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.
Amanda , this an excellent article and I completely agree with you on the subject. But how did just one drug free the minds of african american slavery? That was a really big deal.
ReplyDeletewhat is the approximent age that most Rastas died?
ReplyDeleteyour article is very interesting. I kinda had an idea what it was about, but i never would have guessed that it was religious. also that a theme is the freedom of slavery. i love the idea of Rastafarian, but do u think its is a shame that some people use Rastafarian as an excuse to smoke ganja instead of actually know what it is truly about, and the origin of it?
ReplyDeleteDo you think smoking for Rastafarians is the same as drinking wine for the Christians?
ReplyDeleteI would of never guessed what Rastafarian was a real religion. Everyone knows what it is about but the religous side of it is really cool. But do you think people who just smoke for fun put Rastafarian down for something that is bad to believe in?
ReplyDeleteLeilani- I think that just like some Christians, Rastafari's use drugs or alcohol to follow something, but in reality a lot of them become addicted.
ReplyDeleteKendal- No, I do not think that it is completely bad, it does not make it moral in our eyes knowing it is illegal, but it is their culture, to them they might not all see it has such a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteJillee- I think just like any drug or alcohol related substance it is never a good idea to use those types of things in our society, so I guess in some ways it really is a shame, but I would imagine that they would know more about something they religiously smoke.
ReplyDeleteBrittany- since this is not that old it is hard to determine an accurate age that they die. I mean their might still be some living from the beginning. I'm sure it wouldn't be as young as you think, it isn't like they were all religiously smoking when they were not even a year old.
ReplyDeleteJosh- thank you, and I think with so much stress, to them this drugs is meant to calm them and it is said to relieve pain. If someone is a slave of course they are going to feel better if they have some sort of drug to help them forget. (that does not make it good for our culture, but for them it was a moral thing to do.)
ReplyDelete