Dennis Brown: Reflect Concentration
The Core
At its core, reggae music is about reflection. This is the foundation of reggae music and its offspring, dancehall, and hip hop. Many seek to disconnect from these genres, particularly Jamaican reggae music, because of its focus on social injustice as poverty. Yet, reggae music from other countries, particulary affluenet nations is well received. Arguably, there is nothing pretty or dignified about poverty. Yet, we question the perception and actions of those who seek to separate themselves. Certainly, disconnection without reparation rarely solves an issue.
It is time we shift our perceptions. This begins with how we interpret the symbolic, visual, and lyrical narratives of the freedom fighters. Anyone sequestered in the trenches is a freedom fighter. Collectively, they wail against the rails of injustice for they seek to return to their organic state. The immediate and broader spectrum of society has misinterpreted their message. As such, our failure to comprehend has fostered collusion where reparation was needed.
Paramount to influencing change is to know a cry against injustice is not a petition to increase membership into the ghetto hood. Considered freedom fighters, they are not advertising for more people to profit from their suffering through the appropriation of their ancestral artistry. In addition a smile is not an invite to manipulate creativity which, was spawned from hardship to create a pathway to socioeconomic parity. Better yet, they are not in promotion of injustice as a means to keep it all intact for the growth of the Gross National Product (GNP) index in foreign lands. What they seek is acknowledgement.
The origin of reggae is rooted in love. To this day, it draws its power from the rock of communal love to remain a stable force. In order to identify injustice means the individual and the collective also know justice. Not from a marginalized perspective where there are wanton unfulfilled needs but an intimate experience beginning with the micro level family system. Love and values, which shape our identity and upholds our dignity, exists in polarity to what is invisible and shameful.
Therefore, when many wail against injustice this means they are being robbed and persecuted by a collective force. While there may be a front line nemesis, behind the fifth wall, there is a collective consciousness that seeks to strip them of their identity; to disrupt the foundation of love from whence they came. This attempt to separate the self from society threatens to establish a chasm between the individual and society. It is perplexing to comprehend the need for this disruption. Because throughout the lineage, it is the meso level communal love that reinforces identity. From distant relatives, peers, teachers, and the other guardians of society organic love is refined and confirmed in value through reflection, thought, and actions.
Dennis Brown, 1972
Know you and know others.
Reflecting on the disconnection most of humanity is presently experiencing throughout the various social spaces, Dennis Brown, "Concentration," seems like the most appropriate meds to heal the many wounds.
As individuals and collectives, perhaps we need to foster more cohesive connectivity. Actively listening and sparingly speaking to reclaim universal harmony, community and productivity. What do we say to less competition and more creation that stems from the precepts of equality? Humanity, it is time to unite. Yes, in this mindset we can make money and even grow domestic and foreign GNP.
Shift out the bad mind, gun, and exploitation lyrics to make room for unity and reciprocity. We have freedom of choice. Yet, in the end whatever we concentrate on increases. Rage a war against anything and watch it increase in strength and number like a magic bean. Remember there are many that thrive on conflict. They respond to even the slightest whisper of strife. Therefore, stay focus on what we want to increase and watch it also blossom to reflect the original state of love, which is true humanity.
So, let’s take reggae, dancehall, and hip hop by the hand. Begin by holding our men, women, and children in a sweet embrace. Together, reclaim our individual and collective identities; even appreciate our differences to forge a greater path. Invite everyone to join our reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop family instead of shelling each other out.
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