"The Black Lives Matter movement is unnecessary. It's reverse racism," John said while wearing a Bob Marley shirt with his Bob Marley poster hanging on his dorm room wall.
The sheer irony, John, the sheer irony.
What is so ironic about John's disregard for the Black Lives Matter movement but apparent love for Bob Marley? Well, Bob Marley's music reflected Pan-Africanist thought.
Pan-Africanism is rooted in the liberation of all people who are of African descent and calls for the unification of the African continent. With songs like, "War," and "Redemption Song", which echo Pan-Africanist rhetoric, Marley showcases his political alignment. Additionally, Marley's own personal spiritual beliefs, Rastafarianism, at the core, rejects capitalism, materialism, and any and all forms of systems that are rooted in some sort of oppression.
Therefore, how can one outright bash any black power movement, yet claim to be a Bob Marley fan? I have come to realize this is common in Western culture due to the commercialization of West Indian culture. The Rastafarian movement is boiled down to marijuana, Reggae, and dreadlocks by Western society. However, Rastafarianism is not about getting high with your buds and saying, "ya mon" over and over. It is much more than that.
Rastafari is about liberation, peace, freedom. It is about rejecting Eurocentric ideals. Rastafarians do not use the herb (marijuana) to get the munchies with their friends on a Saturday night. Rastafarians use the herb for spiritual reasons. The use of herb by Rastafarians is for the purpose of cleansing the body and mind, becoming conscious or simply becoming closer to Jah (God). The herb is a sacrament to Rastafarians.
Bob Marley was a voice for poor, black people, especially in Jamaica in post-colonial times. His music and his opinions challenged politicians in Jamaica during his time. He was a voice for the "Third World" and a modern day prophet. Songs like 'Get Up, Stand Up," "Revolution" and "I Shot The Sheriff" showcased Bob's position on fighting back against police brutality and urging oppressed people to revolt. So, I think it is safe to say, if he was alive, he would most likely be a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement.
So, to all the Johns out there, before you put on your Bob Marley tee, or before you stick that poster on your wall, consider this:
Do not do it. Do not bash any movement that is catered to black liberation and equality for blacks, or any minority group, and turn around and sport Bob Marley apparel. It is hypocritical, ignorant, and shows that you are a mere product of your country's exploitation and commercialization of another culture.
Remember that Bob Marley did not make "stoner music," instead, he made music that gave oppressed blacks hope for the future.
