes I feel ashamed of my race and religion.I know this is not good,but i need some advice.I s it possible to learn to cook as good as a Jamaican woman?

Answer 1

Well Sis, some of us men are real idiots from the realms of Foolishberg. they think if the food isn't cooked the way their mother cooks it, its not good enough, real "mama'sboy".

So Jamaicans can cook, but is he willing to teach you what he knows, or does he only want you to perform a miracle. He should learn to appreciates your ways of doing things?. A real man would.

So is it real love or he just looking for a beautiful female chef?

Ah mamabwoy dat fi real

Answer 2

Food aside, it sounds like he is really putting you down! Your text has certain little 'signs' that suggest he doesnt respect you because you arent from his culture.

If that is the case, learning to cook ackee and saltfish is not going to solve anything.

If you are SURE he isnt putting you down, then i suggest you allow him to be the kitchen specialist in all things Jamaican, and you be the kitchen specialist at all things jewish. You can learn from each other, but accept that you shouldnt aim to change roles.  

If its ANY consolations, i am a Jamiacan man who CANNOT COOK. If i was in his shoes we'd be buying Jamaican takeout half the days of the week!

Answer 3

It's not much of a big deal but you two are really different but he should'nt be treating you that way. He needs to man up and cook and teach you the ways. A Jamaican female is not always suppose to serve her Jamaican boyfriend. In fact I don't do anything like that. I'm mixed. My boyfriend is Jamaican living in Jamaica and I don't really cook for him. In the summer we're suppose to be living together and I still don't think I'll be cooking for him. Currently at my house I have a chef, maid..etc and all that. I know how to cook but I don't think that's where every woman should be in the kitchen. Guys need to step up and start cooking for a woman. That'll give 'em some extra points. And I know Jamaican men love there food. They want when they come home from work the food is there hot, nice and sweet. And you can learn to cook as a Jamaican woman would. It dosen't matter what you are. Food is food. Everyone cooks different and not every Jamaican woman can cook. You can't just generalize everybody but alot of Jamaican woman can cook not all of them but alot cause there man belly always hungry after a hard day at work. It's your decision. He can't force you. But you should try learn though and he should learn the Jewish ways.

☆ Mixed Curly Fries ☆

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Answer 4

Wow ! You two are as different as two ppl can be ! Not only is being Jewish a lifestyle, so is being Jamaican ! Only thing in common there is the J !

Having said that, I think your doing way too much already to please him...if cooking the "proper" meal is so important, let him cook it or compromise & go out to eat. It is POSSIBLE to cook as good as he wants, but it won't be EASY. There are plenty of Jamaican eateries in New York, run by natives. Spend time there getting used to how things are served & taste, and the names of the different food items....better yet, spend a few weeks in Jamaica.

My personal opinion: The guy is putting FOOD in front of LOVE....I question his love. AND my opinion is that your "lifestyle" not your race, will always conflict with his.

Answer 5

I'm a Jamaican woman..and yes food is  a big part of the Jamican culture. But if he can't accept you for being who you are then forget him if he wants jamaiacn food tell him to go find a jamaican woman. Jamaican men are pigs! they cheat and treat there woman like c**p.Trust me.