Future of Postcolonial Studies

Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Future of Postcolonial Studies and was assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir Department of English MKBU. In this task, we have to incorporate the following points:

i) Summaries of two articles

ii) Include important quotes from both articles in your summary

iii) Illustrate your understanding of these concepts by giving examples its portrayal in literature, films, ads, documentaries, and real-life events

What is Post-Colonial Studies?

Colonialism can be defined as the conquest and control of other people 's land and goods. Colonialism is something which is done by everybody not only by white people. For example 'Foe' and 'Wide Saragaso Sea' in which feminist discourse, women are colonised by man.

Post-colonial idea broke the old mentality and you just need to change the form of things and people will happily accept it.

In the article, one writer gives the idea about what is imperialism, Empire and globalization.

Hardt and Negri do not identify the United States as this new power, although they do argue that 'Empire is born through the global expansion of the internal US constitutional project', a project which sought to include and incorporate minorities into the mainstream rather than simply expel or exclude them. Likewise, the contemporary Empire is imperial and not imperialist' because it does not consist of powerful nations that aim to invade, destroy and subsume subject countries within its sovereignty as the old powers did but rather to absorb them into a new international network.

Ania Loomba:-

Ania Loomba is a very prominent literary scholar and professor. Her interest area is colonialism and postcolonial studies, race and feminist theory, contemporary Indian literature and culture, and early modern literature. Her article, 'Colonialism and Postcolonialism' contains such a theory of Postcolonial studies and also studies the future of postcolonial studies. Here I tried to summarize both articles. 

What is Globalisation?

Globalization, the intricate web woven by trade and technology, has transformed our world into a tightly connected and interdependent space. Beyond economic shifts, it encapsulates profound social changes, sparking debates on its implications and who stands to benefit or suffer from its expansive reach.

While some view globalization as a conduit for progress, enabling better lives for individuals worldwide, dissenting voices argue that it amounts to nothing more than submission and domination. A poignant illustration emerges from a demonstration where Indian women denounced the International Monetary Fund, echoing a sentiment against perceived subjugation. The assertion that globalization equates to being 'our own masters' resonates with a broader discourse on autonomy and self-determination.

In the contemporary literature on globalization, exemplified by works like "Empire" by Hardt and Negri, a nuanced perspective emerges. Rather than a one-sided narrative of progress, these writings acknowledge the potential for liberation within the cultural, economic, and political flows of globalization. The concept of the 'multitude' is introduced, representing diverse subjects challenging global power from multiple sites.

A case in point is the Indian film industry, which experienced shifts in production and themes as a consequence of globalization. The peak production of 948 films in 1990 dwindled to 600-700 films by the decade's end. The proliferation of television and more affordable satellite broadcasting played a role in this transformation. Notably, films began featuring Western settings, resonating with both Indian immigrants abroad and those within India fascinated by the allure of the West. The discourse extends to postcolonial studies, where a reevaluation of terms like margins and centers is proposed. The notion of 'Empire' is presented as a decentered and deterritorializing force, challenging traditional power structures. Hardt and Negri emphasize the inclusive architecture of Empire, suggesting that its expansion is distinct from historical imperialism. The article contends that Empire, with its network power model, consolidates power without the imperialistic motives of conquest and colonization.

However, critiques emerge, with scholars like Tim Brennan highlighting the limited space given to the colonized in the sprawling thesis of Empire. The aftermath of 11 September 2001 is explored in conjunction with Lisa Lampett's insights on the 'clash of civilizations' and cultural differences, portraying Muslims as 'barbaric' and Asians as 'inscrutable.' These categorizations reveal the complexities of cultural perceptions in a globalized world. Globalization and its multifaceted impacts continue to unfold, offering a tapestry of perspectives that challenge conventional narratives and delve into the intricate dynamics of our interconnected world.

Market fundamentalism:-

A powerful force cutting across borders and cultures is deemed a religious fundamentalism of its own. Embraced globally, it imposes neoliberal ideals, contributing to the rise of religious fundamentalism. Despite promises of integration and prosperity, globalization often results in stark divisions, unemployment, and underemployment, perpetuating disparities.

In Bolivia, a nation embracing the free-market model, voices rise against globalization's domination. Critics, including Nobel Laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz, denounce the adverse impact of market fundamentalism, imposed by institutions like the World Bank and IMF. The confusion arises as imperial powers, like the US, present themselves as champions of global rights while acting in self-interest.

Whitewashing the imperial past, as seen in claims of a non-racist British Empire or the US 'freeing' rather than colonizing, distorts historical truths. The Victorian imperialist policy mix echoes contemporary economic ideals, creating a disconnection between historical scholarship and present narratives.

Challenges emerge in academic settings, where dissent against US policies is prevalent. Post-colonial theory posits that scholars should not align their knowledge with imperial powers, emphasizing the need for critical examinations of past and ongoing empires. As universities face debates over Western civilization's role and contributions, the call for dissent and independent intellectual inquiry remains crucial in navigating the complexities of globalization and empire.

In the Bollywood film industry, the movie "RA-ONE" (2011) stands out for its innovative marketing campaign. Starting 200 days before release, a significant portion of the budget was allocated to digital marketing. The audience was actively engaged, becoming part of the production process, with their decisions influencing certain aspects.

The epic "Bahubali" (2015) took a similar approach, initiating marketing campaigns well in advance and providing regular updates to keep fans engaged. Bollywood cast members would even alter their social media account names to promote their upcoming films.

Exploring the darker side of market fundamentalism, movies like "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" and "Tiger" delve into the theme of job insecurity, depicting scenarios where employees can lose their jobs suddenly.

The British Empire operated through a combination of economic exploitation, political control, military power, cultural influence, infrastructure development, social engineering, and strategic military bases. It sought economic gain through colonies, governed with a mix of direct and indirect rule, and used military force to defend its interests. The British Empire spread its culture, language, and institutions, invested in infrastructure projects, and engaged in social engineering to reshape societies. It strategically established military bases and encouraged colonial settlements. The impact was complex, leaving a lasting legacy on the development of many former colonies.

In contrast, the United States, in its modern imperial role, lacks colonies but operates in an age of collapsed distances. Kaplan's rules for the US Empire, drawing inspiration from the British Empire, include emphasizing 'Manliness' and rewriting history. Critics argue that the British Empire, despite its flaws, was more successful in establishing market economies, the rule of law, and representative government compared to many postcolonial governments.

According to Hardt and Negri's "Empire," the modern empire can be challenged from multiple sites, and global multitudes have already begun to rise in revolt. Post-colonial theory suggests that scholars should not put their knowledge at the service of imperial powers.

Environmental issues are linked to colonialism's destruction of cultural and ecological diversity. Vandana Shiva connects capitalism and transnational corporations to the destruction of local cultures, emphasizing the intricate link between ecology and human culture. American environmentalism's obsession with the wilderness is criticized for erasing the history of colonized peoples. Environmental writing often remains amnesiac towards non-American geographies.

Rethinking Post-Colonial Criticism

Post-colonial criticism has been critiqued for insufficiently engaging with the history and ongoing colonial projects faced by indigenous peoples. Jodi A. Byrd and Michael Rothberg highlight the over-reliance on colonialism models from South Asia and Africa, which may not fully address the settler colonies of the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.

Examining the resistance strategies of the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), Palit notes the development of new forms of resistance drawing from local experiences. Shaped by Gandhian anti-colonial methods, the NBA gained support from women’s groups, trade unions, and left parties, and connected with international people’s movements. The enclosure of commons, a vital step in the birth of capitalism according to Marx, involved the dispossession of communal property, akin to the US takeover of Native American or Mexican territories. Marx termed this process "primitive accumulation," central to political economy as original sin was to theology.

Older histories of race, empire, and dispossession resurface in the new empire's heart. Analyzing the subprime and debt crisis in the US, Chakravartty and Ferreira da Silva identify racialized logic in dispossession. They question who is most vulnerable and highlight the profitable nature of 'high-risk' securities tied to racial/cultural differences. Chakrabarty advocates abandoning previous conceptions of human freedom in the face of climate change, suggesting that traditional critiques of human-made systems may not adequately capture the evolving complexities of human history.

 

Examples:-

Kadvi Hawa (2017):

Set in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, the film depicts the harsh realities faced by the villagers in Mahua due to climate change. Scanty rainfall, barren land, and crop failures lead to farmers accumulating debt, resulting in a series of farmer suicides. The story follows the pact made by a blind old farmer with a debt recovery agent to save his son from the debt trap. "Kadvi Hawa" provides a stark portrayal of how climate change can have severe consequences on agriculture, livelihoods, and human lives.

Sherni:

"Sherni" explores the links between humans, animals, and forests. The film addresses issues such as human-wildlife conflict and wildlife conservation. The narrative sheds light on the importance of preserving the ecosystem and the challenges faced in maintaining the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. Through its storyline, "Sherni" raises awareness about the significance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect the natural habitats of animals.

Word Count - 1696

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