The phrase “I and I” is commonly used by Rastafarians and is an important concept in the Rastafari movement. Rastafarians use “I and I” to refer to the oneness between oneself and Jah (God). It emphasizes the interconnectedness between the individual and the divine.
The use of “I and I” stems from Rastafarian theology and ideology. Rastas believe that Jah lives within all people. So by saying “I and I”, they are affirming the presence of Jah within themselves. The term points to the closeness between God and each person.
Beyond affirming unity with God, “I and I” also stresses the unity between all people. Rastafarians see humankind as one family under Jah. We are all unified through our inner divinity. So the use of “I and I” reminds Rastas of their connection to all human beings.
The phrase has become a trademark expression among Rastafarians. It succinctly conveys core Rastafari beliefs. Let’s explore the meaning and usage of “I and I” in more depth.
What Does “I and I” Mean?
The term “I and I” has several layers of meaning for Rastafarians:
– Unity with God (Jah) – As mentioned, it refers primarily to the presence of the divine within each person. The first “I” represents the individual self, while the second “I” signifies the Almighty or Jah living within.
– Self-determinism – By emphasizing the individual self, “I and I” encourages self-determinism. Rastas believe Africans must determine their own future and identity.
– Equality – “I and I” stresses the equality of all people under one God. Everyone houses the same divine inner spirit.
– Interconnectedness – While recognizing individuality, “I and I” also honors human interdependence. All people and living things are interconnected through the source of creation.
So in short, “I and I” expresses the Rastafari view of the individual as housing a divine spark that connects them to God, to others, and to all of nature. It encourages self-worth and respect for all life as united under one Creator.
When and How Is “I and I” Used?
Rastafarians use “I and I” in a variety of contexts:
– Greetings – Rastas often say “I and I” when greeting each other, similar to saying “hello”. For example, “Greetings, I and I, how are you today?”
– Referring to Themselves – Rastafarians frequently refer to themselves as “I and I” rather than saying “me” or “I”. This reminds them of their spiritual identity.
– Songs and Speech – The phrase appears frequently in Rastafarian music, poetry, and speech. Reggae songs by artists like Bob Marley integrate the term liberally.
– Prayer – Rastas may say “I and I” in prayers and blessings to highlight their connection with the Divine.
– Discourse – “I and I” gets used commonly in Rasta reasoning or discourse as a substitute for “you and I”. By saying “I and I”, Rastas signal unity and likemindedness.
So in essence, Rastafarians integrate “I and I” fluidly into their vocabulary and self-expression. It resonates through their culture as an affirmation of their core beliefs.
Where Does “I and I” Come From?
Scholars trace the origin of “I and I” to several sources within Rastafari and Jamaican culture:
– Amharic – Some argue it derives from the Ethiopian language of Amharic, where the pronoun “Inna” means “he” or “Him”. Rastas equate this pronoun with Jah.
– Revelation – Rastas cite Revelation 3:12 as a biblical source, which states: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out.” The “I” and “He” refer to God residing in man.
– Reverence for God – The term reflects the traditional Jamaican practice of replacing “you” with “I” out of reverence for Jah.
– Speech patterns – Scholars link “I and I” to common speech omissions in Jamaican Patois, where “you and I” becomes “I and I”.
– Self-divinity – Some trace the phrase to the African belief that God exists inside every person’s self, so that God is both ‘I’ and ‘I’.
So in essence, “I and I” has roots in Amharic, the Bible, Jamaican culture, and West African theology. But Rastas imbued the term with added theological meaning to suit their distinctive beliefs.
Significance and Usage of “I and I” in Rastafarian Culture
Saying “I and I” holds deep significance for Rastafarians and actively shapes their culture:
– Theological focus – It constantly reinforces Rasta theology, reminding adherents of their connection to God and creation.
– Cultural identity – The unique phrase has become a cultural identifier for Rastas globally. It signals their worldview and beliefs.
– Global spread – As Rastafarian culture has spread worldwide, “I and I” has been globally transmitted through reggae music and Rasta discourse.
– Communal ethics – “I and I” promotes unity, equality and reciprocity between all people according to Rastas’ Afrocentric ethics.
– Linguistic impact – Rastafarian language has entered global vernacular through phrases like “I and I”, changing language patterns.
– Political messaging – The phrase signals self-determination and African identity, aligning with Rastas’ black consciousness and empowerment aims.
So for Rastafarians worldwide, saying “I and I” grounds their outlook, shapes ethical relations, affirms identity, and propagates core beliefs. The two simple words hold profound meaning.
When Did Rastafarians Begin Using “I and I”?
Scholars debate exactly when “I and I” entered the Rastafari lexicon, but identify these key phases:
– 1930s – Rastafari’s early years. Some trace “I and I” to this foundational period, when the movement formed in Jamaica.
– 1950s – Term seems to arise alongside Rasta’s growing public presence in Jamaica during this decade.
– 1960s – Use of phrase increased as Rastafarian culture boomed in Jamaica. Becomes popularized internationally through reggae.
– Mid-late 1900s – “I and I” becomes universally known through proliferation of reggae and Rastafarians migrating across the world.
So while the precise origin of “I and I” is uncertain, it gained wider use during Rastafari’s development between the 1930s-60s and has now endured globally for decades. For most of the world, it remains one of the best-known Rastafarian idioms.
Examples of “I and I” in Reggae Lyrics
Reggae songs provide many iconic examples of “I and I” usage in Rasta culture:
– “One Love” by Bob Marley: “Let’s get together and feel all right…As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end…Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right.”
– “Zimbabwe” by Bob Marley: “Every man got a right to decide his own destiny…In this age of the heart, in this age of the mind. Almighty God is a living man.”
– “Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley “Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight.”
– “Crazy Baldheads” by Bob Marley: “I and I build the cabin; We and dem don’t make it in.”
– “Revolution” by The Wailers: “Never make a politician grant you a favor. They will always want to control you forever.”
These examples demonstrate how “I and I” permeated the Rastafarian consciousness, theology, and musical expression.
Common Questions About “I and I”
Why do Rastafarians say “I and I” instead of “you and I”?
Rastas replace “you” with “I” out of deep reverence for Jah living within all people. Saying “you” creates a separation, implying the other person lacks divinity. Using two “Is” affirms the holy self within both speakers.
Is “I and I” exclusive to Rastafarians?
While strongly associated with Rastafari, “I and I” has also been used in hip hop culture and some forms of Christianity. But it originated with Rastas and its meaning is most aligned with Rastafarian beliefs.
Do Rastafarian women also say “I and I”?
Yes, Rastawomen also embrace the term “I and I” to signify their inner divinity and connection to Jah. Scholars argue the phrase may have additional meaning for Rastawomen, asserting their equal personhood.
Can non-Rastas use the term “I and I”?
Anyone can utter the phrase “I and I”, but its deep meaning is held most strongly by those who identify with the Rastafari worldview and ethos. Most see it as part of Rasta identity.
Does “I and I” refer to a singular or plural subject?
“I and I” signifies a fusion of singular and plural. The first “I” refers to the individual, the second to the collective whole. This reflects the Rasta view of unity between self and all Creation.
Conclusion
For Rastafarians, saying “I and I” carries profound theological and social significance. It affirms their connection to God within, as well as their oneness with all humanity. This simple yet powerful phrase promotes solidarity, equality, and black empowerment.
Since emerging from Jamaica in the 1930s, “I and I” has traversed the globe alongside reggae and Rastafari culture, entering common parlance. But its original meaning as an expression of Rastas’ faith and identity remains vital. Whether uttered in song, prayer or everyday talk, “I and I” conveys the richness of the Rastafari movement. Respect for this heritage allows us to approach its use mindfully.