Ras Tafari the First

The other day I received an assignment that took me on a journey to the realm of the religious. The Ras Nieland Bynoe, a resident of Pennsylvania, was involved in a court case against UPS for firing him for his refusal to cut his hair and locks. The EEOC stepped in to aid in the lawsuit. Similarly, a few years ago, eight Rastafari children were disallowed an education for months simply because they didn't comply with the dress code of their local public school in Lafayette, Louisiana. The ACLU stepped in to aid in the legal process and the students were eventually allowed back into school.

Now, from an American standpoint, if one wants to practice a religion in the United States, even if it is Scooby-Dooism, they should be allowed to. Furthermore, if the said Scooby-Dooism is widely, and even internationally recognized as a followed practice with veritable foundation, then, I would only assume as an objective American, that the principles of Rastafari are recognized and respected. Especially if Mormons and the like are allowed to practice and even be recognized (while they are breaking the law with their polygamy and statutory rape practices), then something as profound as the Philosophy of Rastafari should be recognized as well.

Please note, I am not Rastafari, but I do respect it to the fullest extent possible.

Rastafari are a good people. They rely on wisdom and the experiences of their forefathers, as well as the immeasurable teachings of Haile Selassie I the First, the Conquering Lion of Judah, the Most High, as they would say. He was born on the rear end of the 1800s, being crowned King of Ethipoia in 1930. It was he who held Ethiopia strong. After the Italians invaded and began to wreak chaos, he was strong in his efforts to save his people, reaching out to different powers in his exile.

It is said that he looked down upon the Rastafari because he himself was not. (In fact, as a young child, Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie) had locks) He actually showed them reverence and honor. This speaks towards the nature of the Rastafari - accepting, but steadfast in their own endeavors.

One misconception that unnerves me is the one that Rastafari are pot heads who don't do anything but bang on drums and smoke marijuana. One of the first Rastafari that I have met was a lawyer. I always had a large amount of respect for him (not that I don't respect others, but it is hard to gain respect from me on another level); watching him speak in his ever-clean business suit with his locks wrapped up into a towering cloth matched carefully with his suit. He always spoke with such contemplated dignity, as did the elder Ras that I always happened to see at the same time as he.

Their belief in self-sustenance drives them to reach far beyond what the general conception puts upon them. In that instane - they are beyond the regular person's comprehension. Visuals defy the ears and the mind, leaving the typical ignoramus to be lost in a complex trying to decide what sort of stereotype does this individual fit. None, buddy! They have learned how to function in 'Babylon,' or in an imperialistic society. Therefore, they do not need this society to exist, as most do. With their philosophy, they have succeded in fulfilling their purposes. They have built up their communities, and they have sustained themselves in ways many groups have not. They are to be revered.

It is also a comforting thing to know that, as a female in their culture, I will be treated with the uptmost respect. I must say, coming into an area and being referred to as 'Empress' is a far more comforting thing than being referred to as 'Sister.' It's not that I don't feel that we are all in the same family, but, as Ras Sizzla Kalongi said, we are all kings in this jungle. We are all Kings and Queens, Emperors and Empresses. I feel that if we verbally remind one another, then perhaps we will act accordingly. But that is another conversation for another time.

Blessed.