Reggae Music and Its Influences Essay Example for Free

Reggae Music and Its Influences Essay One of the world’s iconic figures, Reggae musician Bob Marley(1945-1981) stated that, â€Å"People want to listen to a message, word from Jah(God). This could be passed through me or anybody, I am not a leader, messenger. The word of the songs, not the person, is what attracts people.† Reggae music is gifted to people in Jamaica as their own unique identity. Jamaican musicians are well-known for expressing their Rastafarian beliefs through the music, Reggae. Rastafarian reflects ideologies, attitudes, actions of the people for the better society (Spiker,1998). At this point, they became social commentators, prophets, and messengers who heal the wounds of people affected by social and political injustices (Aimers, 2004).This essay illustrates that reggae music has been successful spreading Rastafarian beliefs in politics, social injustices and cultures. Firstly, Jamaican musicians play essential roles to give the political messages to people based on their Rastafarian beliefs. The political messages shared through the Reggae music are those of peace, love, and brotherhood of mankind for forming a unity to fight for the liberty of people in Jamaica. Musicians gave the message by setting several goals based on general popular interest of the population against any oppression and encouraged people to speak-up. For instance, Bob Marley(1945-1981); the predominant singer strived to bring the awareness for not only in the hearts of Jamaicans, but also in those of Africans and the rest of the world (Abram Ingrid, 2009). One of his popular songs, â€Å"Get up, and Stand up for your rights† not only defended his religious beliefs but also pointed at political oppression and natural rights of people (Lockard, n.d). Following lyrics is from the song by Bob Marley (1973): We sick an’ tired of-a-your ism-skism-game Dying ‘n’ goin’ to heaven in-a Jesus’ name, Lord. We know when we understand: Almighty god is a living man. You can fool some people sometimes, But you can fool all the people all the time. So now we see the light (What you gonna do?) We gonna stand up for our rights! (Bob Marley Lyrics) Thus, one can conclude that reggae and its musicians are influential as a medium for spreading political messages to enlighten the darkness of people’s mind and brain.   Secondly, People all around the world heard the voice of Rastafarian beliefs against social injustices through the reggae music and by its talented musicians. Their songs’ lyrics were mightier than swords to reveal such issues as racism, colonialism, slavery, and exploitation on colored people in Africa. Rastafarians are attached to the ideas of equality, tolerance, justice, and non-violence. In addition, it is a theology of submissiveness and every Rasta has a right to freedom of expression (Abram Ingrid, 2009). Particularly, slavery had affected most of Africans’ lives badly for being taken away from one own society and family which could have damaged them physically and psychologically by segregations and hard labors (Novick, n.d). For example, Reggae musician, Peter Tosh(1944-1987)’s famous song â€Å"Mama Africa†(1983)indicated the life of an African slave missing home: Mama Africa How are you doing Mama, Mama Africa Long time me no see you Mama They took me away from you Mama Long before I was born They took me away from you Mama Long before I came on in(Peter Tosh Lyrics) Hence, the reggae music and its musicians had not only led people in Jamaica for Rastafarian beliefs and for fighting against the social injustices but also Africans as a whole for the better survival. Lastly, the Rastafari influence also had contributed to the cultural significance of reggae music and culture of people; it was a symbol for both identity and pride among the Jamaicans. It has also created an understanding of lifestyle and culture in Jamaica for the rest of the world (Aimers, 2004). The reggae music and Rastafarian complemented one another to occupy people’s state of mind to think of it as a part of the Jamaican lifestyle, needless to mention that it has become a tradition and culture for them. In spite of all the difficulties and hardships which came upon people in Jamaica, they had been recognized internationally for their predominant reggae music all over the world. The culture of reggae along with Rastafarian symbols was being introduced to many countries. Reggae musicians’ hair-styles, clothing and accessories which mirror the Rastafari are being imitated by some devoted fans. For example, Thailand’s Khao-San road is full of Rastafarian symbols and its trendy musician, Bob Marley printed-items from head to toe. Therefore, Reggae music and its Rastafarian symbols have enormously impacted on cultures of many different countries, originated from Jamaica. In conclusion, there are many studies which has discussed about the importance of reggae music spreading Rastafarian beliefs and symbols throughout the world. Reggae music has been positively influential to the society by means of political, social, and cultural impacts. In addition, it has not only brought the liberty to people in Jamaica but also mother Africa. Therefore, it is remarkable peak in history that peaceful and non-violent music won over the aggressive wars, fights, and any kind of violence. In fact, peaceful as well as meaningful song lyrics are mightier than sharp and shining swords. References; Aimers, J. (2004). â€Å"The Cultural Significance of Reggae.† ATH175 People of the world. Retrieved from; http://www.units.muohio.edu/ath175/student/petersle/culture.html Abram, V. Ingrid, H. (October, 2009). â€Å"The Rastafarian Movement.† The Observatory for Religious Phenomena (World Religion Watch). Retrieved from http://www.worldreligionwatch.org/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=281Itemid=65 Lockard, Craig A. (June, 2010). â€Å"Bob Marley, Victor Jara, Fela Kuti, and Political Popular Music.†University of Illinois. Retrieved from; http://worldhistoryconnected.press.illinois.edu/7.2/lockard.html Novixk, S. (n.d). â€Å"The Effects of Slavery on Reggae Music.† The Dread Library. Retrieved from; http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/novick.html Spiker, C. (April 1998). â€Å"Reggae As Social Change:The Spread of Rastafarianism.† The Dread Library. Retrieved from; http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/spiker.html

Stereotypes :: essays research papers

Stereotypes are the organizational factors that virtually shape the way we think in 20th century America. They somehow manage to categorize some of life’s most complex matters into nice distinct sections. Classifications and organization, at first glance seem to be useful in distinguishing various aspects of modern life. However, these grouping methods can be very inaccurate, leaving erroneous ideas in the minds of citizens on a global level. Stereotypes, though originating as convenient sorting mechanisms, instead, influence our thinking process. By instituting broad categories, establishing virtually immovable terms, and, often, being mistakenly identified as facts, stereotypes affect the mental process of humans. Originally used as an organizational tool, stereotypes were simply broad generalizations about subject matters. These ideas weren’t necessarily meant to cause the feelings of anger that they do today, but to classify ideas. However, possibly the most apparen t problem with stereotypes is that the sort very intricate subject matter into large, broad categories. For example, human beings are too complex to use generalizations like, â€Å"all blondes are dumb† or â€Å"all smart people are nerds.† Stereotypes use wide terms, to simplify subject matter, but this attempt often ends in an inaccurate result. Despite their wide generalizations, stereotypes establish virtually immovable terms. For example, Third World countries were hastily grouped together not because of social or economic similarities, but out of convenience. Since that time, the industrialized nations have harbored this stereotype that the third world is land of starving children and savage tribes. Despite decades of vast improvement, this stereotype remains unchanged. This rigid stereotype has caused many citizens to embrace a false view of the Third World nations and its citizens. Stereotypes, clearly, should not be mistaken for factual information. Although t here may be a certain amount of truth to the statement, the generalization is often inaccurate. Unfortunately, many people believe this information to be not only truthful, but factual. Since most Americans have not visited a Third World country, they believe many misconceptions to be true. In reality, these stereotypes are often wrong. They may apply in some instances, but they should not be considered factual.

Beach water

The beaches are considered as important recreational resources. The recreational activities performed at beaches involve a physical contact with water, such as sail-boarding and swimming. There is always a risk of having an accidental injury but apart from that people also face major health problems because of the contamination the beach water. The biggest concern is the microbial contamination by microorganisms such as protozoa viruses and bacteria. The extremely dangerous sewage that comes from urban areas has a number of disease causing organisms in it.Storm drains also contribute to microbial contamination because they sometimes bring the pet waste with them and deposit it into the beaches. Humans are exposed to bacteria and dangerous viruses through the ingestion of the contaminated water which occurs through the entry of water from nose, eyes or ears. Some types of illnesses that are associated with the contamination of the water are some respiratory illnesses that are caused b y the entry of contaminated water into the lungs and Gastro-intestinal disorders; caused by the entry of contaminated water into stomach.There are also some infection associated with the beach water contamination which are minor and are caused through the contact of contaminated water with eyes, nose and ears. Fecal Coli-form bacteria are found in the intestinal tracts of animals and are passed out of the body through fecal waste. Fecal waste is present in the sewage and when that poorly treated sewage is drained into the beaches, it contaminates the water. Swimming in the water in which coli-form bacteria is already present, increases the chances for human to develop certain illnesses such as nausea, stomach cramps, hepatitis and typhoid fever.One way to fight with the fecal coli-form bacteria is to wash with soap after swimming in the contaminated water. In order to save people from the contaminated water there was a treaty signed by the United States and Canada, Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. It argues that â€Å"recreational waters should be substantially free from bacteria, fungi, and viruses that may produce enteric disorders or eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections or other human diseases and infections† (EPA, Para. 5). To prevent the recreational water from being contaminated, there are many water quality control programs conducted in every state.Microbial standard exceedances are used to measure the risks associated with the contaminated recreational water but â€Å"due to the limitations in frequency comparison of exceedances it’s been a challenge to evaluate the recreational water quality† (EPA, Para. 9). (NRDC) National Resources Defense Council’s watch dog monitors the quality of beach water and warns the authorities to take actions. â€Å"NRDC identified 131 beaches in 23 states that violated public health standards† (NRDC, Para. 4). The most important challenge that we face is that the water quality standards recommended by EPA are said to be 20 years old.They do not meet today’s health standards because there are many other diseases identified now. There is an annual report by NRDC's annual watchdog, â€Å"Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,† which has called for several improvements in monitoring beach water† (NRDC, Para. 3). Improvement in the treatment of sewage also will help in avoiding the health risks. Environmental Protection Agency, retrieved on 08/22/08 from http://www. great-lakes. net/humanhealth/other/bacteria. html National Resources Defense Council, retrieved on 08/22/08 from http://www. nrdc. org/water/oceans/nttw. asp? gclid=CIer1c-KpJUCFROA1QodGBoJjw

Muhammad s Influence On Islam - 1378 Words

In the year wchih followed the Revelation, Muhammad began his public preaching. The first converts include his wife – Khadija, cousin – Ali, other people closely related to him, and eventually more people from his own clan of Hashim. At first there was no sign of opposition against Muhammad’s teaching, but as it become more widespread in Mecca, people start seeing it as a threat to the city’s stability. Muhammad’s message about a single, all-powerful deity negates the legitimacy of the haram and its idols, puting the holy and neutral status of the site at risk. This theological clash continued to put pressure on Muhammad and his followers. However, they receive protection because of the solidity of the clan system. It had been Abu Talib, Muhammad’s uncle, who united the Hashim in support of Muhammad and protected him for his Meccan opposition. In 619, both Khadija and Abu Thalib, two of Muhammad’s most important protecters passed away and his opposition became even more bold and determined to pressure Muhammad. It is important to remember that the previous early success of the spread of Islam in Mecca could only be achieved because of Muhammad’s allegience and close relationship with these two important Meccan figures. In other words, Muhammad’s kinship paved the way for his teachings to be disemminated within the Meccan society. As Meccans become more hostile towards Muhammad, he began to look outside his native city for support. At this crucial point, Muhammad wasShow MoreRelatedThe Spread Of Christianity And Western Europe1637 Words   |  7 PagesEurope was both similar and different to the spread of Islam. The rise of Islam starts with the Prophet Muhammad, believed by Muslims (followers of Islam) to be the last in a line of prophets that includes Moses and Jesus. 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