Makeda Mikael
I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the Rastafari Dad and his son in confrontation with his teacher/Principal, and got to understand the third side of the argument, the spirit of the child.
The youth is a spirited 10 year old, raised not to fear anyone, and as a consequence, looks directly into one’s eyes. Some adult males cannot stand that!
A pleasant little guy whose locks were flying, not controlled for the sake of not offending the outlook of our British and Christian expectations. Clearly a self possessed little extension of his father who clearly loves his progeny, who endorses his immortality.
When a Rasta says, “I n I shall live forever’ it is in recognition of his contribution to the building of Rastafari and extending the line forever. And children are most blessed and loved by their parents. Most persons look at Rasta with some remnants of scorn, objecting to their looks and locks, and most of all to their poverty!
Youth require care and conscious appreciation from their teachers, and it is not the culture of Rastafari to belabor blows on their children, but reasoning the way to conscious knowledge of right & wrong.
Further, after fifty years of surviving outside of the ranks of society, regarded as ‘the wretched of the earth’ terrorized by police, and politicians, outcasts of the Christian church and society at large, teachers and principals do not change overnight.
Some Christians completely forget the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” But then our role models of the past would have us cut our men’s hair, closely cropped, heads for the most part shaved, and in years past plastered in grease, and our girls in a million small plaits, forever!
Times have changed but the Christian mentality remains the same hierarchy, where the poor are always with us, needed, to keep distance between themselves and those on the lower level.
Children are sensitive souls, and respond to love and care, where a gentle look will draw the into a hug, and the vibe of ‘lesser than’ evokes fear and disappointment.
Rastafari children are still not received with love in the public schools, and the private schools just do not want them around.
See also
Finally, island men have had little to do with children and the raising of children, and it is only with the advent of Rastafari that we started seeing men cuddling babies, and walking proudly with their youths.
Bearing in mind that our history is one of breeding for Master to increase his African slave plantation, our men, including male teachers need to be taught to love the youth,and cease brutalizing Rastafari youth!
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua! We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.Contact us at [email protected]
