Bob Marley Interview: Rationalization and Justification for Rastafari

In this interview with Bob Marley, many different aspects of Rastafarian are highlighted. The most notable thing about this interview is that we can see the many different type of rationalization that take place around the beliefs and practices of a religion.

We first see Marley discuss the use of Marijuana, the most common practice associated with Rastafari. Here Marley justifies the use of Marijuana by claiming that it frees one's mind and begging the question "Why do governments keep Marijuana illegal?" Marley asserts that it is because "the herb" incites feelings of rebellion against materialism and war. Here we see how Marley has justified the use and explained the stigma behind Marijuana by using assumptions and rationalization.

The second and even more notable use of rationalization in this interview occurs in his discussion of the Emperor Halie Selassie I as being the Messiah. We see Marley claim that the Emperor is the "Rightful Ruler" because it is said in the bible and various other sources. He then claims that the reason he has not been accepted is because people want a white god, not a black god. Marley is using proof from post-biblical sources and assumed racism to explain the legitimacy of his religion and why it is not generally accepted.

Looking at this interview has given me some insight into the frame of the Rastafari religion. I hope to further understand this frame as class continues.