"At the same time, when whites "assist" black efforts by joining those groups . . . well I&I already overstand what contradictions, tensions and problems this creates."

* well, by assist i don't necessarily mean full-fledged members. assistance can be monetary, or another way where the decision making process is left in the hands of a black run organization. the problem with that approach is that the sensibility of whites that is catered to when there is a need for monetary assistance. i can see how an organization with strong leanings towards black self-determination could be a turn off to whites(with the typical mindset). so it seems as if a black organization could be forced with watering down the message to cater to white prejudices(which is where the $ is).

i think reasoning on this topic shows some of the reasons why perhaps the message of black self-determination in Rastafari has been watered down over time. a "balance" has needed to be struck when appealing to larger white audiences which hold a collective attitude that in many ways is counter-productive to the interests of black self-determination.

for the situation to be rectified, whites would need to give money believing in the purpose of an organization working towards repatriation or reparations while relinquishing the need to have a controlling interest. i think this is very hard for us whites to do - there are not enough white voices who are attempting to overstand the dynamics from a black perspective. in many ways whites and Rastafari do not mix if one equates Rastafari with black self-determination.

at the same time, whites in Rastafari seem to tend to be a bit more sensitive to the issues confronting Africa and her children, so I feel(personally) it is important to try to reach these whites who associate with Rastafari (I am one of them).

Education is key - but the collective ignorance of my people many times militates against enlightenment. The road is rocky!