Rasta or Replica?; A struggle for authenticity
Aaliyah Orridge Aaliyah Orridge

Rasta or Replica?; A struggle for authenticity

Rastafarianism was born from Black resistance and the fight for liberation, yet the growing presence of white Rastafarians raises questions about cultural appropriation and privilege. Are they genuinely embracing the movement’s spiritual and political foundations, or diluting its revolutionary essence while benefiting from its aesthetics?

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How we wear our hair; Natural hair policing in Jamaica
Aaliyah Orridge Aaliyah Orridge

How we wear our hair; Natural hair policing in Jamaica

Why are Rastafarians celebrated as cultural icons yet discriminated against in their own country? This post examines the contradictions of Jamaica's relationship with Rastafarianism—how it fuels tourism and national identity while schools enforce policies that punish children for wearing their natural hair. Join me in exploring the historical and social roots of these injustices and what they reveal about beauty standards, power, and identity in Jamaica today.

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‘cool like me wash mi face wid di cake soap’
Aaliyah Orridge Aaliyah Orridge

‘cool like me wash mi face wid di cake soap’

Why do many Jamaicans continue to strive for lighter skin tones? This post explores the impact of skin bleaching on identity, its connection to beauty standards, and the influence of cultural icons like Vybz Kartel. Join me in understanding how social factors and the pressure to conform to these standards shape this ongoing practice in Jamaica today.

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