[Sharon C.]

The Rastafarian religion originated in Africa. It is often associated with the poorer black population of Jamaica. It is not just a religion, but a way of life. Rastafarians speak out against; poverty, oppression and inequality…..not just religious ideas but global problems. Rastafarians will use the Bible for guidence. The prime basic belief of the Rastafarians is that Haile Selassie is the living God for the black race. Selassie, whose previous name was Ras Tafari, was the black Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarians say scriptures prophesised him as the one with ‘the hair of whose head was like wool (the matted hair of I black man), whose feet were like unto burning brass (I black skin)’. The Rastafarian name for God is Jah. Babylon is the Rastafarian term for the white political power structure that has been holding the black race down for centuries. The effort of Rasta is to try to remind blacks of their heritage and have them stand up against this Babylon. Ethiopia, specifically, Africa in general, is considered the Rastas’ heaven on earth. There is no afterlife or hell as Christianity believes. Rasta’s believe that Jah will send the signal and help the blacks exodus back to Ethiopian, their homeland. The dreadlocks on a Rasta’s head symbolises the Rastas roots, contrasting the straight, blond look of the white man and establishment. The true Rasta eats only I-tal food. This is special food never touches chemicals or is natural and not in cans. Rastas are therefore vegetarians. Drinking preferences rest with anything that is herbal, such as tea. Liquor, milk, coffee, and soft drinks are viewed as unnatural. Ganja, is used for religious purposes for Rastafarians. The symbols of the Rastafarians are colours. These colours were taken from the Garvey movement. Red – stands for the Church Triumphant which is the church of the Rastas and the blood that martyrs have shed in the history of the Rastas. Yellow – represents the wealth of the homeland. Green – represents the beauty and vegetation of Ethiopia, the promised land. This information was acquired at: http://www.aspects.net/~nick/religion.htm

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Name : Sharon C., Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Non-Denominational, Age : 47, City : Kansas City, State : MO, Country : United States, Occupation : Entertainer, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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