Post Colonialism

Post Colonialism By Derek Call

What is post colonialism? • An exploration of the effects of colonizing on the colonized peoples’ culture and lifestyle

Why does it matter? • Understanding the effects of colonizing on a people’s culture can help us understand the development, or evolution, of that culture.

But, nobody colonizes anymore • While true, it is important to explore the problems created by colonization. They are long lasting and deal with universal issues like racism.

Notable Postcolonial figures • Edward Said – created/noticed the East/West binary of the world in literature. [Also known as the Orient and the Occident binary] • Frantz Fanon – Described colonialism as a source of violence rather than reacting violently against resistors which had been the common view

Goal of Postcolonialism • The ultimate goal of post-colonialism is combating the residual effects of colonialism on cultures • It is not merely concerned with salvaging the past, but learning how the world can move beyond this period together, towards a place of mutual respect

Goals (contd.) • Exposing and deconstructing racist and imperialist “logic” of colonialism will remove their power of persuasion and coercion.

Important words • Subaltern – Persons socially, politically and geographically outside the hegemonic power structure • Hegemony – The political, economic, ideological or cultural power exerted by a dominant group over other groups

More Important Information • The critical nature of post-colonial theory entails destabilizing Western ways of thinking, therefore creating space for subaltern, or marginalized groups, to speak and produce alternatives to dominant discourse

Important Information (contd.) • It is important to accept the plural nature of the word post colonialism, as it does not simply refer to the period after the colonial era • Post colonialism as a literary theory deals with literature produced in countries that were once colonies of other countries

Still more Important Info • Often, previously colonized places are lumped together in Western discourse under an umbrella label such as the Third World • Post colonialism demonstrates the heterogeneity of colonized places

Summary • Post colonialism: • Exposes racist/imperialist thoughts and deconstructs them • Creates room for subaltern groups to speak • As a literary theory, deals with literature produced in countries that were once colonized • Demonstrates heterogeneity of colonized places

Quiz Time! • Last chance for you to review before the mandatory quiz. You won’t be able to go back once you start the quiz • If you get an answer wrong, you’ll be provided a link to the correct answer, but you’ll have to start the quiz over

Question 1 • Who noticed the Eastern/Western binary in writing? (Also known as the Orient/Occident binary) Edward Said Frantz Fanon Gayatri Spivak Bin ‘Abd al-’Ali

Wrong • So close. Look here for the correct answer

Correct! • The correct answer is Edward Said. Good work!

Question 2 • Persons socially, politically and geographically outside the hegemonic power structure • Hipsters • Minorities • Subalterns • Radicals

Not quite • This one’s a little tough, but you can find the answer here

Correct! • That one was a little tough, but you got it!

Question 3 • The political, economic, ideological or cultural power exerted by a dominant group over other groups • Monopoly • Hegemony • Alimony • Harmony

Nope • Try again. Answer can be found here

Correct! • Don’t worry, the questions get easier from here on. But you’re doing great, so you shouldn’t be worrying anyway.

Question 4 • Post colonialism as a literary theory deals with literature from countries… • That were once colonized • That have little culture • That are far away • That don’t matter

A bit off • But I’m sure you can get it after reviewing here

Good work! • Only one more question to go! No pressure

Question 5 (aka Final Question) • Previously colonized countries are often lumped under the umbrella label of….. • Third World countries • Post colonized countries • Heterogeneic countries • Hegemonic countries

How unfortunate • You have to review the answer here and go through the whole quiz again! Bummer man…

Very good! • Excellent work!

Congrats! • You made it to the end of the slideshow! Good work! By passing the quiz, you show that you have a basic understanding of Post colonial theory. Good job! See you in class!

Post Colonialism