The drive towards industrialization and large-scale agriculture has been relentless. The goal of structural adjustment programs has been the annihilation of the old, African system of reproduction of labor power and struggle based upon the village and its tenure of the commons. Increasingly, for Rastas, Babylon is no longer a reference to a Biblical city, nor is it a term of abuse. Around the globe there are huge inequalities in the distribution of wealth. To many Rastas, nothing is more symbolic of the absurd abuse of funds and power than the space program. Rastafarians question how the West can morally justify the amount of money spent on space expeditions while the poor can hardly afford the basic necessities for survival. To a Rastafarian, a moon launch represents an abandonment of Earthly realities and of responsibilities to others on the planet (Johnson-Hill 215, 1995.)Rastafarianism Abroad Within the movement political reggae is central and Bob Marley is highly revered. Since 1982 Kenyan Rastas have been commemorating Marley's birthday. Turner (44, 1995) reports that: "While Government repression discourages the display of any Rasta symbolism or the Garveyite colors of red, gold, and green; phrases such as 'beat down Babylon, ghetto child,' may be seen traced in the dust on a city bus."Rastafarianism is a way of life that has emerged in response to the oppression, poverty, and colonialism imposed upon African peoples by the dominant, Western, white culture. The Rastas, though, have not accepted he view of nature that the dominant has handed them, rather, they have chosen to follow in the traditions of their ancestors. The African tradition in Jamaica adheres to the principles of animism, where all things are believed to have a spirit. This doctrine is essential to the development of a World view that is encompassing of the natural laws. Through the Afro-Jamaican heritage and various influences the Rastafarians have gained a deep...
