Review by Choice Review
Begun in Jamaica in the mid-1930s, the Rastafarian movement asserted that Haile Selassie, the black King of Ethiopia, was a worshipful figure, and a symbol of African independence and freedom. To most analysts of the movement, Rastafarianism has been seen as a millenarian cult, but Campbell's new study sets out to prove that although Rasta changes with altered circumstances, it was from the beginning a passive resistance movement. This form of resistance did not last long, however, as the movement spread, incorporating Garveyism, Ethiopianism, and anticolonialism. Ultimately, Campbell contends, Rasta has been a transitive cultural and political force, not only in Jamaica, but also in many other parts of the world. Near the end of the book Campbell writes: ``Having survived fifty years of social and religious intolerance, discrimination and harassment, the Rastafari movement is poised between becoming a part of world history, contributing to a universal culture, and being a passing phenomenon of the 20th Century.'' Campbell has given a balanced treatment of Rastafari in various parts of the world. He has noted the profound effect of Reggae music in the expansion of the movement, which in turn influenced political behavior as far away as Zimbabwe. A valuable book for all scholars interested in Caribbean history and culture, and in culture movements within the African diaspora. College, university, and public libraries.-J.C. Walter, Smith College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
