An ethos of Blackness : Rastafari cosmology, culture, and consciousness /

In An Ethos of Blackness, Jean-Marie (philosophy, CUNY) examines the core beliefs and practices of Jamaican Rastafari as, first, a re-interpretation of biblical scripture, and, second, a rejection of racism and Eurocentrism. Jean-Marie's first chapter convincingly argues that it was the spiritual resistance of enslaved Africans in the 18th century that ultimately led to the development of Rasta cosmology. Deftly situating Rastafarianism at the intersection of Jamaican revivalism and Garveyism Jean-Marie convincingly argues that Rastafarian cosmology--especially its resistance to postcolonial institutions in Jamaica--gave rise to what he terms an "ethos of Blackness." Rastafarians, he contends, avoid technology when they consider it exploitative. Rastas seek to live in harmony with nature. In chapter 4, the centerpiece of the book, Jean-Marie offers a clear, concise, and balanced exposition on the intricacies of Rastafarian "I-talk"--one of the best such expositions this reviewer has read. However, Jean-Marie does not underscore Rasta ambivalence about technology, and he fails to document the degree to which many Rastafarians embrace it. Though carefully documenting the philosophical and ethical sophistication of Rastafarian thought, he does not give equal weight to theological inconsistencies. The author concludes by highlighting what he considers a major shortcoming in Rastafarianism, namely the religion's failure to address sexism within the movement. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty --Stephen D. Glazier, Yale University