Letter to a Newspaper

For Wednesday, Pretend you observed the attack on Brother Man.  Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in your country.  Expressing your feelings about the attack and how Rastafarianism is perceived.

                           

                                               

 Herbert's Estate,                
    St. John’s,                         
                                                                  Antigua.                            
                                   11/03/2010                       
 

Ben Stiller,
Editor,
Sun Jamaica,
Kingston,
Jamaica.

Dear editor,
                 I am writing this letter to express my outrage on the recent prejudice against Rastafarians arising in my community. I am well aware of the recent murder of the young couple and according to the media; police had identified a Rastafarian as the perpetrator. And also this strong hatred for Rastafarians plastered all over the media. Now I understand what it feels like to fear for your life, being terrified when walking in the streets wondering if it would be your last. But what I cannot begin to comprehend is the recent attack on Brother Man in the street. I viewed helplessly from my window how these animals charged at this helpless man, constantly each after the other, giving their blows, mauling him. I watched as someone tried to help being pushed aside with her clothes ripped from her body. It seemed that nothing could stop those savages and the more blood they saw oozing profusely from the man’s body the more satisfaction they received. I was completely flabbergasted and disgusted by such brutal and absurd behavior.

                I had never truly known Brother Man but what I’ve heard about this Rastafarian was absolutely amazing. He preached the word of God spreading the gospel and healed the sick. He was the epitome of Jesus Christ himself.  He was a good holy man that didn’t deserve such a fate. When most people hear about Rastafarianism they think it’s a cult where they smoke ganja and get high. But this is not true. Rastafarianism is seen as a religion just as the Catholics, Methodists or Anglican. They have their own beliefs and rituals just as practiced by other faiths.

                 In closing, sure the perpetrator is described as a Rastafarian but does that mean that all Rastafarians should be condemned to death and endure such harsh treatment. If that may be the case then all of us should deserve the same punishment because we all belong to some denomination, group or race where someone has committed murder.

A Concerned Local,

Brantella Williams.