Rasta was looked down on by many in the early years but today true rastas are examples of many good values that the youths need to keep positive and conscious to face the challenges of life today.From observation growing up in the seventies every true rasta had a skill or an occupation. Not many of them had high paying occupations but they took great pride in what they did.They were humble,loving and kind.They believed strongly in people knowing their history and the youths getting an education or a skill.

Rasta and the Rastafarian movement and ideals have put Jamaica on the world map. It has been the vehicle that fueled world interest about Jamaica, its people, way of life and ideals. Rasta is essential to Jamaica and embodies the humanity that is innately within us.

Jah Rastafari and One Love

Agreed. There seems to be a renewed spiritual awakening among some traditional monotheists, overstanding that humanity and nature are equals and share the earth temporarily. Regardless of how they share the Earth, it will survive with or without us and, or nature.
Rastafarianism certainly reflects such perspectives and live life accordingly, preservation.
Feedback welcome to my comments, as I am not a Rasta, rather a student of world religions, and love to learn more.
One Love

As a gentle reminder, this forum has guidelines for messages posted here, including respecting other's opinions and expressing yourself in positive rather than negative ways.

-TBnet

One thing for sure, the 'dread' locks have taken on a new meaning worldwide. And yes, Rastas have done wonders for Jamaica, negative and positive, whether we want to accept it or not. Who would believe that young men and women from TB are now wearing locks and enjoying it. Jah is good (I am not a Rasta).

OneLove,I really see what you are saying about the 'dread' locks.I think it could be among the fastest growing hair style in the world. A far cry from the days when the dread was said to have fortyleg in a im head. Check out the economic value. Nowadays, there are special hair care products for caring 'dread' locks.

There also appears to be an increase in the recognition and use of jewellry many of which can be associated with Rasta in the early years. The use of beads, crystal and the colours black, green, gold and red.The talent has been refined and some very impressive pieces showing off Jamaican talents and creative abilities are being produced. More and more I see that people at home and abroad are recognizing the value, the richness and the uniqueness of things Jamaican and are wearing them with a greater sense of pride.

By the general definition of Rasta I would say I am not one either but, my emotions have a number of similiarities to their cause.

If one varies their views from what is written originally it is seen as negative.

To me a lot of guys who wear locks I would not consider them to be true rastas. Rastas to me are peaceful, hardworking, conscious and easy to get along with - some of our 'rastas' in the community get involved in drugs (not herb), curse, and are totally opposite of what the true calling of rasta is - please note I said some - especially the younger ones.

Rasta or Rastafari has so many meanings and definitions that it is hard for many to know what rasta really is and it can sometimes seem confusing.

One must remember that rastas are human beings first and foremost. Secondly being Rasta, is a way of life that is more in tune with nature. It is not a fashion or trend (aka dreadlocks) to the true rasta.

Rasta was born from the Black power movement of Marcus Garvey and shaped from the teachings of the bible and Haile Selassie. However the movement has changed shape and form over the years. There are several different sects of rasta now.

So what is a true rasta? Many would argue this and that. I have met alot of Jamaican’s and spent alot of time living with rasta's in Treasure Beach. The Rasta’s that I love and respect are the ones that choose to live a higher life with a higher liberty, with much respect for nature and all walks of people.
This is the highest form of the rasta that i know of, it is flexible and there are few and far between who adhere to this way of life.

Rasta to these men I lived with is not a religion or a dogma.

These Rasta believes that the system is trying to control us and keep us down. They choose to fight against a system (or Babylon) that has created such things as fear, war, inequality, materialism, environmental destruction, etc...
A system that does not let us live a life close to nature. A system that makes us focus purely on money, work, individualism and the material. Creating huge imbalances within people that we can see today.(look at the amount of people on anti depressents)Rasta teaches about the meaning of the earth.

These rasta are mostly positive and choose to live outside the system with nature peacefully, working hard and being in the moment.

I noticed that Rasta has become more fashionable in Today's Jamaica. Due to the music industry, media, fashion and tourism. Rasta is seen in Jamaica and out of Jamaica as being cool. Even though this maybe the case and higher liberty rasta have gained some respect, most mothers and families still would not want their child to 'turn' Rasta. This is an interesting point, and proves that Rasta still has a way to go in most communities of Jamaica, the journey is definitely shorter though. It is a simple case of someone choosing to live a different way of life from the norm. The norm that is steeped in colonialism, Christianity and now materialism.

Unfortunately the 'Fashion Dread / dreadlocks' is the number one cause of Rasta's getting a bad name. True Rasta don't carry no gun, do hard drugs.

I truly believe that many can learn alot from Rasta especially within today's capitalist driven societies and the daunting future ahead. They are the turtles of our time, who's ways and beliefs will be looked upon for years to come.