Is it exploitation?
Rastafari is one of the pillars of reggae music and its development. No wonder most of the admired musicians of the genre are associated with the faith. But is being a Rasta necessary for the establishment of an artiste? Maybe or maybe not. One thing is certain, it does not hurt.
The vehicle that facilitated the Rastafari movement into mainstream culture was reggae music but simultaneously reggae music was hailed to the forefront by Rastafari.
I can remember as a child Rastas were not as popular as they are today; they were reviled, feared, mysterious and not at all as adored or accepted.
The transformation represents our distancing from colonialism and of us controlling our own destiny; this is a positive move. However, if an artiste exploits the Rasta image for selfish reason or personal gain then the fabric which holds the faith together is permeable and will cause it to collapse. The will of those who do paints an image which is base on falsehood and with this Rasta will not be able to defend itself from threats or coercion. But, is calling on HIM without being a Rasta Blasphemy?
This is in no way targeting any artiste, it is purely my contemplation.
posted by the real mccoy- dj CJ at
15:46
2 Comments:
i found this article very interested; i will look further into this allegation. thank you for pointing this out.
ugh. UGH!! You mean like a certain Gwen Stefani using the Rasta colours on her perfume? Cos it's "cool" and cos it sells? That bothered me when i saw the ads. I'm not associated with the culture in any way, but i do very much respect the culture and what it stands for. I like the love and peace. I think people should be free to get dreads and follow Rasta no matter what background. But I think some people should know where to draw the line...ie: merchandise. It's cute that Gwen finds it all so awesome, but really what are you trying to prove by using those colours and that culture to sell your overpriced celebrity perfume? It's gotten so cool to be rasta that i think the original meaning gets lost. But in the end, do what makes you happy as long as you're not hurting anyone. Peace and love ;P
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