Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture

Split Me in Two: Exploring Dougla Identity in the Caribbean


Listen Later

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts.

Have you ever wondered about the beautiful complexity that arises when different cultures blend? The Caribbean term "Dougla" captures exactly that—specifically describing people of mixed African and Indian heritage in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname. Today we unpack this fascinating identity that emerged from the region's colonial past of enslavement and indentured servitude. Derived from the Hindi word "Dogala" (meaning "double" or "mix"), the term once carried negative connotations but has been powerfully reclaimed as a symbol of pride. 

This blending of worlds symbolizes the Caribbean's remarkable capacity for cultural resilience and reinvention. It reminds us that some of humanity's most beautiful creations emerge at the intersection of different traditions. Subscribe to Strictly Facts for more explorations of Caribbean history and culture, and join our conversation about the diverse heritage that shapes our world today!

Support the show

Connect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website

Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!

Want to Support Strictly Facts?

  • Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform
  • Share this episode with someone or online and tag us
  • Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode
  • Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education

Produced by Breadfruit Media

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and CultureBy Alexandria Miller

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

25 ratings


More shows like Strictly Facts: A Guide to Caribbean History and Culture

View all
Real Time with Bill Maher by HBO Podcasts

Real Time with Bill Maher

16,349 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,227 Listeners

Alt.Latino by NPR

Alt.Latino

673 Listeners

The History of the Twentieth Century by Mark Painter

The History of the Twentieth Century

666 Listeners

Code Switch by NPR

Code Switch

14,537 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,397 Listeners

Rev Left Radio by Revolutionary Left Radio

Rev Left Radio

3,244 Listeners

It's Been a Minute by NPR

It's Been a Minute

8,918 Listeners

Post Reports by The Washington Post

Post Reports

5,422 Listeners

Throughline by NPR

Throughline

15,956 Listeners

Scam Goddess by Earwolf & Laci Mosley

Scam Goddess

6,887 Listeners

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford by Pushkin Industries

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

5,101 Listeners

Bad Faith by Briahna Joy Gray

Bad Faith

2,684 Listeners

NYC NOW by WNYC

NYC NOW

64 Listeners

Native Land Pod by iHeartPodcasts and Reasoned Choice

Native Land Pod

3,312 Listeners