A Rasta Community

I felt that our readings from Edmonds' book has helped to prepare us for what a Rasta community really is, or at least how it is depicted in the video presented.

Given what we have read, the main concept I had in mind surrounding a Rasta community was one which rejects European culture and goes back to African roots - utilizing natural resources for everyday needs, etc. This was exactly what I saw in the video.

The one thing that does confuse me regarding Rastafarianism, which was also depicted in the video through signs in the village, is the racism Rasta express towards the white man. Yes, it can be understood that they might hold harsh feelings because of historical oppression, or "downpression" as Marley puts it, but it seems as if Rasta people would want to be more accepting of others than they seem to be. They are all about freedom, going back to their roots, escaping oppression - but are only black people supposed to have these things? I am sure there is more to the Rastafarian side of this argument, and it is certainly something I feel would be worth looking into at more depth.