In class we discussed how Rastafari was the making of an identity. It was the creation of an identity for a people who was stripped of theirs. The Afro-Jamacians were in a sense a lost people. They were and felt out of place. Instead of conforming (although some did), they rebelled against British rule and ways in many ways. It seems that Rastafari is the biggest way they did this. Rastafari not only gave identity and voice to the Afro-Jamacians, but it gave meaning and purpose to their circumstances.
Rastafari gives its followers something to believe in and something to heal broken minds and spirits. Its teachings and messages are centered around something and someone that gives them hope and reassurance that a better day is coming. According to Geertz's definition, Rastafari is a true religion. It has a system of symbols (i.e. Selassie, Ethiopia) that give "long lasting moods and motivations" to its followers and give meaning to life and any situation that may come their way.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment