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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (April 25, 2012)
Arts & Entertainment Ziggy continued from page 9 that everywhere I go, especially in poor countries and poor neighborhoods. Even in speaking to actual freedom fighters from South Africa to Ethiopia, they always told me how influential the music was in their struggles. KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is the most significant life lesson you learned from your father? ZM: Everything I’ve taken away from my father has been sig- nificant. So, I can’t say that any one lesson is the most significant. By being around him, I learned that there is a purpose in life, and that if we are inspired to help peo- ple, we should do it. And that there is a spiritual side to life as well as to music, and that we are here for a bigger purpose than just ourselves. Those are some very significant ideas of my father’s that I have carried with me all my life and still cherish to this day. KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles asks: What was it like growing up as the son of such a famous icon? ZM: I’d divide it into two periods. Bob wasn’t as big an icon as he later became after he died. When he was alive, he just acted like what he was, a musician that peo- ple loved. He never behaved in any superficial or iconic way. He was just being himself. There wasn’t anything special or different about our lives. In Jamaica, every- body’s the same. The second period began after he passed away, when his iconic stature grew and everywhere we went peo- ple would show us a lot of love as Bob Marley’s kids. That was very positive for us. KW: Marcia Evans asks: How long did you live in Trenchtown? ZM: I was born in Trenchtown and spent my early years there as a toddler. When my dad made more money, we moved out of the ghetto to a better neighborhood with better schools. Eventually, he purchased the home on Hope Road from [Island Records pro- ducer] Chris Blackwell, which also became his headquarters. KW: Film student Jamaal Green says: First and foremost, I would like to say love and respect to you and your family for pro- viding the world with generations of great music and good vibes. With the debut of the ZM: I don’t think there’s a specific mes- sage. I want people to feel an emotional connection to Bob, a human connection as a friend, as family. KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? ZM: I can’t think of one off the top of my head right now. KW: Your dad gave you the nickname, Ziggy, meaning mari- juana. And you are an advocate for the legalization of pot. Why is that, because you consider it a sacred herb or a recreational drug? ZM: My interest in it is actually a much wider spectrum than merely smoking marijuana. It’s all about the use of hemp for clothing, for building materials, and as a bio fuel, as an environmental alternative in the industrial sense. Plus, the seeds have nutritional value. That’s what I’m interested in bringing to light, because everybody just talks about the smoking, the smoking, the smoking. I’m trying to get across to people that if we in this world are serious about the Green Rev- olution and saving the planet, then this plant has to be a part of the discussion, because it is the most suitable natural resource with thousands of beneficial uses. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? ZM: Right now, just oatmeal. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? ZM: I don’t know what I see… [Pauses to reflect] I see a body. I see a body. Bob wasn’t as big an icon in life as he later became after he died documentary Marley, is there a possibility of someday making a dramatic film about the life of the “Honor Rebel” Bob Marley? If so I would love to apply for the job. ZM: [LOL] Jamaal, you just might be able to direct it. It’s going to take a few years to get there, so you might be perfect, if you’re available at that time. But it’s not something that we’re focusing on right now. When we are ready, it will have to be a mag- nificent piece of work. KW: Editor/legist Patricia Turnier asks: Who would you like to portray your father, if you make a movie about him? ZM: That’s an issue. We don’t know. KW: How about you? ZM: I wouldn’t play him, but we haven’t looked that deeply into it yet. KW: Patricia, who is Haitian-Canadian, was also wondering whether the movie Marley will be available subtitled in French, her native language. ZM: I hope that the distributors will make the movie available in whatever subtitles are needed in different areas. KW: Patricia’s has a couple more ques- tions: Do you enjoy listening to your own CDs? ZM: Umm… not really. KW: And, what message do you think people will take away from? Ziggy Marley KW: If you could have one wish instant- ly granted, what would that be for? ZM: Peace in the world. KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory? ZM: Playing on the streets of Trench- town. KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be? ZM: A snake. KW: Bernadette also asks: What is your favorite charity? ZM: I’m into anything that really helps children. KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? ZM: Successful people… [Ponders the question] That’s kind of a trick question, because it depends on how one defines suc- See MARLEY on page 15 We honor the many accomplishments of African Americans. It is our primary goal as a labor union to better the lives of all people working in the building trades through advocacy, civil demonstration, and the long-held belief that work- ers deserve a "family wage" - fair pay for an honest day's work. A family wage, and the benefits that go with it, not only strength- ens families, but also allows our communities to become stronger, more cohesive, and more responsive to their citizens' needs. Our family wage agenda reflects our commitment to people working in the building trades, and to workers everywhere. In this small way, we are doing our part to help people achieve the American Dream. This dream that workers can hold dear regard- less of race, color, national origin, gender, creed, or religious beliefs. The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters Representing more than 5.000 construction workers in Oregon State. Do you want to know more about becoming a Union carpenter? April 25, 2012 The Portland Skanner Page 13
