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RASTAFARIANISM NON-VIOLENCE AND SURVIVAL

RASTAFARIANISM NON-VIOLENCE AND SURVIVAL. Basic Principles. Rastafarianism originated in Jamaica in the early 20th century as a response to their oppression by Western nations. Wanted to defy ‘Babylon’- western culture Utilized non-violence as basic mechanism to defy Babylon .

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RASTAFARIANISM NON-VIOLENCE AND SURVIVAL

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  1. RASTAFARIANISM NON-VIOLENCE ANDSURVIVAL

  2. Basic Principles • Rastafarianism originated in Jamaica in the early 20th century as a response to their oppression by Western nations. • Wanted to defy ‘Babylon’- western culture • Utilized non-violence as basic mechanism to defy Babylon

  3. Founding Principles of Sharers • A peaceful, autonomous society • Non-violence • Symbiotic relationship with nature - lifestyle complements natural world. • A way to rebel against the male aggressors in their past.

  4. NON-VIOLENCE RESISTANCE • Reggae music: primary way to “beat down Babylon” • ‘Dread talk’: a rejection of being “cultured” by European standards • Dreadlocks: a way to redefine beauty and promote pride in their African roots • Adoption of Ethiopian colors

  5. REGGAE MUSIC • Restores self-awareness and brings to light the African roots and identity. • “Teaches the people about the oppressive, deceptive, and divisive nature of the system under which they live.” • “Reggae is the Rastafarian vehicle for ‘political, cultureal, moral and religious purposes and protests.’”

  6. The Importance of Dreadlocks • Dreadlocks are a way to repudiate Babylon and its artificiality . • Origins in Levitical laws that forbid trimming and shaving. • Shaking the dreadlocks is a way to release sacred power --”mystic antenna” to connect with God and his “earthforce”. • Intended to inspire dread in the Babylonians in a non-violent fashion.

  7. The Role of Ganja in Rastafarianism and Non-Violence • For Rastas, smoking ganja is seen as a way to tap into a state of mind in which the sacred can be accessed. • The calming effects and contemplation of the sacred are non-violent ways to combat their daily oppression

  8. SURVIVIAL AND NON-VIOLENCE • Rastafarianism has allowed for the psychological survival of the inhabitants of Jamaica and other former colonies in the West Indies. • The non-violence component provides a means to rebel and maintain a degree of mental autonomy • Furthermore, the non-violent ‘weapons’ promote pride in African culture and allow that past heritage to survive the influence of Babylon

  9. Rastafarianism and Door into Ocean • Connection between the natural world and their lifestyle. • Rastas are often vegetarian, eating only fresh foods, like mango and coconut, and avoiding alcohol, meat, pork, and shellfish. • While the Sharers do eat shellfish, they too are devoted to eating naturally and living in harmony with the natural world

  10. Whitetrance and Rastafarianism • Whitetrance allows a psychological escape not unlike that which Rastafarianism provides. • “Whitetrance would be her own, her last line of defense, the state of consciousness that said ‘I choose freedom above life” (204)

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