We, as human beings, know that to function autonomously, it is necessary to have a center, a self, an identity. Countries need identities too, based on a cultures and continuities that give footing and roots to the individual citizen’s identity. The twenty-first century abounds with identity issues—of individuals, culture groups, religions, and nations. This thesis investigates a unique identity question about a unique region: How does the Caribbean define itself?

An interdisciplinary method is used, because of the complexity and layering of the topic. The analysis is accomplished by considering the work of Caribbean scholars, creative writers, and filmmakers. The cross-cutting and interlocking themes of post-colonialism, history, geography, political development, ethnicity, race, creolization, language, and religion/spirituality are explored.

The thesis demonstrates that the people and countries of the region, despite a history of violent and exploitive external control, are now intent on self-definition and self-determination.