Synopsis "Rastafari Poems (in English)"
"Rastafari Poems" offers the reader an unabashed view of Rastafari people. It depicts their sense of self, their pride in self, and their determination to have a place in the world. The book speaks to Rastafarian ideals. Those who identify as Rasta can relate to it, while those outside the Rasta community can get a sense of its pulse. This book furthermore gives advice to Rastafari adherents, so they're not only strengthened in their identity, but also get direction in moving their community forward. It envisions for them stricter adherence to traditional values while warning them of the corrupt influences of the outside world. The book reminds them of the importance of respecting their Rasta women as equal to men, and of imparting Rasta culture to their children. But while this book encourages and advises the Rasta community, it communicates to the outside world not to denigrate and stereotype Rastafari people. It calls for reflection upon self, spirituality, and faith, and to realize Rasta is grounded in time-honored values. The Rastafari community deserves respect as a body of the faithful."Rastafari Poems" doesn't negate the revolutionary and rebellious impulses of Rasta people in highlighting their spirituality. Rather it unloads in the most frontal, direct, and confrontational way, so that one is not mistaken about Rastafari demands for equality, liberty, and justice. It sheds light on hypocrisy and unapologetically declares its commitment to seeking real change. "Rastafari Poems" often cites age-old, unjust traditions that remain in modern psyche and socio-economic, political, and religious structures. By calling attention to offensive paradigms that remind that the status quo violates moral order, the book inveigles action. In this sense it not only appeals to Rastafari people, it extends beyond their scope to a general call to humanity. What it demands is justice and human rights as the very basis of the world mankind constructs.
