Student Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
Fall 9-3-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Program of Study
Communication - Corporate Communication
Language
English
First Advisor
Richard Wilkins
Second Advisor
Sarah Bishop
Abstract
Trinidad's Carnival, often hailed as "The Greatest Show on Earth," embodies a vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and liberation. Over the last two decades Trinidad’s Carnival has become a popularized, global phenomenon. A highly anticipated event that remains a top-notch experience year in year out. The Carnival that was once known for its traditional characters, calypso, J’ouvert and “pretty mas” has now become a globalized event that not only represents the country’s attempt to increase its foreign revenue through tourism but also appears to perpetuate the class struggle that has existed throughout the history of Trinidad. Beneath its colorful surface lies a complex interplay of capitalist influences, changing symbolic significance, commodification, persistent elitism and class struggle. This thesis delves into the multifaceted nature of Trinidad's Carnival, examining the impact of capitalism on locals' definitions of Carnival, the evolving symbolic significance in the post-pandemic and post-Independence eras, the beneficiaries of its commodification, and the underlying elements of elitism within the festival.
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Charisse A., "The Greatest Show on Earth: Is Trinidad’s Carnival perpetuating a society of elitism and class struggle?" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/bb_etds/180