1 Brief.Biography on Roger Mais

Roger Mais was born in Kingston Jamaica on the 11th August, 1905 and died on the 21st of June, 1955. He was a jamaican journalist, novelist, poet and playwriter. He was born in a middle-class family and by 1951, he won ten first prizes in the West Indian literary competitoins. Mais has published over a ahundred short stories and novels,where most can be found in Public Opinion and Focus. His short stories were collected in a volume entitled Listen, The Wind, thirty-two years after his death. Mais's novels have been republished posthumously several times, an indication of his continuing importance to Caribbean literary history. He also had an influence on younger writers of the pre-independence period, notably John Hearne.
Mais wrote novels such as: The Hills Were Joyful Together (1953)
                                          Brother Man (1954)
                                          Black Lightenning (1955)
 In 1955 Mais was forced to return to Jamaica after falling ill with cancer; he died the same year at age 50.


3. Religious aspects in regard to Rastafarianism:

The word "dreadlocks" comes from the feeling that this hairstyle inspired in others. Rastas grow dreadlocks as a symbol of their beliefs, in part following the biblical prohibition of shaving or cutting your hair. Rastas who follow this tradition can easily tell how long another Rasta has worn his hair in such a manner.
Though it is against the law, the rebellious practitioners of this religion may smoke marijuana. Those who do consider it to be the Bible's "holy herb" and take it as sacrament. It is understood to be the key to understanding the universe and God. Indentured servants from East Indian originally brought marijuana to Jamaica.
Some Rastas believe in eating organic food and follow strict dietary requirements which prohibit alcohol and tobacco consumption as well as salt, meat (particularly pork), and most seafood. This strict organic dietary regimen is called Ital. Many Rastafarians prefer to keep their own gardens to ensure that they can adhere to this diet.
Rastafarianism allows its believers the freedom to make their own choices, particularly in how they worship. This means that many do not agree with any of these three activities (wearing dreadlocks, smoking ganja, and practicing Ital), while some agree with one or two, and a few follow all three. It's important to remember that not every Rastafarian is the same.
One of the most important aspects of Rastafarianism is its strict belief in the word of the Bible. While some followers refuse to cut their hair and instead grow dreadlocks, more widely accepted tenets are also included.

2. What Critics had to say about Brother Man:

Most person's saw the book 'Brother Man', to be very interesting as well as a book that was worth engaging with. This was due to the fact that the book was referred to as a book of strength and many morals.
Others viewed the book as disturbing, and according to a review posted in the CRoB (Caribbean Review of Books) " the author's representation of conversational dialogue stinks".
The book was also marked down because person's who disliked or detested rastafarians felt that Roger Mais was going to some how allow them to have equal rights as other persons (non- rastafarians).

(Due to the Carribbean Review Of Books):The leading newspapers played up the angle that a community of bearded men in their midst, formed together into a secret cult, was a menace to public safety.
People began writing letters to the press. All bearded men should be placed behind barbed wire. They should be publicly washed (?) and shaved! They should be banished to Africa. They should be sterilised. They should be publicly flogged. They became identified with a certain political party. They should be denied the vote. They were, in fact, potential rapists and murderers all.