Beyond Stereotypes: The Truth and History Behind the Rastafari

This video is a basic study of the Rastafarian religion and tradition. The goal of its creation is to expand knowledge about Rastas and what they believe and debunk some myths and stereotypes that are commonly thought. This video was created for the History and Culture of the Caribbean 400 level course at North Dakota State University. Bibliography found separately.

Guided Viewing Questions:

1) On what Caribbean island did Rastafari originate?

2) What are two stereotypes associated with the Rastafari?

A)

B)

3) How did Marcus Garvey influence the Rastafari and how else did he influence the Caribbean?

4) What are the spiritual or traditional reasons for the stereotypes you thought of above?

A)

B)

5) What other religions of the Caribbean have been stereotyped and how so?

6) What in Jamaica’s past could have influenced the Coral Gardens Incident?

7) The Rastafari have begun to be more widely accepted in Jamaica and around the world. How has the creation of their own identity affected this and how has this identity been marketed in the tourism industry?

8) What is one thing you learned about the Rastafari that you did not know?