Around the world, the word “Irie” is synonymous with Jamaica — often personified as a Rasta man, barefoot on a beach with a spliff in hand. But as with most things commercialized, the true meaning of the word is often diluted. Irie in popular culture has been diminished to simply mean “good vibes” and even stretched to make it seem that we, as a people, are carefree — even borderline idlers. “No problem, Jamaica man!” We as Jamaicans, both those in Jamaica and across the diaspora, know that is not true. Yes, we may live near the beach, but life is far from a carefree paradise.
Irrespective of the misappropriation of Irieness, we as a people are indeed Irie, and it is for us to reclaim and restate what that means. Irieness is a state of being and is born out of the spirit of our heroes, who, in spite of their uncomfortable circumstances, had a vision of a better future; self-belief that they could bring about change; resilience to see through that change even in the face of greater discomfort — all while maintaining a positive outlook and the hopefulness to keep pressing on.
It is so easy for us to mystify the personage of our heroes. After all, we’ve only ever seen them in monochrome sketches on money. But they were people like us too. Queen Nanny was a woman who likely had to overcome sexist judgments about choosing to be a warrior rather than a full-time nurturer, and then work to overcome the dissent that often comes with being a female leader. As a striving, single, childless female, I can surely relate to Nanny’s likely experience.
I am equally able to relate — though I’m not brave enough to emulate — Sam Sharpe, the enlightened young adult who, frustrated with “the way things are, or are being done,” decided to mount a fight against the system. I can understand the plight of George William Gordon and Paul Bogle, free men who, in spite of their freedom, appreciated that they were just once removed from slavery, and that if the system didn’t change, not only would many of their loved ones not enjoy the freedoms they had access to, but there was also the real risk that they and their offspring would likely again become slaves. For us today, it isn’t slavery and freedom but perhaps education, training, and opportunity. The subjects may have changed, but the paradigm remains the same.
I can appreciate the work of Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley, who, though free and even privileged, saw it necessary to use their influence to champion causes that benefited the less fortunate. Think about it — Alexander Bustamante was a free man who, in his defense of the oppressed, was detained for seventeen months, only to be released and take up the same fight. To borrow a quote from Nelson Mandela, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Again, let’s replace the word “freedom” here with “opportunity.” The mission of Norman Manley, shared by Alexander Bustamante, remains ours today in “reconstructing (supporting) the social and economic society and life of Jamaica.”
The legacy of these heroes is admirable, inspiring, and an encouragement for us to keep on keeping on because of their lived testament that, with dedication and steadfastness, better must come. That, to me, is what it means to be Irie.
So, why all this talk about being Irie? I was personally forced to examine the word and its meaning because I wanted a catchy brand name for a product I created. I settled on Irie Steppings for no reason other than that outlined in the first phrase of this article. But then I was live on radio and was asked, “Why Irie?” Thank God, I was able to answer well without much hesitation. But I knew I owed it to what I created to do a deeper dive.
All homage is due to the Rastafarians among us who keep Irieness alive in its unadulterated form — the spirit of positivity, overall well-being, and gratefulness. Each and every Jamaica-bound individual is Irie, and the Irie Steppings collection from BoxoSox was created to help you celebrate the best of Jamaica in your day-to-day life by simply wearing a pair of beautiful and comfortable socks.
Irie Steppings is my authentic representation of the Jamaican experience in a box of socks. Designed by talented Jamaican artists under the instruction of yours truly, The SOX Lady, each pair represents a unique part of Jamaican culture. Designs feature national symbols, traditional sayings, cultural motifs, and beautiful scenes that highlight the experience of everyday Jamaicans. Irie Steppings celebrates us as a people — our positivity, our hospitality, our creativity, our country’s natural beauty, and our tenacity. Irie Steppings is the rhythm of Jamaica: always positive and always progressing.
Since the launch of the product last year, I’ve been going, going, going — caught up in the Socks Storm. Not enough sleep, not enough time to eat, and not enough hours in any day. But when asked, “How am I doing?” the answer has been unwavering: “I am IRIE.” Because I know that God will continue to see me through, the hard work will pay off, and better days will indeed come.
As we celebrate Jamaica’s National Heroes, take some time and pay homage to them for the freedom they have afforded us. Marcus Garvey said, “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” Honour the history of our heroes, and then take some time to celebrate the hero within you and the heroes within your loved ones. Yes, we know that life can be a struggle, but remember, acknowledge, and be grateful that we have life — and life holds boundless opportunities. Trust that everything is and will be all right.
Everything Irie!
