Symbolic Interactionism and Reggae Music

1
Symbolic Interactionism and Reggae Music

• By Jessica Kattenburg
• Sociology 101

2
About Symbolic Interactionism

• Symbolic Interactionism or also called
  Interactionism is a major theoretical perspective
  in sociology
• Symbolic Interactionism is based on researchers
  study of how people react or respond to things
  that have symbolic meaning

3
Main Influences

• There has been many people involved with research
  and study of symbolic interactionism
• The two primary influences on the subject are
  George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer
• Blumer and Mead studied together at the
  University of Chicago

4
Theories

• Mead argues that peoples selves are social
  products, and the selves are purposive and
  creative
• Blumers view of the perspective is that people
  act on things based on the meaning those things
  have for them
• Mead was more experienced and a American
  Philosopher-he concentrated on the subjective
  meaning of human behavior and the human process
• However-it was Blumer who is responsible for
  creating the term symbolic Interactionism
• Blumers view of the perspective is the most
  influential

5
A few more things

• Interactionism is important in sociology-it
  creates fluxuation in the social structure of
  society
• Our text book reveals in chapters 4 5 how
  interactionists contend that all social life,
  inclusive of social institutions are in a
  constant state of flux
• Symbolic Interactionism plays a role in peoples
  decision making process as well as daily
  interactions

6
The Connection

• The correlation between symbolic interactionism
  and reggae music is
• Symbolic interactionism is responsible for
  changes in social structure-thus causing changes
  in society-leading to changes in culture, music,
  and the arts
• Interactionism also can cause individuals to
  respond based on whatever meaning a symbol has to
  them
• Interactionism could be responsible for certain
  outlooks upon something based on what a thing
  means to them or to others-
• Reggae music is a good example back there are
  many opinions and stereotypes about it

7
What is Reggae?

• Reggae is a type of music developed in Jamaica
  during the late 1960s There are other styles-but
  only 2 basic-Roots Reggae and Dancehall
• Roots reggae is considered the original
• Reggae music emerged out of rough political times
  in Jamaica
• There was oppressive social conditions on the
  island during this time

8
Along with Reggae

• When most people think of reggae, they associate
  the music symbolically- usually with marijuana
  and Rastafarian culture
• As previously mentioned- Reggae developed in
  Jamaica and Rastafarian culture is native to the
  island
• Most people symbolize Rastafarian culture with
  marijuana or as it is called in the culture
  Ganja

9
Rastafarian culture

• Followers of this culture are called Rastafarians
• Rasta is the religion of the island-The
  Rastafarian religion is sometimes associated with
  resistance
• The Rastafarian are also known for their
  religious rituals-most commonly their consumption
  of ganja
• Rastafarians often distance themselves from the
  colonial culture of the island

10
Ganja

• Ganja is considered wisdom weed by Rastafarians
• Ganja can be consumed by various
  methods-primarily it is smoked-the smoking of
  ganja is part of a religious ritual-when
  Rastafarians come together there is something
  called a reasoning gathering where a large pipe
  is passed around and smoked
• Rastafarians only smoke ganja-they do not smoke
  tobacco back of its harmful effects to the body
• Ganja or marijuana is looked upon negatively in
  the United States-in Rastafarian culture its
  considered highly useful and is a special tool
  for religious rituals
• Ganja has been compared to wine in Christianity
  for taking communion

11
Other Reggae Symbols

• Aside from Rasta and Ganja there are other
  important symbols that represent reggae
• A very significant symbol for reggae music is Bob
  Marley-although there are others
• There are also new symbols for reggae music

12
Bob Marley

• Bob Marley was a popular reggae artist from the
  late 1960s through the 1980s
• Marley was a lyrical genius and an explosive
  performer
• Marley is a symbol for reggae music-especially
  for people outside Rastafarian culture
• Marley begun singing/writing during the political
  turmoil that was devouring Jamaica at the time
• Marley was an active Rastafarian and smoked ganja
  religiously

13
Making Assumptions

• Those who do not understand reggae music and the
  culture behind it assume that it promotes drug
  use and resistance this is a comment assumption
  in the United States
• Some individuals consider the music as drug music
  and make negative assumptions based upon what
  they think they know about it
• As mentioned-most assumptions about reggae are
  negative-unfortunately this leads individuals to
  differentiate themselves from the music and the
  messages it carries
• This way they become close-minded toward the
  music and its symbols

14
On a positive note

• There are many positive things about reggae music
• If you are looking for a political message you
  can sometimes find it and it can become an
  inspiration-or someone could be seeking just the
  music itself-the rhythm
• One great thing about Marleys music is that his
  lyrics are very influential and usually contain
  some form of message

15
Marleys Messages

• Bob marleys ability to relate to many people is
  due to his atmosphere growing up in oppressed
  conditions and his personal life experiences
• Marleys lyrics bring comfort to many-especially
  those who are still dealing with the chaos in
  Jamaica. Marleys lyrics can apply or relate to
  anyone
• Usually Marley sends messages about love, peace,
  and happiness through his songs
• Some of these are one love-redemptions song
  three little birds etc.

16
The Problem

• The problem is that there are too many people who
  assume-based on stereotype or what others have
  symbolized
• There are few who do research and what to seek
  the true meaning of something before making their
  decision or symbolization

17
Reggae Now?

• After Marleys death there were some other
  artists and bands to make names for themselves in
  reggae music
• There is still some of the negative outlooks on
  reggae though there is a little bit of an
  understanding now
• Some other reggae artists/forms of reggae are
  still currently making music
• The new reggae is not considered authentic
• Some current artists are Sublime and Slightly
  Stoopid

18
Future of Reggae

• There seems like more and more people are
  beginning to appreciate reggae both old and new
• Unfortunately we have lost very influential
  artists-Bob Marley and Bradly Nowell of Sublime-
  both very popular among reggae listeners-they
  differ in style but one comes from
  another-Sublime newer) formed in the late 1980s
  and started the reggae scene in California- one
  of their main influences was bob Marley
• Another reggae band formed shortly after Nowells
  death-they are called Slightly Stoopid-from Cali
  as well- their influences are Marley and Nowell-
• Slightly Stoopid uses much of boths material

19
Summing up

• Symbolic interactionism is a major theoretical
  perspective that applies to many things and
  issues of society
• Interactionism can influence change upon society
  and its social structure
• Reggae music is only an example of how
  symbolically people can make assumptions and
  decisions

20
(No Transcript)