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traced as far back as ancient Egypt (1). They were used as well by an Islamic sect called the Mouride movement in the late 1800s. Next, they were picked up by the Rastafarian movement based out of Jamaica from the 1930s on, until they were popularized by Bob Marley in the 1970s. Around this time, the ideas and hairstyle were adopted by left-leaning youth in North America (the "hippies" of the time) and have since been seen in the environmentalist, anti-globalization, punk and goth subcultures (1). They have been used in some groups as a religious symbol, in others as a political one, and for some as just a statement of non-conformity and individuality.

Should a group request that others not borrow and sample aspects of its culture? I have recently listened to rap although my skin is white, studied yoga although I am not Hindu or Buddhist,and gone for an acupuncture session even though I am not Chinese, not to mention all the foods from different countries that I try on a regular basis. I view the experiencing of other cultures as a way to experience the world and enrich my life. Similarly, people who borrow from other cultures typically do so as a compliment and because they enjoy that form of expression. It is not an attempt to water down the original symbolism.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity once to attend a celebration and gathering of a number of Rastafarian families. My own family was invited and encouraged to try the food and to see what the ceremony was all about, as well as to have all our questions answered about the beliefs of the people. It was a great experience and I appreciated the opportunity to take part and to learn. I truly believe that "imitation is the most sincere form of flattery" as the saying goes. There are symbols I would not choose to sport at this point in history, for example the swastika, because of what they have represented in the recent past. Being mistaken for a racist white-supremacist would be very upsetting to me, while being mistaken for a Rastafarian would not because I respect and value that group.

Symbols we choose make a statement about who we are, and dreads are no longer solely a religious statement. I do not automatically assume someone is a Rasta when I see them sporting dreads my stereotype falls more along the lines of thinking they are a cool, interesting person who is not afraid to be an individual. Each person should be free to express themselves the way they choose using the clothing and hairstyles that they themselves enjoy. Our real focus should be on the sad fact that ethnic divisions still exist that prevent this, and that there are still parts of the world where people do not have this freedom.

References:
1) Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.o rg/wiki/Dreadlocks

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