Rastafari movement in Jamaica

The Rastafari movement is originally found in Jamaica and was founded by Leonard Percival Howell in 1932. Is a religion and a lifestyle that involves every aspect of the follower.

Rastafari began with Leonard P. Howell and his street preaching to lift the spirits of the enslaved black men and women from Kingston to St Thomas. He spoke out against the wrongs of the crown and colonial Jamaica against the men women and children of Africa stolen, sold and enslaved in Jamaica for hundreds of years.

The Rasta believes in peace and they are constantly trying to preach down violence. This want for world peace is heard often in the Rasta’s Reggae music. Another important thought is the protest against authority and structure.

A lot of people’s understanding of Rasta only goes as far as to think that Rasta are people that live in Jamaica, smoke weed, and have Dreadlocks. Buy with this research we can see that is so much more than that and we can leave all the stereotypes that we had. In reality is a way of life, a social movement, as well as a mindset.

Say goodbye to stereotypes:

1. Not all smoke marijuana.
2. Don’t call them “Rastafarians” you see, Rastafari actually don’t like being referenced that way at all. The reason for this stems from their philosophy. Rastas believe that “ians” and “isms” represent the corrupt system that oppresses people all over the world.
3. You have to black to be a true Rasta – This is an absolute myth! Many Rasta are of “mixed race” many Rastafari are Caucasian, some Asian, some African, some East Indian. Rastafari comes from all ethnic backgrounds!
4. They take care very much of their body because they believe that their body is a temple.
5. They don’t use long hair because is a style, they deeply believe that their hair is a connection with the mother earth.