Phenomenon of Rastafarian Culture - Research Paper Example

RASTAFARI The selected group is the Rastafari group. People refer to it as a movement though some think it is a religious group. Still, other people view it as a way of life. All in all, it is a group characterised by a common culture and belief system. Members of this group refer to themselves as Rastas. A significant number of followers are found in Jamaica though the culture has spread to other parts of the world in recent years. The cultural orientation of this group is influenced by the strong convictions that its founders had (Dubb, 2015). Over time, this culture has transformed to incorporate new things as well as to do away with others. Initially, there were various misconceptions regarding the culture of this group. For instance, many people thought being a Rastafarian was all about having dreadlocks, smoking marijuana and playing Reggae music. Such misconceptions have changed over the last few years as more people get enlightened about the activities of the group (Grant, 2002). Culturally, Rastafarians believe smoking marijuana is not just a casual smoking session. It is a unique experience that enlightens the mind and allows people to reason correctly. Much religious importance is attached to these sessions to the extent that any bad behaviour during the session is considered disrespectful (Dubb, 2015). On the other hand, the idea of having dreadlocks is based on the belief that any sharp metal object is not to be put on their head. According to them, growing dreadlocks also connects them to the Rasta god. Regarding their diet, they believe eating dead animals is wrong because it turns their bodies into cemeteries. Some Rastas do not also eat fruits that have been modified from their original form (Grant, 2002). Concerning their dialect, Rastas try to make their words sound persuasive. By believing that they are protesting oppression, they try to replace negative words with positive terms. They also do not believe in religiously organized set of rules. Most Rastas distance themselves from the formal economy because they do not believe in payment of taxes. In reference to gender, Rastas believe in women’s subordination to men (Dubb, 2015).The Rastafarian culture is one with many dynamics. While some people follow all these beliefs, others ignore some aspects. However, what is common among all Rastas is that they have a strong attachment to what they believe in. They are actively spiritually connected in what they believe in. Establishing a good professional relationship with the group requires a deep understanding of the group dynamics. First, it is important to accept that though Rastafarian beliefs and practices might contradict various expectations, Rastas still need to be treated with the utmost dignity. Respecting their opinions builds trust and mutual respect. Nonetheless, allowing Rastas to give their views on different subject matters encourages them to participate and contribute to important discussions hence encourage a healthy relationship. Moreover, involving Rastas in decision-making processes promotes good relations because it makes them feel important. More significantly, establishing efficient and clear communication channels through which information is conveyed to the group is required. A good relationship is also achieved through providing practical solutions to their problems. By so doing, members of the group develop a value system in the sense that they attach some value to the relationship. Avoiding topics or activities that portray any discrimination of exploitation is also worth considering. Most people become hostile whenever they get any little clue that they are being sidelined. Medical decisions in the group are made through consultation with family and the community. When a patient has to undergo a procedure such as amputation, organ transplant or dialysis, family members usually converge with other Rastafarians and make decisions. When they have a patient in the hospital, they confront community members to help them make decisions on how the patient will be cared for (Middleton, 2002). Most of the time, Rastas like to visit patients in groups so that they can pray and offer spiritual nourishment. When they have a terminally ill patient who is about to die, they usually make decisions through community elders. Elders take the step of approaching hospital stall to allow them perform specific rituals on the dying person (Middleton, 2002). It is common for men to make most of the decisions. Determine individual etiquette, beliefs and practices when treating a patient from the Rastafari group is crucial. The person handling the patient should understand that there are various cultural factors that will affect the Rastafarian’s attitude towards healthcare. The patient will have specific ideas and opinions about his/her illness. Moreover, their cultural beliefs will give them specific expectations. Suggestions for determining the etiquette include personally asking the patient open-ended questions about specific things. Using this technique, the patient will provide information about their expectations and assumptions. The patient will also reveal things that they are comfortable to indulge in and those they consider offensive. By creating a friendly atmosphere, the patient will be willing to raise an alarm whenever they encounter something they do not like (Euromed, n.d). To determine believes and practices, one can go as far as doing some little research about the patient’s cultural traditions. Information can either be obtained online or from people with a similar cultural orientation other than the patient. Paying attention to body language is another way. Things such as expression of anxiety or non-responsiveness may imply that the patient conflicts with a particular suggestion or is hesitant to do something. Trying as much as possible to avoid being judgemental when conveying information will further encourage the patient to provide more information. It is, therefore, important to always give detailed information about risks, options and benefits when treating Rastafarian patients (Euromed, n.d). No specific health problems are associated with Rastafarians though there are quite a number of health concerns common to this group. The first health concern is associated with the use of marijuana. Studies suggest that regular smoking of marijuana can damage respiratory and other body cells especially if a person already has a weakened immune system. However, these allegations are still subject to debate. The use of marijuana is further associated with loss of attention and memory (Zickler, 2006). Another health concern is that Rasta women are prohibited from using birth control methods. Giving birth without proper spacing could pose a high risk to these women’s health (Olsen, 1995). Nonetheless, some Rastafarians will not accept the blood transfusion or organ donation due to their religious beliefs. This situation can worsen an already existing medical problem (Middleton, 2002). Spiritual beliefs that are common to the Rastafarian culture determine how Rastas behave and how they relate to other people in the society. What is common to them is that Rastas do not attach much importance to particular places of worship. They believe the temple of God is found in their bodies and that their spiritual well being is dependent on actions. However, they often hold spiritual meetings in temples. According to them, an activity such as smoking marijuana spiritually connects them to God whom they refer to as Jah (Dubb, 2015). Rastas believe it is not right for them to shave their hair because it makes them look like a lion. Based on spiritual beliefs, a lion is divine. As earlier stated, dreadlocks connect them to God. Their speech also possesses characteristics of spiritual beliefs. The common use of the phrase ‘I and I’ implies that a Rasta is not separate from God. They believe anyone can speak to God directly and that after death, the spirit lives on (Middleton, 2002). Rastas preach about peace. They believe their ultimate goal is to bring peace to the world. When it comes to religious thoughts that affect the health beliefs and practices, Rastafarians highly recognize the importance of taking care of the body. They believe the body should be protected from any contamination because it is the temple of God. Healthy food is regarded as an necessity for the nourishment of both the soul and the body. Rastas highly value food that is natural, pure and as fresh as possible. Based on their beliefs, purity and good health bring people closer to God. Rastas also believe that the body can heal itself something that makes them very sceptical about medical forms of treatment. According to their religious thoughts, God heals hence no need to depend fully on medical attention (Middleton, 2002). In conclusion, it is in order to say that religious and cultural issues within the Rastafarian group are dynamic. They bring about many individual differences in opinion and lifestyle. It is important to listen to the concerns of Rasta patients and to establish the form of care that is important to them. Moreover, it is very important to create an environment that can accommodate their cultural beliefs and practices so as to give them a sense of acceptance. DOs and DONTs when working with the Rastafari cultural group Dos Empathise rather than sympathise. Provide counselling where it is required. Respect their cultural views and opinions. Show recognition and respect for their culture. Show concern for the problems they encounter. Try to learn what they like and what offends them. Don't Do not make conclusions without clarification. Do not treat them as if they are different from others. Do not judge them on the basis of their cultural beliefs. Do not question the validity and practicality of their beliefs. Do not give suggestions that interfere with their way of life. Do not hide any information due to fear of offending someone. Do not ask them to change their perception of various cultural aspects. References Dubb, A. (2015). Rastafari-Way of Life. Berkeley: JahWorks. Retrieved from http://jahworks.org/adjua_dubb/rastafari-way-of-life/#.VQLgIOGSy-c. Euromed (n.d). How Culture Influences health beliefs. Euromed Info. Retrieved from http://www.euromedinfo.eu/how-culture-influences-health-beliefs.html/ Grant, W. (2002). Rastafari Culture: The Extreme Ethiopian Rasta Vs. The Mellow Dallas Rasta. Retrieved from http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/grant02.htm. Middleton, J. (2002). Nursing with Dignity Part 5: Rastafarianism. Nursing Times. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-with-dignity-part-5-rastafarianism/205654.article. Olsen, B. (1995). Consuming Rastafari: Ethnographic Research in Context and Meaning. Duluth: Association for Consumer Research. Retrieved from http://www.acrwebsite.org/search/view-conference-proceedings.aspx?Id=7791. Zickler, P. (2006). Marijuana Smoking Is Associated With a Spectrum Of Respiratory Disorders. National Institute of Drugs and Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2006/10/marijuana-smoking-associated-spectrum-respiratory-disorders. Read More