Customer Reviews

Rastafari: Roots and Ideology (Utopianism & Communitarianism)

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This book is highly reommended to anyone who has any quuestions about the religion. Chevannes discusses the history, the politics and the culture that built Rasta. Most books I found on Rastafari talked about Reggae and Bob Marley, but didin't even discuss the ideology. This book is also a must have for anyone interested in Black History and the the History of Christianity in the Caribbean I wish I could give this book 10 stars.

Chevannes is a well-known contemporary scholar of Rastafari culture. In this book, he presents several different papers and studies he has done, in the form of chapters. What must be noted is that this is not a general book for people who are just getting interested in Rastafari--but rather an advanced text for people already familiar with the basics of this religio-cultural movement---like its myths, symbols, rituals, and so on.

Having said that, the book covers the history and development of Rastafari, from its roots in Myal religion and West African traditions to its development from Revivalism, another religious movement preceding Rastafari. Chevannes also covers Marcus Garvey, early Ethiopianism, and idealizations of "Africa" that inform Rasta ideology. Religious usage of Ganja and Dreadlocks is also covered, providing a helpful correct to racist right-wing myths about the Rasta.

An especially important chapter called "Word, Sound and Power" details the use of Rasta language. In-depth coverage of concepts such as "Babylon," "I-and-I," as well as the tendency of Rasta's to literalize word parts around the meaning of words is helpful.

This chapter will also help explain why Rastas shy away from vocalizing oppresion language in there own usage---while making it explicit in the language of those from Babylon.. Thus, "oppressor" becomes "downpressor"--conjuring up pictures of active political suppression. Certainly few understand better than the Rasta the power of language to control and direct thought and action.

In addition to this volume, check out the work of Leonard Barrett, and the book "Chanting Down Babylon:The Rastafari Reader" for more, informative, insightful information about this minority religio-cultural movement.

...and move on to other books or talk with someone who knows about the religion. This book was my first insight into the ideology and history of Rastafari. After reading it carefully, I don't think that I have a good understanding of what exactly the religion is, what exactly a Rastafarian believes, and how the Rastafarian practices (I don't even know the proper word to use...Rasta, Rastafari, Rastafarian?). The historical context provided by Chevannes is excellent. His writing is very academic. If you don't have a solid background understanding of Rastafari, I would look to another book. This one is good, but perhaps misses some of the real basics while focusing on particular sects and historical facts of Rastafari.

Most cultures are based around religion. In the book "Rastafari: Roots and Ideology" Barry Chevannes traces the history and beliefs of the Rastafarian religion back to the prophet Marcus Garvey and his mass coalition against racial oppression and support for a free Africa. Before Garvey, few Jamaicans had positive attitudes toward Africa, however the rise of Black Nationalism provided the movement with its momentum to organize a system of beliefs. Chevannes explores the movement from the peasants in Jamaica in 1930 to its international following today. Chevannes intends to, and does, inform the reader about the Rastafarian religion and belief system. Rastafarianism arose in the ghettos of Kingston in the early 1930's at just about the same time as Haille Sellassie, a black man, was crowned emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarians believe that Africa is their homeland and are thus exiles in "Babylon," and must return to "Zion." The holy Piby (Rastafarian bible) says that when a black man is a king in Africa it will be the right time to migrate to "Zion." The statement shows the significance of Sellassie's coronation as king of Ethiopia. As time went on the movement grew to become the central religion in Jamaica and has many followers throughout the world. The story of the Rastafarian movement shows how with determination, hope, and persistence one can over come huge barriers. This book is more focused for adult readers that know basic information about the movement, but anyone that is interested in this religion or in the African-American culture would find this book appealing.

Back in college, I decided that I was going to major in Ethnomusicology, concentrating specifically on Caribbean Rhythm and Culture. While trodding this enlightening path (I grew up in a small, white-bread town on the Connecticut shoreline), I came across this piece of literature. Naturally, I originally checked it out for a research project concerning Rastafari. A few years (and nearly a dozen check-outs) later I have decided that it is time for me to purchase this book. I have read it cover to cover multiple times and never fail to pick up something completely new and exciting in each chapter. It needs to have a home in my permanent collection. The strength of thought and culture displayed within this book, coupled with the sounds of groups like The Abyssinians, Steel Pulse, Gondwana (the one from Chile not Austrailia), and the honorable Bob Marley and the Wailers, have done a great deal to change my life. I HIGHLY reccomend this book for pleasure / research / a deeper look into the world of Rastafari. I have read multiple books either written or edited by Barry Chevannes and this may be the best. It strikes a memorable chord in that it balances readability with a wealth of information. Also, every chapter is nearly a new book in that this volume covers a breadth of Rastafarian topics, from music to I-story to culture to politricks. I hope I enjoys this as much as I do.

Recommended to anyone who ever wandered, what's with the drealocks. RASTAFARI. "Rastafari:Roots and Ideology" shows the birth of the rastafarism, it's evolution as a movement and its current position in today's society, its manifestations beyond jamaica's frontiers. YJN

I first got interested in Rastafarianism by way of William Gibson, who had several characters who were Dreadlocks. My ignorance of what that was all about was, well, somewhat shocking for me at the time. So, I started poking around. Quite a few years ago, I found Rastafari: Roots and Ideology by Barry Chevannes. It followed me around, unread, in a box for several years. Well, I finally read it this past week. What a shame I waited so long!
This was a very good book about the history and origins of a relatively new religion. Among other things, it was fascinating to track the birth of a new faith from its very start through the modern day. As a sociological look at a small, but growing, religious or spiritual movement, this is a great book. It is, however, a rather schollarly look at this movement and, as such, is somewhat dry at times. Still, it presents not only a well-rounded look at the religion, but also the socio-economic forces that shaped it. One of the main "pillars of faith", for instance, is the concept of "repatriation" to Ethiopia. This would never have come about if not for the practice of black slavery in the New World.
I'll not attempt to describe the intricacies of Rastafarianism in a short message, but, if you're interested in knowing more, this book is a great place to start.

Chevannaes provides a very in-depth look at the societal situations that gave rise to Rastafari. While discussing those situations, however, it seems to me that his mind did not come to the same conclusion as the Rastafarians. To write on Rastafari without understanding the mindstate leaves the reader with much to be desired.

To his credit though, Chavannaes never really attempts such an interpretation. He is a social antropologist, and writes this book in an occupationally fitting academic manner.

To better understand Rastafari as a mentality...listen to Bob Marley. To better understand Rastafari as you would an American history course....read this book. Both forms of learning are legitimate, and i think my overall disappointment in this book came from me expecting the former while receiving the latter. It's a good history book....but thats just not what i was looking for.

Professor Barry Chevannes, who passed on in November, 2010, was the pre-eminent scholar about the Rastafari movement and an advocate for Rastafari rights in Jamaica. Other books have been written about Rastafari, but Barry's book contains transcriptions of interviews with Rastafari in the 1970s, which cannot be found elsewhere. Anyone interested in the sociology of this subject should have a copy Professor Chevannes' book.

THIS BOOK IS A VERY DETAILED LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF RASTAFRIANISM. AT TIMES IT SEEMS TO DRAG ALOT ALMOST TOO MUCH WHICH TAKES MY ATTENTON AWAY FROM WHAT IM READING. YOU HAVE TO BE VERY PATIENT WITH THIS BOOK IN ORDER TO READ IT. IT ALOST SEEMS MORE OF LIKE A TEXT BOOK ON RASTAFARI. I WOULD SUGGEST THE BOOK RASTA HEART BY ROBERT ROSKIND OVER THIS ONE BECAUSE IT IS MORE READER FRIENDLY AND YOU DONT WANNA PUT THE BOOK DOWN. BUT OVERALL THIS BOOK HAS ALOT OF LUCRATIIVE INFORMATION THAT CAN CAPTIVATE THE WELL READ MIND JUST DONT TAKE TOO MUCH INFO IN BECAUSE YOU MIGHT GET A HEADACHE.
ONE LOVE
JAH BLESS