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It deals with the recent problems created by colonialism and slavery, as a result of White domination in the 20th and now the 21st century. Rastafarianism is located in the 'here and now' in terms of its millennial ideology. Ethiopia and the idea of Ethiopianism underline the messianic "cult" of the Rastafarians who view Haile Selassie, former Emperor of Ethiopia, as a kind of Black Messiah. (Barrett 2) In this worldview, Ethiopia functions as a kind of Israel, as it was one of the few African nations not to be subject to extended periods of colonial control. The Rastafarian cult's ideology is thus a kind of idealized return to origins, but not of the far past, like many native, older Caribbean religions, but the recent past history of the island. It also attempts to connect all Black persons in one common quest to escape the colonial past, rather than focuses on its island of origin's roots, even its oppression alone.
Rastafarianism is called a cult by Barrett not in a pejorative sense, because of its small and inclusive nature, despite its expansive vision of international Black unity. It is endemic to Jamaica, and its members are largely Jamaican but it attempts to speak for all Blacks, rather than remain a particularized sect to Jamaica. The Rastafarianism core belief system is fundamentally universal -- it envisions an end of time, where all Blacks, separated from their home nations because of real or colonial slavery, will be returned...
(Barrett 68)
Also unlike other Caribbean religions, Rastafarianism has eschewed any syncretism, or blending with other European religions, such as Christianity as Rastafarianism began as a reaction to the Christianity imposed by British-influenced rule.
What is Barrett's perspective on the future of the Rastafarian movement?
Some persons though that after Haile Selassie came to Jamaica in person, and the ultimate vision of the religion was not realized, Rastafarianism would die out. However, it has, if anything grown more popular over the passage of time. Although it began amongst the Jamaican lower classes, Rastafarianism is now part of the middle and even upper classes of Jamaica and become even more influential in Jamaican politics. It has grown more popular worldwide, as well, given Marley's influence as an ambassador for the religion, and as many non-Jamaican Blacks have come into contact with the religion through Jamaican immigrants, travel, as well as Marley's music. The religion's advocacy of peace and freedom for all, with a specific liberationist ethos has made it attractive to Blacks, and even many White individuals around the world.
Works Cited
Barrett, Leonard. E. (Sr.) The Rastafarians. Boston: Beacon Press, 20th Anniversary edition, 1997.
Works Cited
Barrett, Leonard. E. (Sr.) The Rastafarians. Boston: Beacon Press, 20th Anniversary edition, 1997.
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