Assignment 1-3-3

Written Analyses—Analysis 2

Bob Marley’s Rituals and Stereotypes

Bob Marley was a musician, songwriter, spiritual leader, and political representative. As known worldwide, his life was followed by media which characterized him through his rituals and stereotypes.

Rituals

Some people believed that Bob Marley was Socialist, or that he was Marxist, but he considered himself as freedom fighter. His support of freedom for those around the world had a real purity of purpose. He said, "I don't stand for the black man's side, I don't stand for the white man's side, I stand for God's side. Viewing himself as a holy person and a member of Rastafari religion, Marley strongly believed that marijuana is a holy “sacrament” and religious ritual which spiritually helped him to become the artist. Other rituals that were known in this religion were non-usage of alcohol, and vegetarianism. The way Marley’s hair was made into dreadlocks was showing symbolism of the spirit of the Lion of Judah, which Rastafari used from the Bible verse from Leviticus 21:5, saying that they shouldn’t shave their head and beard, or to have any cuttings in the flesh. According to this verse Rastafari members based their personal appearance. Therefore Marley didn’t want his foot thumb to be amputated when doctor told him about cancer on his thumb, because it would’ve been against his religion believes and rituals.

Stereotypes

         Bob Marley was very responsible, honest, optimistic, enthusiastic, dedicated in his work and interested in helping society and others through his artistic creativity. Marley stated that his two biggest influences were Marcus Garvey and Haile Selassie. Bob Marley's message was the return to the country of birth of black people to Zion, which was Ethiopia. So through his songs he was manifesting his opinion about politics and his believes. Some people stereotyped him as nonstop smoking pot and addicted to marijuana. But according to his religion he was smoking pot in order to understand scripture and beliefs of his religion. The other stereotype that people were saying was that he was sleeping with lots of women. Superstar Bob was always surrounded with many women with who he had extra-marital affairs and later many children, but many years later even he didn’t believe in marriage, he married Rita Anderson. He was shy, and when he was under stress, he would be quiet and he would respect other people opinions and needs. Most of the people around the world like him, but there were also others who thought he was bad for society. He was fearless even some people tried to kill him. After Bob was shot and he survived, he came back on the stage to perform at the concert, which was December 5, 1976, in Jamaica. Beside music, his big passion was soccer. Marley was playing soccer almost every day with his friends. Pele was Marley’s favorite soccer player. Soccer was part of his life which he described as freedom.

Combination of Marley’s rituals and stereotypes shows him as a not perfect man, but with big heart who wants everybody to live in love. His works and songs still inspire people all over the world.

 References

Karon, T. (2010, June 19). Cote d’ivoire vs. Brazil: Africa can’t lose. Retrieved from http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2010/06/19/cote-divoire-vs-brazil-africa-cant-lose/

Rasta-Man-Vibration. (2005). Bob Marley and Rita Marley: The role of Rita Marley in helping to direct the career of Bob Marley on the path of success. Retrieved from http://www.rasta-man-vibration.com/rita-marley.html