The Enduring Legacy of the Jamaican Bobsled Team

As a Jamerican – a blend of Jamaican and American heritage – growing up in the 90s, finding popular culture that truly resonated with my background was rare. I remember vividly watching Cool Runnings for the first time at age five. It wasn’t just a funny movie; it was surprisingly informative. I had no idea Jamaica even competed in the Winter Olympics until then! For many American kids, Cool Runnings and Bob Marley became defining cultural markers of Jamaica.

A Cultural Touchstone, Three Decades Later

Three decades after its release, Cool Runnings’ cultural impact remains strong. This year, with Jamaica back in the four-man bobsled race, social media is buzzing with tributes to the film. Even the current Jamaican team is leveraging the movie’s popularity in their advertising, like their recent Airbnb ad. It’s a phenomenon that instantly triggers a nostalgic response – “feel di riddim, feel di rhyme!” – but my perspective has evolved.

Beyond the Feel-Good Story: A Critical Look

While Cool Runnings is undeniably wholesome and charming, particularly John Candy’s performance, it’s important to acknowledge its shortcomings. The accents are often inaccurate, the story deviates significantly from reality, and the depiction of Jamaica can feel overly simplistic. However, the movie’s relatability, especially the struggle with cold temperatures, still resonates.

Perspectives from the Island

I was curious about how those who grew up in Jamaica viewed the film. My cousin, Alexis Goffe, remembers seeing it in a Kingston cinema as a child. He appreciated seeing Jamaican actors like Charles Hyatt on screen, and recalls a spontaneous round of applause at the end of the screening. However, his perception shifted after moving to the United States. He found that many Americans reduced Jamaica to the image presented in Cool Runnings, viewing it as a source of entertainment rather than a complex nation.

His sister, Kimberley Goffe, experienced something similar at a New England boarding school. Her classmates’ references to Jamaica were limited to Cool Runnings, Bob Marley, jerk chicken, and, later, Usain Bolt – a narrow and stereotypical view.

The Accent Issue and Hollywood’s Approach

A common criticism, shared by many, is the inaccurate portrayal of Jamaican accents. Few of the actors who played the bobsledders were actually Jamaican, and even those with Caribbean heritage were limited. Director Jon Turteltaub revealed he was instructed by Walt Disney Studios to have the actors mimic the accent of Sebastian the crab from The Little Mermaid.

The Real Story: Grit and Determination

Devon Harris, a founding member of the original Jamaican bobsled team, expressed relief that the movie didn’t depict drug use. However, he believes the film downplays the team’s dedication and perseverance. “It plays a little bit into the stereotypical view of Jamaicans as fun… We are easygoing, but our easygoing nature clouds the seriousness with which we approach things when it’s time to work.”

From Pushcarts to the Olympics

The story began when Americans noticed Jamaicans racing pushcarts down mountainsides. Recognizing the need for sprinters in bobsledding, they recruited athletes from Jamaica, a nation renowned for its track and field prowess. Harris, a lieutenant in the Jamaica Defence Force, seized the opportunity to represent his country.

A Legacy of Breaking Barriers

The Jamaican bobsled team’s story is a testament to the nation’s spirit of overcoming obstacles and excelling in unexpected arenas. As Kerry-Ann Reid-Brown of the Caribbean-American Carry On Friends podcast notes, Jamaica’s small size often requires looking outside for opportunities, but Jamaicans consistently rise to the challenge. “One thing about Jamaica, we’re a boasty set of people,” she says. “We love when we make a splash in an area that people didn’t think of us in.”

Looking Ahead

Cool Runnings may have its flaws, but it sparked important conversations about representation, tourism, and the stories we tell about the Caribbean. As the Jamaican bobsled team competes, let’s hope they create a new chapter in their inspiring story – one that surpasses even the magic of the movie.

Source: Slate