Nowadays, the way one looks can still be an obstacle. In Malta, as in the rest of the world, Rastafarians are victims of discrimination. But as long as you cannot recognise them, they are tolerated.

Often judged as dirty, lazy or junkies, it is hard for them to find a job or go to school with given their dreadlocked appearance. By opening their minds, people could minimise such unfair prejudices. Analysing the situation, it is very evident that Rastafarians are merely misunderstood. People should bear in mind that being a Rasta includes so much more than just appearances. Rastafarianism is a way of life, rich in values and beliefs focusing around a single positive message, which are love, unity and respect.

The beliefs of Rastafarians are centralised on five concepts. The first point began with the philosophy of Marcus Garvey, a native of Jamaica. In 1914 he created an association known as the UNIA: Universal Negro Improvement Association, in Kingston. With his African fundamentalist ideas ‘One god, one goal, one destiny’, Marcus Garvey is the precursor of the black self-sufficiency. His ideas were to give absolute freedom to the people of Africa while redeeming the descendants of slaves during the slave trade and to pay off to the victim’s country. His concept of freedom would only be found in Africa because European colonisation and slavery had fragmented the African culture and spirit.

The second concept is Haile Selassie I in the heart of Rastafarianism, which is not only equalled as a divinity but as the messiah of Rastafarian. Considering the fact that Ras Tafari Markonnen is a real descendant of Jesus Christ, people attribute him a lot of names. Among others, these include: His Imperial Majesty, King of kings, Lord of Lords, Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Conqueror Lion.

Today many Rastafarians believe that Selassie is still alive, in hiding, and will one day return to lead his people to the Promised Land: Ethiopia. This is the third concept, but others do not regard his death as being an important issue because his life here on earth was simply the physical manifestation of God for a brief time. 

The fourth point in the Rastafarian mentality is the maintenance of personal dignity: to respect every form of life in this world. They respect individual difference and believe in pacifism. “Brethrens and sistrens”, another way to address individual Rastafarians, follow a strict diet which consists of being vegetarian and as such eating food that is as natural as possible.

The final concept, and one distinctive attribute of Rastafarianism which is always misrepresented in the media, is the ritual use of ganja (marijuana). Early Rastas used herbs for religious and medicinal purposes; they do not and should not use marijuana for recreational purposes but rather to reach a higher level of meditation. In some cases ganja is not even used at all. When it is used, the purpose is to aid in meditation and perhaps help the user achieve greater mystical insight into the nature of the universe. 

As for the dreadlocks, they symbolize the roots of Rastafarianism and separation from the straight hairstyles of white Europeans. It was, apparently, inspired by the Bible: “They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in the flesh” (Leviticus 21:5). 

The most noticeable symbol of Rastafarianism is probably the colours, which, not surprisingly, also help to give hope through the symbolism of each colour: green symbolises the promised land and mother nature, yellow represents gold and red represents all the human blood lost during the days of slavery.

Reggae music, which through conscious lyrics reflecting everyday troubles, emotions and feelings Rastafarian musicians help deliver the message of Love, Unity and Hope.

The Constitution of Malta ‘provides for freedom of religion’. It is also written that “the law does not punish or otherwise restrict importation, possession, or distribution of religious literature, clothing, or symbols”. Indeed, as written in the Constitution, “all persons in Malta…have full freedom of conscience and enjoy the free exercise of their respective mode of religious worship.” 

But reality is quite different: even if people can sue a government for not respecting their beliefs and opinions, they are still victims of violations of freedom. The fact is that the Catholic religion makes its presence and influence felt in everyday life.

One can notice that the overwhelming majority of citizens, 95 per cent (2004 estimate), are Roman Catholics, and 53 per cent of Catholics (2005 estimate) attend Sunday services regularly. This makes it more difficult for new ideas to be introduced, and accepted, since most people often fear the outcome of the unknown/ new ideas.

As mentioned earlier, discrimination against Rastafarian still exists and it will continue until people understand such cultural differences. Rastafarianism is not a religious belief but rather a way of living. ‘Livity’ is a term used to designate the Rasta lifestyle orientation.

Optimism is what drives and powers Rastafarians. Rastas build a personal relationship with nature and seek to live in harmony with the environment, and to live authentically in relation to nature and humanity.

As Bob Marley - one of the most influential characters in Rastafarian history – said: “Life is worth more than silver and gold”, thus one must not judge, take decisions based on material things but rather the characteristics, personalities of such person. Appearances can be very misleading.

Society should look up to such people and with their support help Rastafarians to become a widely socially accepted group in mainstream society as it has become in several countries. Bob Marley preached ‘One Love, One Heart, Let’s get together and feel all right’. That is, in fact, how proper Rastas behave when around people who, instead of judging and discriminating against them, give them a chance. In everything there are the exceptions, but the actions of the few should not generalise a whole idea. Rastas are like one big family who share everything, bad and good experiences, and help each other not only in times of need, but whenever it is possible.

People should be aware of diversity and fight together against discrimination. The European Commission is running the pan-European campaign “For diversity, Against Discrimination”, to stop discrimination now in every member state.

EU legislation makes it illegal to discriminate against people in the European Union on the grounds of race and ethnic origin, disability, religion or belief, age and sexual orientation. The legislation on racial discrimination goes beyond employment It outlaws discrimination in other areas of daily life, such as education, social protection (including social security and health care) and access to goods and services, including housing.

Malta has implemented the provisions of these directives and the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality has been appointed as the specialised body required in terms of Article 13 of the Race Equality Directive.

We should therefore go beyond the prejudices and, as a Rasta would say, “Live the life you love and love the life you live”.

Mathilde Mazé, is a French student reading communications at the Centre for Communication and Technology at the University of Malta. This article is participating in the Journalist Schools Project of the ‘For Diversity. Against Discrimination’ campaign.