One perception that is out there that upsets me is that Bob Marley was just a “stoner.”  This perception is generally upheld by people whom have never dabbled in marijuana or studied history of other cultures.

The man was a modern day prophet, motivator, and an outstanding human being.  His music brought awareness to the world at the condition of life in Africa and Jamaica.  Additionally, his music brought hope to the people of these areas with messages of living life fully by taking responsibility for one’s own life, persevering through immense poverty and hardship, and his constant message of “One Love.”

In my eyes, Bob was just as inspirational and important as Jesus was to the Jews during his life time.  Both these men had similar messages about motivating people to “get up, stand up, and fight for your right” to life.  Bob’s life was threatened for fighting for the people.  Jesus lost his life for his message.  Killing these inspirational/spiritual leaders is what we as humans usually do.  If someone is promoting love and personal responsibility in the aim of improving quality of life for the people who are being taken advantage of, we feel the need to eradicate them.  Further evidence of this is seen with the stories of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

So please, if you feel that Bob was just some “stoner”; do a little research, experience some of his music(listen to the lyrics!), and try to imagine where he was coming from and why it was so important.  Maybe you’ll gain a little humanity.

Late