“…So my first inspiration in writing the book was to add my small voice to the I-dren out there who see the Truth that escapes—and is suppressed by—the mainstream West …”
” …the peoples of the Third World continue to be suppressed by various means despite the fact that legal slavery has long been outlawed …”
“…In Stir It Up the plot revolves around what I believe was the CIA destabilization program against Manley in the 1970s …”
David Cupples
David Cupples, author of the outstanding book Stir it Up: The CIA Targets Jamaica, Bob Marley and the Progressive Manley Government, responds to the question.
What inspired you to write this excellent novel?
Russell, thanks for your question and your interest in my book. The question covers a lot of ground so I hope I can bring it all together for your readers. It might be helpful if I break it into parts so let’s consider this Part One of my response.
The first inspiration for the book of course was the great Bob Marley, considered by many (including me) to be the Musical Artist of the 20th Century. (Let’s give credit too to both incarnations of the Wailers (I, with Peter and Bunny; II, with the I-Three, with Family Man, Carly, Tyrone, Wyah, Junior and various other musicians constituting part of the Wailers’ word, sound and power as well).
For me, Bob was not merely the best musically but was the most important in a more noble sense, as the Voice of the Third World (if the expression may be allowed; I eschew the term “developing nations” because I think it is a euphemism that hides the fact that the West doesn’t really want the economically poorer nations to develop). I believe Continue reading
JSC: Jamaicans in Solidarity with Cuba 