Over a century since the Obeah Act of 1898 criminalized the practice, Obeah remains one of Jamaica’s most contentious cultural issues. Recently, Christian groups have vehemently opposed its legalization, warning that it would unleash ‘demonic forces’ across the nation. However, this fervent opposition raises a critical question: Why is there not a similar level of unity and outrage when addressing pressing societal issues such as child abuse, teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, or the rampant violent crime plaguing communities? The selective indignation is striking. For instance, Indian astrologers freely advertise their services in newspapers and on television without sparking protests, yet Obeah is singled out. This disparity reveals a deeper issue: practices tied to African heritage are still viewed with suspicion and prejudice. The root of the problem lies in a Eurocentric mindset that has conditioned society to perceive African traditions as inherently evil while uncritically embracing other cultural practices. Some even falsely attribute Haiti’s struggles to its recognition of Vodou, a claim that is not only baseless but also dismissive of historical complexity. Obeah is an integral part of Jamaica’s history, once serving as a tool of resistance against colonial oppression. To erase it is to deny a legacy of survival and defiance. While there are deviant practices within Obeah, Christianity, with its over 40,000 denominations, is not without its own controversies. True emancipation requires dismantling the stigma surrounding Afrocentric religions and confronting the colonial prejudices that continue to shape perceptions. Obeah must be discussed honestly, free from fear or bias, as it is not merely a religious issue but a matter of identity, history, and the freedom to embrace one’s heritage without distortion.
