Very powerful analysis regarding the direction the American Rastafari may be heading. I have on basic critique: Use of the word Black when referring to the Afro-diasporas of people. Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary has the following meanings of the word "black": 1. Figuratively, dismal, gloomy, sullen, forbidding, or the like; destitute of moral light or goodness; mournful; calamitous; evil; wicked; atrocious; thus Shakespeare speaks of black deeds, thoughts, envy, tidings, despair, etc. 2. Soiled; dirty. 3.disgraceful. 4.without hope, as a black future....
You get the picture. If we the Brethren are to create positive Afro-Kin self-esteem and community it may be helpful to stop using a description that carries such negative connotations. RAS, has a duel connotation to it of Prince and Reticular Activation System. The Reticular Activation System is that part of the brain that interprets experience in concert with emotions to form ideas about the environment a human being interacts with to take new actions. So the question is how can the Brethren take new action toward racial uplift and unity when we identify ourselves with such a negative word created by our oppressors. Just thoughts to consider for words have weight upon a psychology.
Sincerely,
Ras Outlaw29