The following is the revised version of a page from an essay I wrote on the life and influence of Bob Marley. I tried to make it as “active” as possible, but I’m not sure if I succeeded.
The term “Babylon” is important in Rastafari culture. Babylon is the oppressive system implemented upon colonized people (Edmonds 24). Rastafari often use the term in the context of colonialism and the negative influence of Western culture, though “at the sociopolitical level, the term Babylon is used in reference to the ideological and structural components of Jamaica’s social system, which institutionalizes inequity and exploitation” (24). Rastafarianism seeks to reject this oppressive influence by Western culture and its attempt to alienate people from Jah (25). Therefore, the Rasta way of life attempts to live in harmony with other cultures and ways of life while still rejecting the negative influences and displays of power associated with these cultures which would be imposed upon Rastafarians’ own beliefs.
Two aspects of Rastafari culture which have become archetypes for Jamaican culture are hair worn in the dreadlocked style and the use of marijuana. Neither of these characteristics have been accepted by Western culture, and have therefore been incorrectly culturally represented as evidence toward the misconception that Jamaicans are lazy. However, these are important aspects of Rastafari culture that relate to the spiritual connection between the people and Jah. Though Marley was a firm believer in this connection, he was considered a front-runner for the misrepresentation of the laid-back, easy-going Jamaican. Rastafarians consider dreadlocks to be an expression of a devotion to naturalness and the body as a whole (Edmonds 32). They also “indicate a rejection of Babylon’s definition of beauty, especially as it relates to European features and hair quality” (32). Though there is not much commentary on Marley’s choice of hairstyle other than to notice that it has become a symbol of Rastafarianism, it is notable that Marley’s use of marijuana has been criticized. Constantine writes that the Rastafarians “promoted ganja as an alternative, a Rastafarian sacrament, a statement of independence and cohesion against the brutal stratagems of colonial rule” (138). Marley smoked marijuana as a spiritual practice daily. The origin of the misrepresentation of the use of marijuana as a spiritual practice could have been an attempt to discredit Marley or his beliefs.
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this was a great passage to play with, Kat. Check out this revision:
ReplyDeleteThe term “Babylon,” is important in Rastafari culture. Babylon refers to the oppressive system implemented upon colonized people (Edmonds 24). Rastafari often use the term in the context of colonialism and the negative influence of Western culture, though “at the sociopolitical level, the term Babylon is used in reference to the ideological and structural components of Jamaica’s social system, which institutionalizes inequity and exploitation” (24). Rastafarianism seeks to reject oppressive influence by Western culture and its attempt to alienate people from Jah (25). Therefore, the Rasta way of life attempts to live in harmony with other cultures and ways of life while still rejecting the negative influences and displays of power associated with these cultures which would be imposed upon Rastafarians’ own beliefs.
Two cultural practices stand out in Western mind about Rastafari culture: dreaklocks and marijuana use. While Westerners take these pracices as evidence of Jamaican laziness, they actually hold spiritual import for Rastafarians, representing the connection between the people with Jah. Although Marley believed firmly in this connection, he became the front-running stereotype of the laid-back, easy-going Jamaican. Rastafarians consider dreadlocks to be an expression of a devotion to naturalness and the body as a whole (Edmonds 32). They also “indicate a rejection of Babylon’s definition of beauty, especially as it relates to European features and hair quality” (32). Beyond that, commentators have said little else about Marley's choice of hairstyle. In like manner, they have misunderstood his marijuana use, with a few exceptions. Constantine recognizes that the Rastafarians “promoted ganja as an alternative, a Rastafarian sacrament, a statement of independence and cohesion against the brutal stratagems of colonial rule” (138). Marley smoked marijuana as a spiritual practice daily, but critics may have misrepresented Marley's drug use to discredit his beliefs.