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ENTITY · CONCEPT / TERM

Rod of correction

Well supported

The "rod of correction," a staff carried by PNP leader Michael Manley during the 1972 election and popularly linked to a gift from Emperor Haile Selassie I, which became a potent biblical-and-Rastafari political symbol woven through the reggae campaigning of the period.

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At a glance

Confidence
Well supported
Sources
Lloyd Bradley, Bass Culture; Reggae Routes; Jamaica Gleaner archive.

Coverage areas

Style, language, faith & wider cultureSociety, politics & reception

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Connections

In stories

Story · Well supportedThe rod, the bandwagon and the handshake

Between 1972 and 1978, reggae went to the polls and then tried to broker a peace.

Debate & reception

What people argued about this record — two documented positions each time, kept apart from verified fact. Browse every argument in the archive →

Debate

The rod of correction: sincere symbol or political theatre?

One side

Sincere invocation of scripture and Rastafari symbolism

The other

Manipulative political theatre

Two documented interpretations of the 'rod of correction' in 1972 campaigning: as a sincere invocation of scripture and Rastafari symbolism resonant with the electorate, or as manipulative political theatre borrowing sacred imagery for votes. Neutral framing; no verdict.

Read the argument →

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Compiled and researched by The Jamaica Music Atlas music desk. The sources that informed it are credited above.

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