Africa Speaks Reasoning Forum

A recent book Marley and Me:The Real Bob Marley Storywritten by Bob Marley's former manager, Don Taylor, accuses him of abusing his wife Rita, carrying weapons, threatening people, and being careless with his money. As a Rasta, I find this hard to believe. How should InI react to this book? Should it be taken as truth?

They did the same thing with Martin Luther King, etc. We have this really strange fascination in this culture of:

" . . . beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye . . . "
Matthew 7:3

There is a strange habit of seeing the human-ness of people and pointing it out when you want to demerit someone.

None of those accusations sound criminal enough to discredit Bob as a leader and a rasta, and they could all have been exaggerated. Perhaps not, who knows.

Also I think it was well known that Bob had beef with Don Taylor, at some point in Bob's career he discovered that Don Taylor had been stealing a bunch of Bob's money at which point Bob confronted Don Taylor and kicked his *ss. .

Kebo

That seems ridiculous to me, as well.  You look at how his children love him still and the kind of person he was and it's difficult to imagine him being an abusive spouse.  Could he have had a heated conflict or two?  Sure.  But that happens in many healthy marriages so far as I've known and seen.  And the scripture from Matthew 7 is Oh-so-true.

Along the same lines, I like this scripture from the Gospel of Luke,

"Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned.  Keep on releasing, and you will be released."  -Luke 6:37

" recent book Marley and Me:The Real Bob Marley Storywritten by Bob Marley's former manager, Don Taylor, accuses him of abusing his wife Rita, carrying weapons, threatening people, and being careless with his money . . . "

I am going to go out on a limb here and say I HONESTLY DON'T GIVE A RAT'S BUTT. I could care less, and I think others should do likewise. To those who which to dwell on trivialities, I say . . pick the food out of your own darn teeth. Bob Marley has inspired countless numbers of people throughout the world, what the heck have you done?

It is amazing the way, people like to keep their focus AWAY from the relevant issues. People are suffering a lot of pain due to oppression, subjection, servitude, slavery, Aids/HIV, pollution etc... But the first thing to sort out, is if Bob Marley abused his wife.
ah! Only the Karmic debt will sort these insensitive people out!

B.K

One out of every four men abuse their wives. The real terrorists in many women's lives are the men in their own homes. Stastically speaking, women are safer out on the streets than they are in their homes.

i agree...it seems as if everyone is condoning the possiblity of domestic violence...this is frightening to me...the idea that a woman has been/could have been suffering from abuse is horrible...and those who dismiss it are even sicker...
nm

What an hypocrite answer nmichele. Why not spitting the same rhetoric on topics like SLAVERY, the RAPE of Black women by their white devil enslaver, the still taking of young Black girls and women as CONCUBINES in Islamic Countries... What about commenting on THE ROLE RACISM PLAYS IN GENDER OPPRESSION OF BLACK WOMEN and affects our lives more than it does the Black man's life? Also how white women work hand in hand with white men to keep Black women oppressed. That in itself should give you very horrendous interrelated issues to notice!! Bob became acknowledged around the world for his wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But the whole downward point of this thread is to bash the man!! Discussing whether or not Bob partook in domestic violence makes one more selfish, superficial, and totally devoid of any sense of reverence for this African liberation fighter who was Bob Marley. If you have time for stupidity and vilifying you are the one sick.

Bantu Kelani.

I do not think that nmichelle's response should be classified as hypocritical.  And that's a very strong response from a moderator BK.  I did not see her response as trying to waste the man, neither that of the person who brought up the topic.  

The subject is not about judging or condoning anyone.  Irregardless of whatever biblical quotations, as used in prior posts, we all judge, assess or place certain expectations of others.  For example, we all do not expect to log on to this site someday and see that the moderators have placed pornography and people "skin up" upon this site.  This is a site of high caliber and character and people would fuss.  Likewise, people would make a fuss or express great concern if a man of character is speaking about freedom in one breath and incarcerating someone in another.

Therefore, I do not agree that comments made here are fighting down Father Bob.  It is similar to the previous topic about Jesus being married.  Why is such an emphasis being placed on this? It is because of the man's character and reverence given to him.  And some who revere him will take that very personal and see it as fighting down.

"Nah dem cyah do dat to me! The people way doh love me is the people way doh love demself, the people way fight 'gainst me is the people way fight 'gainst demself" - Robert Nesta Marley - Talking Blues album

If this site is more focused on highlighting 'worldly' issues and not about any individual's personality, then the moderators should state this or remove the thread and similar 'superficial' ones.  

Personally, Bob is very dear to my heart.  His works are insurmountable and his message of liberation has reached to the uttermost regions of the earth.  I am not going to express any views on the subject matter pertaining to his personal livity, because I have no evidence.  I know of Father Bob's works in increasing the consciousness of people worldwide and I continue to pay him tribute because of this.  

Peace

For some reason, people are ABSOLUTELY AMAZED when the spotlight on a thing that happens all the time around them or even in their own lives is put on SOMEONE ELSE. It is almost like a high to see the dirty deeds of someone else, more crap to talk about at the water cooler of our materialistic void of a life. Something to fill the space, a little excitement to burn, get the old juices flowing. This is the fodder which lawyers and sensationalist media FEED OFF OF because they know that this is the stuff which moves the crowd to get them to do what they want.  

We know what is wrong and love to see someone get the heat for it, but will we change our own lives? NO.

Sa_sutcha: "Therefore, I do not agree that comments made here are fighting down Father Bob.  It is similar to the previous topic about Jesus being married.  Why is such an emphasis being placed on this? It is because of the man's character and reverence given to him.  And some who revere him will take that very personal and see it as fighting down."

That's right on target.  We have perceived notions of men we hold in high regard and when people say things that conflict with our personal (and even spiritual) views on the matter it's upsetting, without regard to whether or not they even have "evidence."  We raise people up above certain things in a sense:  Yeshua above having carnal desires, being of divine spirit; Bob Marley above hateful desires, possessing a pure & loving nature.

You have noticed, I could fuss at times, especially if I see hypocrisy. Now, everyone is prompt to it but there are those that don't. They seek the truth, right? One day they will find out that Christianity is some fraud that white folks made up to subdue the slaves, paralyze the minds of whites and then play on both groups spiritual fears to do whatever they like, because some of them are in a cult-like state...big time. Further, I find the alleged Bob's spousal abuse matter somewhat insignificant, compared to the recurrent history of racism (white supremacy) as an integral part of the European cultural ethos. WOMEN and non-whites will continue to be the targets of racism and SEXISM until whites, specifically, white males, seek treatment for their cultural psychopathological condition. I believe it's presumptuous to think that simply concern a global..distant plane. The so-called Africanists have a responsibility to be concerned of women and Black emancipation on an individual scale!! Bob transmitted the message and reality of Black people, Black movements with embracing the imperative of Black liberation. However at Bob passing, the racist media, so-called authorities vilify him like every black man as a deviant abusive animal. By no means, am I inferring domestic abuse is fine and people are allowed, to express against it. However, I find it quite selfish for Africanists to entrust the racist media and go along with the destruction of the black male value, especially this black warrior who made his distinct contribution to Black struggle.

Bantu Kelani.

All men and women are human. With good and bad, strengths and weaknesses, the ugly and the beautiful. We hope that we have just as much good in us as bad and strive to become better. And to do more right for the world than we do wrong.
Bob was a man, a human, and look at the right he did for the world. Perhaps the truth is that Bob was not all good. So let the truth be known, what is their to hide for anyone. I bet Bob's right for the world outweighs his wrong considerably and for that Bob's life and legacy will always be a great value to humanity.  

Kebo

What wrong has he done? PROVE without giving an uninformed presentation of the subject. But in fact, so-called pundits find themselves wrapped up in their own bias which they too often incorporate into their "theoretical duty" of hunting the truth..

B.K

There can be bias against someone and bias for. Both are biased. Neither bias does justice for the truth.

I dont know what wrong Bob ever did, I dont think of Bob in terms of doing wrong, but more of a hero who overcame adversity with monumental effort. But if he did do any wrong in his life, any way you slice it he's still an asset to humanity. So this guy Don Taylor is a hater, and his testimony against Bob isn't going to go far in discrediting the legend.

Kebo

"Discussing whether or not Bob partook in domestic violence makes one more selfish, superficial, and totally devoid of any sense of reverence for this African liberation fighter who was Bob Marley. If you have time for stupidity and vilifying you are the one sick."

I thought the purpose of this specific posting was to discuss this...if not, my mistake...however, your comments truly disturb me, Kelani...it seems as if you are condoning the possibility of this man, African liberation freedom fighter or not, abusing his spouse...am i or am i not correct?  Is "stupidity" in this case bringing to light the way that Black women have suffered under the hands of Black men?  This is not to say that we haven't suffered because of White men, but let's keep it real...we talk about community, liberation, revolution and other  ideas as a way of bringing about change for Black people...however, this discourse neglects to address the multiple oppressions that Black women face in the world at the hands of our 'brothers'...

it saddens me that you would elevate "race" men to the detriment of the Black women that work with them in the 'struggle'...i dont' know your story, Kelani...but it seems that you are speaking from a place of tremendous pain...but please do not abuse me in the process...

go in peace...nm

nmichele,

Yes, I know the  barbaric conduct against Black women throughout the world. I have seen and learned of the horror under which they live because of their brute mates conduct!! Do you speak out on their behalf, as they don't have access to relative freedom as you have? If you are convinced that they need protection, you would look to advertise their plight and able to aid them at all times. Where exactly was your outcry previously from this thread? On the other hand the numerous and dynamite articles I pull show, sorely deals with the history and still suffering of BOTH Black women and Black men. Male or female... both genders are of value! Does my frequent rhetoric leave you with the impression that I favor one more than the other? Call me, heartbroken, racist, or whatever...only you as a near-white woman get flustered when a dark-skinned woman reveals your hypocrisy.

Do you not think the white media is just making up these charges against Bob? The white media care little about gathering actual facts about Black people. These folks keep doing bad things to our Brothers. History shows us that nothing is beyond their evil minds. Thus, tell me if it is not ignorant to be "cheerleading" for this charge of brutality because you are hoping it is true? Of course, you can raise questions but none of that go to the core of working for the agenda of Blacks anyway.


Bantu Kelani.

Brethren and Sistren:
I did not post this question about the book because I am afraid to focus on slavery and oppression, or because I am trying to defend people who abuse their spouses. I simply wanted to know how you felt about the Great Bob Marley being discredited. As he even sang "...propaganda spreading over my name/ say you wanna put another life to shame..." (Bad Card)
This information does not change my view of the Great Bob Marley, nor does it improve my view of Don Taylor.
Thank you for responding to my question! JAH bless.

You say you playin' a game - and then you draw bad card
What make ya draw bad card?

Man to man is so unjust, children ya don't know who to trust,your worst enimy could be your best friend, and your best friend, your worst enimy.Bredrens and sistrens,Rasta don't judge no one,The only true judge ,is the almighty omnipotense H.I.M.self.....Don Taylor? Who is Don Taylor?
First of all do try get some facts about this person. seen!
Everytime one of our black inspirational leaders take up our cause, they get the gunned down. Ask yourself, what does BOB MARLEY mean to you, what roll does play, if any, in your lives. Bob was a light force, but he was also human, this does not condone the possibility that he supposidly had beaten his wife, But for JAH's sakes, let us move on.
Brothers and sisters, let us go forward ever backward never.
I personally feel seh breddah Bob has gone ahead to prepare a place, for I and I. JAH guide and protect.

I wanna put this thought out to people. Bob was born and blessed with a voice to spread a message. And Bob's quintessential message is Haile Sellassie as the second coming of Jesus Christ. If this is not true about Haile Sellassie then Bob's quintessential message is wrong. Which doesnt make sense to me. Bob's blessedness, life, success and legacy are a strong testimony to his message.

Kebo

Please do share some lyrics which back this statement...

Music is also a way to draw people to a message. Bob's message was also found in his life. In reading about his life and watching footage on Bob you hear talk of Haile Sellassie I and Rastafari frequently running through his speech and direction and in that of his surrounding company.

Kebo

Kebo..you say..

"I wanna put this thought out to people. Bob was born and blessed with a voice to spread a message. And Bob's quintessential message is Haile Sellassie as the second coming of Jesus Christ. If this is not true about Haile Sellassie then Bob's quintessential message is wrong. Which doesnt make sense to me. Bob's blessedness, life, success and legacy are a strong testimony to his message"

Main Entry: quin·tes·sence
Pronunciation: kwin-'te-s&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence
Date: 15th century
1 : the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
2 : the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
3 : the most typical example or representative
- quin·tes·sen·tial  /"kwin-t&-'sen(t)-sh&l/ adjective
- quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb

and I ask the question...particularly focusing on

Bob's quintessential message is Haile Sellassie as the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Please do share lyrics which will validate this statement...