Rastafarianism

In the heart of Jamaica in the 1930’s, the movement Rastafarianism grasped the lives of about one million people. The founder of this movement helped shape the name of Rastafarianism, his name was Ras Tafari Makonnen also known as Haile Selassie I, emperor of Ethiopia Selassie reined from November 2, 1930 to September 12, 1974. Selassie was seen as a holy figure, a reincarnation of god by the Rastas’. Rastas’ believe that he will lead Africans to peace, prosperity, and righteousness. Rastafarianism had no organized doctrine, many Rastas believe in the movement as a religion, some see it as a life style or a movement. There are several different themes throughout Rastafarianism; many are seen as goals such as to free slavery in Europe, return to Africa, belief of Pacifism, and the religious use of Ganja, which brings the question, “is it about the religion or the happiness it has in store through drugs?”.

Reggae is the most common music listened to in Rastafarianism, most take the music so serious that even the artist themselves would be respected for decades, such as Bob Marley. Marley was viewed in a very bright way, many people today respect his music and even without the belief they understand that what his music holds is songs of peace, and redemption. Marley became a leader in the Rastafari movement; he was baptized in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church in Kingston, Jamaica in 1980. Marley helped shape Rastafarianism and is considered a large portion of the movement.

One of Rastafarians main belief is in Judeo-Christian God, or “Jah”. Rastas religious side to the movement is based on Judaism and Christianity, Rastas focus on the Old Testament laws, they often focus of the Book of Revelation as well as prophesies. A concept of Rastafarianism that is often used is “I and I”, which is a reference to show the close relationship between man and god, and equality of people.

Ganja, otherwise known as marijuana or cannabis, is used religiously by Rastafarians. They use the plant for medical care, and rituals to celebrate. Many Rastafarian’s have dread locks; some have them to portray the characteristics of a lion which represents Africa, the lion of Judah, and strength. When Rastafarianism arose Africa had been in poverty, many were victims or race discrimination and others were depressed. Rastafarianism brought a new light to life for many, though smoking ganja would be considered unjust now, back then and with their beliefs it does not shock one to understand why they did smoke ganja. Many abused the use of marijuana, and did not follow the movement truthfully, but still they considered themselves “Rastas”. There are many aspects to Rastafarianism it is a respected religious, or non-religious way of life. As the same with any religion certain things are required to be followed, but with the use of marijuana it becomes more of an escape. Rastafarianism has a positive structure, but in depression and poverty people will do anything to feel happiness. Rastafarianism overall had an amazing base, and made a difference not only in Jamaica but changed many people’s view of life throughout the world in a great way. It seemed to move people, it helped free the minds of African Americans from slavery, but the abuse of marijuana questions the real meaning of Rastafarianism. Just like any religion certain remedies are used, in society today they may be looked down upon, but they are just sticking to what they believe in. It is a belief that has been passed down from their previous generation and even back then if that is what they believe in then it is not about the satisfaction it is about their faith to the movement and that alone is something to respect.

Influences of Propaganda In WW2, Japan Vs. America

In World War Two the countries America and Japan had great conflicts. To help promote war and nationalism, the art of propaganda was confined to be an excellent way to manipulate individuals into believing so much destruction was good. Being the primary source to prevail such a thing, it needed much thought put into in order to make it success able to brain wash just about anyone. It may have even been such a huge factor that it gave the “art of war” its true meaning. Was it necessary to imbed animosity into innocent minds of children, adults, and elderly?

Psychological warfare, in short PSYWAR or PSYPO, was based on many aspects, and took much time to plan. Psychological warfare gives one a purpose, whether it is to persuade someone to join the army, or to help destroy another country. PSYWAR is dense, It takes skilled artist’s, people that really know how to gain one’s trust. No matter how drastic the argument is, the key is to take one in, to change the heart and desires of one. This system is used through propaganda.

The American’s verses the Japanese in World War Two, it was never enough just to have a simple war. But to have such violence plastered everywhere took war to a new level. Both the Americans and the Japanese knew they had to manipulate people to believe that killing would be morally right in order to truly be a part of their country, even a hint of dehumanization of each other even seeped into society’s minds. The Americans believed that promoting destruction of Japan would increase the success of winning the war. They also made films mocking the Japanese, which was highly offensive and on many levels racist. The Japanese made it a priority to convince the enemy to surrender.

On December 7, 1941 the Japanese hit Pearl Harbor which was said to be without warning to the Americans. Japan having potential to grow and with mass talk of a successful country, America had worried that Japan could have strength to control much more than the small island had intention to. Sinks had sunk and it destroyed a great amount of the navy. Without warning the ships were like targets, they sat in the water like ducks with no room to fight back. In American propaganda sprung with the idea of “Loose Lips Sink Ships”. It gave the idea that watching what you say can prevent a spy from hearing important information. After the tragedy, Einstein and the theory of relativity helped America bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There were thousands of deaths that spread on for years, even generations which spread defected through defects. All three of these events lead to the Surrendering of Japan on one condition, America had to help rebuild their country.

These three events are just proof to show that propaganda causes great amounts of pride to the people, but it is not just talk. It is more than just words or pictures; it is a kick in the butt to fight for ones country. It is scary to think that reading a simple picture that one thought was just any ordinary picture, truly has so much meaning, and can even mean that thousands of lives will be taken. It takes a brave society to even promote something so powerful. In my view sure propaganda was scary, offensive, racist, and at times just completely wrong. But it is necessary to push people in war, and after the Great Depression it is only smart to give some hope. War is not always horrible, it can make a country appear stronger, which is what propaganda is based on. Emotions and the human mind is all tied into propaganda, in order to win something, a little support can go much further than one thinks.

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