Misconceptions of Rastafarianism - 2637 Words

Sam Cook 12/1/2012 Rhetoric of Reggae Tuna (Professor Snider) Common Misconceptions of the Rastafarian People When an average person hears the word Rastafarianism, several things come to mind. Some examples would be the stereotypical images of dreadlocks (long braids or natural locks of hair), the smoking of ganja (marijuana), the busy streets of Trenchtown, and the reggae rhythms of the one and only Bob Marley. Unfortunately, those things are not necessarily the makings of what truly embodies the Rastafari culture. With the growing international popularity of reggae in the 1970’s, the Rastafarian movement gained headway in Jamaica. Yet this came as both a blessing and curse for the Rastafarian, because it created†¦show more content†¦Despite Rasta’s believing in different gods, it is looked down upon to judge another Rastafari for the I’s belief system or reasoning behind it. (Brodber) We are all one. The concept of InI is that Rastafarian’s are walking in step with their creator. Next on the list and created by the majority is that Rastafari is a cult religion. First of all, Rastafari is not a cult. According to www.merriam-webster.com, a cult is â€Å"1.) A formal religious veneration.† and â€Å"2.) A system of religious beliefs and ritual.† If someone were to say that Rastafarianism is a cult based on the first definition, then the same assumption would therefore have to be made across the board about all organized religions. Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly than the first definition, â€Å"Rastafari is not a religion. It is a spiritual livity.† (Bisnauth 195-199) Livity refers to the energy or life force that flows through all living things. (Tyehimba Salandy) My favorite is that all Rastafarians are from Jamaica. Though the origins of the livity were formed in Jamaica and focused on repatriation and reconnecting with Africa, I-thiopia, the motherland of all human creation, not all Rastafarians are Jamaican. (Hausman and Marley) There are Rastafarian people of all colors, backgrounds, and races. Rastafarians live worldwide. Even though Rastafari seeks to transcend race, and racialShow MoreRelatedThe Rastafari Movement: Seeking Understandig1727 Words   |  7 PagesMovement and to eliminate possibly misconceptions about the movement. Thesis: The Rastafari movement is a positive movement that promotes peace amongst all, self-respect, self -awareness, and respect for others. I. Introduction a. Attention Getter: Is anyone here familiar with the term Rastafarian? Could you provide some terms that come to mind when you think about Rastas? b. Reason to Listen: Unlike the popular negative conceptions, Rastafarianism is actually a movement that promotesRead MoreEssay about Jamaican Patois4705 Words   |  19 Pagesbecause one is saying, making an ,official spelling system for Creole will make the language more respected. The other argument is saying that it will just strengthen the misconception that Creole is inferior to Standard English. In Jamaica, in addition to the Jamaican patois of the roots, the development of Rastafarianism has caused Rastas to develop a language and vocabulary of their own (Nicholas, 1996, p.38), and for the purpose of this paper it will be referred to as Rasta talk. The RastafarianRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesus to survive and thrive This page intentionally left blank Foreword One of the most useful things about Ennis Edmondss Rastafari: From Outcasts to Culture Bearers is that it correctly traces the connection between the emergence of Rastafarianism and the history of resistance and black consciousness that has been part of the Jamaican experience for years. The truth is that there has always been a committed Jamaican counter- culture that celebrates and sees redemption in Africa and rejects