Bob Marley Research Paper

Art Politics and Protest

Research Paper

Prof.Tanenbaum

Tamar Newman

December 6 2010

              The life and legacy of Bob Marley

Robert Nesta Marley, known to the world as Bob Marley, was born in Jamaica February 6 1945 and died May 11 1981.He died battling cancer. To date the largest funeral the island of Jamaica has seen, there were farewell supporters from all over the world. Bob Marley was a singer song writer, musician and activist. His father was a white Jamaican and his mother black Jamaican. Bob Marley was known internationally for reggae music and Rastafarianism. He is a brilliant and evocative musician. He is accredited   with exposing and helping to broaden both Jamaican music and Rastafarianism. Marley captured an extensive, diverse and integrated audience. His music was and still symbolizes race, class, protest and political symbols. Marley’s practice Rastafarian movement contributed to art and music and politics. He has composed several songs such as Buffalo soldier, Exodus, Get up stand up for your rights, Redemption songs much trouble in the world, Concrete jungle, War and an extensive list of others. So from the musical prophet I present the revolutionary lyrics of ‘WAR/ NO MORE TROUBLE.’

Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another, inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned, everywhere is WAR. That until there no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation, until the colour of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes me say War. That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race, dis a War. That until that day the dream of lasting peace, world citizenship rule of international morality will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained, now everywhere is War. And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique, South Africa, and sub-human bondage have toppled utterly destroyed well, everywhere is War. War in the east, War in the west, War up north, War down south, WAR WAR. Rumors of war until that day THE African continent will not know peace, we Africans will fight-we find it necessary and we know we shall win; as we are confident in the victory, of good over evil.

It not only transmits a message but it informs and educates on a political social and academic level.

The song was inspired by a Haile Selassie, held at the Inauguration of OAU an organization of Africa unity. The song calls for eradication of racial and class discrimination. War" is a song recorded and made popular by Bob Marley of course. It first appeared on Bob Marley and the Wailers' 1976 Island Records album Marley's only album to chart in the USA, at #10. The lyrics are almost literally derived from a speech made by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie 1 before the United Nations General Assembly in 1963. Marley, along with fellow Rastafarians worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia as the incarnation of God, and refer to him as "Ras Tafari," "Jah" or “The Lion,” which Marley does in many of his songs. To him, Selassie was not only one of the most prominent African leaders of his time, he was also identified as God returning to earth as "King of Kings, Lord of Lords" (Revelation 19, 16), imperial titles born both by Selassie I.(    )

Bob Marley had a tremendous impact in Africa, according to Rasta-man- vibration, it is through this experience that Marley became abreast of the wide array of issues facing Africa and in particular realized the importance of the liberation struggle taking place in Zimbabwe. In fact by the time Bob arrived in Ethiopia in 1978 the struggle had reached its climax.

The time for Zimbabwean Independence was near and it consumed the heart of Bob Marley. While Marley loved the thought of performing in Zimbabwe the first performance of the band was in Gabon. The occasion was to celebrate the birthday of Gabon’s President Omar Bongo. Marley as a populist musician was however disappointed with the fact that he only performed to the members of the Gabonese elite. In the hopes of helping to steer Zimbabwe into independence Marley performed in a benefit concert in Boston to raise funds for the freedom fighters in Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The title of the concert was Amandla, which was a short version of the phrase Amandla Ngawetu meaning ‘power to the people’ in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. The concert was a success with over 25,000 people in attendance and it featured Bob straying from the script and giving a heartfelt speech on African Unity.

The lesson that Marley has taught us,that is benineficial particularly to the new generation of musicians, is the way in which he mixed musical creation with activism. Marley not only wrote songs about Africa but also backed that up with activism on the ground. One of the most potent examples is shown in his musical performances in Zimbabwe to usher in their independence.

Marley as an avid follower of the Zimbabwean Liberation front wrote the song Zimbabwe in honor of their struggle for liberation. The lyrics of the song speak to the right of all people to self-determination in the song Marley states:"

Every man got a right to decide his own destiny And in this judgment there is no partiality So arm in arm we’ll fight this little struggle

Cause that’s the only way we can overcome our little trouble."

These lyrics were an essential part of the motivation for the army in the fight for national liberation, which speaks to the inspirational power of popular culture as a transforming agent.

This song was also made popular by sinhead O’Connor. In 1992 Sinead O'Connor performed War a cappellaa on Saturday Night Live with slightly modified lyrics, referring to child abuse rather than racism. At the end of this performance, she tore up a photograph of Pope John Paul II to protest the Catholic Church covering up cases of child molestation by priests. In 2005 O'Connor released a studio version of "War" on her album Throw Down Your Arms. (    ) She was severely ridiculed for this performance; however, she has gained vindication since.

Rastafarianism was imperative to Marley’s personal life and most importantly the music. The Rastafarian movement is a monotheistic, religious movement that was conceived in the Christian culture in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is a highly organized and disciplined religion. It is both a movement and ideology. One trademark of the movement is deadlocks, this locks was permanently fashioned by Marley.  Many Rasta debates that it is more like a way of life and not a religion. This way of life encourages them to find faith and inspiration within themselves. We often hear Marley through his music and interviews speak profoundly about how imperative inspiration is and what he attains from it. Haile Selassie is an important figure in the movement he is seen as a prophet and worshipped. Awareness of Rastafarian movement has multiplied throughout much of the world; I would say via the conduit power and influence of reggae music and Bob Marley. The movement embraces various Afro centric social and political issues along with obligation, Marley deemed it necessary to compose defiant and politically charged album. The parties’ respective roles of incumbency and opposition created forceful rivalry. On one of Jamaica’s most pertinent and historical concerts; organized by the then present Prime Minister Michael Manley in an attempt to minimize or alleviate the conflicts and war between the two parties. The concert was titled ‘Smile Jamaica’ Marley played the most integral and impressive role as he united on stage the In Jamaica West Indies were Marley was a citizen there is tumultuous politics. Historically there are two political parties the Jamaica Labour Part and the Peoples National Party. Due to a broken government, travesty of social and leaders of both parties. That image is profound and pivotal and will forever be treasured in Jamaica’s history. Marley did several concerts in Jamaica, One love, Peace among others in order to attain tranquility from the existing social and political issues. Marley’s contribution to art, music and politics in Jamaica. Music in Jamaica is an escape from the callousness of everyday life, a feel good time and narrating existing issues. This has obviously resonated throughout the world.(jis)

The music, life and philosophy of the late great Robert Nesta Marley OM has to a great degree been shaped and influenced by the political climate of Jamaica.

This political atmosphere has affected his writings tremendously and his writings in turn, affected the Jamaican politics of the day. Marley’s music grew out of both severe and constant economic impoverishment as well as political discontent with the government and its policies; and it is in this context that as well his music must be analyzed and understood. This explores the genesis of Marley and his works as well as an examination of aspects of the political climate in Jamaican after independence in 1962 and later the 1970’s and the 1980’s. This explores the genesis of Marley and his works as well as an examination of aspects of the political climate in Jamaican after independence in 1962 and later the 1970’s and the 1980’s. During this period he rose to prominence and his music gave rise to a new form of consciousness among blacks and a defiant rejection of the system of oppression(Rasta-man-vibrations .com) 

According to Paul Gilroy Marley stardom also makes sense in the historical and cultural context provided by the end of Rock and Roll. He was the first rock star and first figure of a new phrase identified as the beginning of what has come to be known as WORLD MUSIC.A significant marketing category that helps to locate historically the slow terminal demise of the music-led youth culture which faded out with the embers of the twentieth century.

 His polarity was built upon universal power of a language that was simultaneously and inextricably both poetic and political. Marley’s music was pirated in Eastern Europe long before the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain fell. It became intertwined with the longing for freedom and rights that was evident in every variety of regime; across Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America. Captured by any means necessary, that rebel music travelled far from its original source and discovered new constituencies particularly among indigenous and colonized people.

The Jamaican rebel style was heard, copied and then blended into local traditions of Brazil, Surinam, Japan, Australia, and numerous other countries. Marley invested in language of sufferration that he made so compelling.”

Bob Marley left a lot of a wealth of legacy he was and still is honored by his home land Jamaica and the international community at large. These honors range from statue inaugurated in his honor at the entrance of the national  stadium in Jamaica ,postage stamps, the Bob Marley museum, selected songs are used as theme songs for the Jamaica tourist board, clothing accessories, artifacts, awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit, and countless other in his homeland. On an international level, in 1994  was inducted into the Rock and Roll of fame,1999,Time Magazine chose Bob Marley and the Wailers song ‘Exdous’as the greatest album of the 20^th century, in 2001 he was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime music award and a feature-length documentary about his life, Rebel Music won various awards, the state of New York renamed a portion of Church Avenue in East Flat bush in Brooklyn “Bob Marley Boulevard”, the song ‘One love’ was named song of the century and is a theme song across the world, awarded the peace medal of the third world in 1978 from the United Nations, and star of Hollywood walk of fame in 2001.(Gilroy)

In conclusion, one can conclude that years after his death he still has an immortal and uncanny presence internationally. He personified the universal struggle for justice, peace human rights and equality. His lyrics of denunciation, resistance, resilience and comfort and be resonated worldwide. He has become a symbol.

As a fellow Jamaicans we are proud and treasure the precious qualities and contributions he has impacted on the nation. It helps to transmit legacies, resources of hope and change. His life of cultural blend and integration was inspired by the formative experiences. In a nut shell for him the message was quiet simple, ONE LOVE. 

Work Cited   

“Bob Marley and Jamaica politics.”Rasta-man-vibration.2005.Web 30 Nov.2010.

http://www.rasta-man-vibration.com/

“Bob Marley.”Wikipedia free encyclopedia.wikipedia, 2010.Web.15 Nov.2010.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley

Dolan, Sean (1997).Bob Marley. Chelsea House Publishers.

Gilroy, Paul.”Music: Could You Be Loved? Bob Marley.”47.12(2005):226-245.Academic Search Complete.Web.6 Dec.2010.

“Jamaica Information Service.”Government of Jamaica.1996.Web.4 Dec.2010.

http://www.jis.gov.jm

“Marley pictorial retrospective.”BobMarley.2010.Web1 Dec.2010.

http://web.bobmarley.com/index.jsp

 Morris. Dennis (1999).Bob Marley a rebel life. Plexus Publishing Limited.

updated Bob Marley paper.

Term Paper on the Legendary Bob Marley

Public work of art.

My public work of art is Grace Episcopal Church in Jamaica Queens. This church dates back from 1702 however; the present building was established in 1862.

I believe it is an art work because it was added to the American national register of historical places in 1983.The buildings architecture exterior displays an early English Gothic design with a tall spire. While the interior models a roman empire like design. The floor has Italian marble; the windows are stained with biblical images and English oak borders. The whole interior of Grace boasts beautiful, elegant and graceful patterns. The reading desk is an immaculately sculptured eagle, while the Lord’s Prayer and Ten Commandments is prominently displayed in the rear of the chancel. One of the main attractions is the sound and sight of a strikingly ancient organ, the sound is simply majestic.   There is also a bell that weighs a whopping 400lbs. On several stones or blocks are inscribed names of former members that date back to the eighteen century; outside in the yard you’ll find the same thing. The graveyard is also an historical site, with a grand land space for cemetery. At the entrance of the church there are two gigantic locust trees on both sides of the pathway leading to the entrance of the church.

Grace Anglican church is located in a predominant black community.  It is admired not only by members but also by people who pass by.It is located in the smack in the middle of what I consider to be a commercial area across the street from the Jamaica Queen branch of the social security office. The area consists of stores, restaurants, farmers market, apartments ,the former Mary Immaculate hospital which was recently closed,and the Jamaica center subway that connects you to the city and beyond. The church is pretty hard to miss given that it is also by designated bus stop for several MTA buses. It is also located near a public park, Rufus King. Rufus King was also a significant figure of Grace church in the eighteen century. King’s family gave bountiful contributions to the expansion, development and maintenance of Grace Episcopal Church.

The church serves as a haven, shelter, home, place for hot meal on Tuesday’s soup kitchen and most importantly a place of worship for mainly immigrants. This immigrant community hails from mainly the Caribbean. It is quiet fascinating the diversity and integration that the church provides. It is vastly appreciated and quiet welcoming. There are several programs and organizations offered in the church that is freely offered to the public such as, meals, counseling for alcoholics, drug addicts, family issues, immigration issues, prayer etc. There are two services offered on Sundays so as to accommodate all or most. It also offers scholarships and aid to students at secondary and tertiary levels. Due to its contribution and relationship to with the community it garners dedication and appeal. With an undocumented motto all are welcome, or ‘whose to ever will may come.’

I would consider Grace Episcopal Church to be included in the NYC 2010 exhibition because, it is very rich in history, it boast architectural beauty, and is definitely a testimonial  of public art.                

BLOG # 6

For my art work the song I chose was Buffalo soldier by the Rt. Honorable Nesta Marley, known to most as Bob Marley, after careful analysis I decided to change the song to WAR/NO MORE TROUBLE. I think I connect with this one more all his songs are profound however; I find this one to be a little more comprehensive. It not only relates a message but it informs and educates on a political social and academic level. In other words it really ROCKS!

The song was inspired by a Haile Selassie, held at the Inauguration of OAU an organization of Africa unity. The song calls for eradication of racial and class discrimination as it relates to color of one eyes and skin. He said “until the philosophy which holds one race inferior against another, when there are no longer first class and second class citizens in any nation when there will always be conflict, until there are equal rights, peace and international morality then there will always be war.”    It is a very powerful song that protests and challenges.

I visited a website ProQuest  in order to attain international information on Bob Marley. ProQuest is a licensed information service that contains a wealth of information. To attain the formation free of cost you will have to access it via LaGuardia, otherwise you will have to pay. I was pleased with the information I got I definitely find it helpful for my paper and future papers. I also visited a website in his country (my country too) Jamaica. It’s the Jamaica Information Service, JIS. I am also planning to garner information from his museum in Kingston Jamaica, news papers where is political influence was of significance and documented in Jamaica and world wide.

The song is widely received throughout the world it was I would consider acclaimed. Bob Marley died 1981 and to date he and his songs are pedestal zed or held in high regards. One of his songs ONE LOVE even got international recognition as song of the century. Bob Marley to date has being emulated by numerous artist including his sons that are also international reggae singers.

Blog # 5

Internalized racism I do believe that it exist but by virtue of self pity, assimilation or ignorance. I respect Malcolm X for some of his ideology but not all. In my opinion he to some extent provided black people with a crouch at it relates to their capabilities, future and responsibilities. One of the shift in consciousness that Malcolm wanted to create was to label blacks tell them what they are worth capable of or how far they can go in other words he set barriers. For example he thought black people cannot be good lawyers this was pretty much the same concept Booker T Washington had. He believed that blacks should focus in vocational areas; personally I resent both notions that is very much what contributed to internalized racism. We tend to always point the finger at others. One would say that it is the natural order of things, that white America dominates and it is pretty challenging to proceed against the rules and structure. The powers and change you are fighting would be met with much resistance. The ruling class or “race “would rebel in order to maintain dominance. Malcolm perceived this as African Americans absorbing the ideology of white supremacy. There are ways for blacks to get pass the teachings of Malcolm X which limits their potential and advancement in society.  Take for example W.E.B Du Bois, he was a progressive reformer, radical, activist, author and civil right leader. He was the first black to receive a PHD from Harvard University in sociology. He is known for his talented speeches which educate blacks. He believed that educating blacks would filter down to other generation he also believe that blacks should be professionals such as: doctors, lawyers which is in direct opposition to Malcolm X’s perspectives.

I do believe that inequality exist, however, there are a lot of opportunities and tools available to fight racism, discrimination, and oppression. We need to take control take responsibility and have a “double consciences” which is seeing things from both black and white races.

Blog #4

For my paper I will be doing a song.It will be by the lengendary Bob Marley titled "BUFFALO SOLDIER."
The protest is on social and political enslavement,racial and class discrimination,also about the migration and voyage of blacks as slaves to America.

Bob Dylan's "Only a pawn in their game" Blog #3

This is definitely the definition of political art. It is conveying a message while at the same time educating and informing the masses. He is sharing a views or observation of the structure of classes, the corruption, and racial injustice. He highlights the power of the social class, racism and cultural struggle.  He wanted people to be aware but not conform to the ideology of the dominant or ruling class. He wanted his audience to see the practice of advance capitalism and the overwhelming role it was currently playing. He wanted his audience to see exploitation of not only the blacks but also the whites. The ruling class was using the dependency theory and brain washed the whites into accepting it, by selling them the physiological notion that the color of their white skin is good enough they should be grateful that they are white and superior to the blacks. That in itself should be good enough rather than being concern about increase in wages, promotion or a better lifestyle.

He was also trying to convince the blacks that it is not totally the fault are the responsibility of the shooter. It is based on a chain structure, a system of the rulers and the ruled. It is what is being taught in order to maintain domination privilege and power. While doing this they unknowingly give consent. He wants to blame society as the force for segregation, abuse and racism. Bob is not in my opinion excusing the actions of the whites however, he want everyone both blacks and whites that they are only a pawn in a game for the combative fight of class, capital and labor. Bob’s audience is absolutely everyone; it’s not designated to a specific color or class. He wants the rulers to know that he’s aware the whole ploy and for the other to be aware and be emancipated.

Yes he does make a convincing argument, in my opinion factual and right on point too. It also ignite a lot of emotions not just sadness and pain but anger. He is suggesting a movement, he wants reform and change.I don’t think Bob Dylan’s song is meant to entertain, it is simplistic like a poem, a challenge to listen without melody so that there can be focus on the message the words.

Blog #2 Reed, why music was so important in the civil rights movement?

Reed argument about why music was so imporant in the civil rights movement is based on facts, experience outcome and feedback.Music in the civil rights era was used as a cushion,comfort ,tool,communication,means of informing and entertainment.For Reed in singing ,fear is both indirectly acknowledge and directly challenged.One of these situations and song is on of the one too many occasions  when a group of high school students were gsathered,the police charged in and forced the activist to sit in the dark while they harass them.Amid the terrified scene a girl began to sing to sing 'we shall over come," to thisday the song is a movement anthem.It is always an anthem at funerals .Singing away a bit of fear they asserts the strenght and vigour it takes to prepare to fight and die for freedom justise or whatever the cause. The power ,influence and admiration  of we shall overcome transcends to all over the world and is adapted by different cultures such as the Chinese and Germans on ground breaking situations of significance.The song however, will always be home to and the center of the movement for black freedom and justice in the U.S.
Music is a grassroot hallmark of blacks it was and still is a conduit to convey messages.It was the tone and instrument for love and unity.It was a prized possesion.Music was the signature of civil rights issues some songs became anthems,for example "lift every voice and sing" also "we shall overcome" it helps to overcome the obtacles of of freedom.There were even concerts singing of course where proceeds were donated to civil rights issues.There were different styles and genre of music such as black baptist,gospel,folk with secular blues styles.Blacks who sang then knew that it helps to make them strong .Its effectiveness certainly helped significantly it was the conduit to effectuate change.It served as a good primer for their painful ,dertermin but necessary journey.
There was a so much message in the music,it was liberation,protest,refusal to bow,unity, adversity and determination.Music was used to advance the cause of civil rights, it was the mainstream of the movement,struggle against odds.it was meditation dream and memories.
Music is a product of an existing environment,the role of music today needs to be examin,does it even have a role?Are we influence by the music today? Yes we are but how? Thats certainly another paper or topic I could go on forever because it it not the same its abuse and taken for granted,poisons society contribution factor being the "freedom of speech" the freedom then and the freedom now it very much debatable.

The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain

This article covers  aspects of sociological and pyscological functions and structures of society."I want to be a poet not a Negro poet" There can be several connotations that can be percieved from this however this is my take on it.First it reminds me of someone I greatly admire,Condoleeza Rice former secretary of state second woman to hold the post and the first black woman to do so.She is a woman given her political arena never wanted to be identified with 'black issues" its not because she is ashamed of her race she just wanted to be seen as an educated intellect who is capable of fulfilling her desires and responsibilities.She said "I became a republican because Democrats appeals to  women,poor and minorities,I decided I rather be ignored than be patronized."This reminds me of the author .I don't and fail to understand why is it that if you choose Episcopalism over being A baptist you are accused of wanting to be white if you choose to love hynms over soars of shout you are resenting your true sprituality.People need to understand that these things are sometimes due to assimilation, I myself have experimented with the church thing.I was brought up in what we call back home a Anglican church, I at one time visted other churches and I hated it.I just could'nt stand the choas, the noise, the outragous physical display of their bodies, I just could'nt not connect with the memebers or with God in that setting.Am I a "sell out" or resisting who i truly am hell no,its just simply not my nature to acccept or part take.They also spoke of the accomplishemnt of black folks wanting or having cars and homes" like white folks" how is that white? Is sucess measured by the possions or acomplishments of white people? When you attain things in life what should black people do go get a cart because cars are the protrayal of white sucess.And what is Nordic Manners does vulgarity suit us better is that what is expected of us?Now choice of words, now waht makes a word or phrase "white"? Black folks use proper contructed sentenses with intellectuals words they are callled wanna be, this is ridiculous and it pisses me off.There is common element withing society and races.It is now a matter of class structure, the haves and the have not. We need to erdadicate the sharp criticism and misunderstandings.The civil rights movement happen so we can have equal right ,justice,and oppurtunity so naturally there is going to be changes and condencesation.
Yes we are beautiful and ugly and of course we accept there we know,appreciate and acknowledge our history however having done or doing something "culturally uncharacteristic" does'nt mean we have we don't appreciate ourselves or want to be someone else.