Colonialization And Identity: The Impact Of Colonialism On Identity

Over the centuries, countries have sought to expand their spheres of influence, whether politically, economically, or socially. With the advent of technological advances such as the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, colonial endeavors intensified as the world became increasingly interconnected. Countries were no longer confined to their neighboring territories as steam power reduced the distances to far-flung countries and increased their manufacturing output. In this essay, colonisation would refer to the process of subjugation by European powers in other parts of the world, notably in Africa and Asia, occurring mainly between the 18th and 20th century. Although direct colonialism largely ended in the wake of nationalist uprisings post-World War Two, the legacy of colonialism lingers to this day for both colonizers and the colonized.

In this essay, I will refer to several authors who attempt to move away from viewing colonialization through political and economic frameworks, mainly Ashis Nandy, Mahmood Mamdani, and Frantz Fanon. I will delineate the ramifications of colonialism on identity, discuss the

Fanon argues that since “colonialism is not a machine capable of thinking”, it was pointless to enact change through peaceful, rational measures/ Unlike Mamdani and Césaire who seems to draw upon pre-colonial ideals, Fanon urges for a third path forward. He seems to genuinely believe that colonialism can only be defeated when confronted with greater violence” (Fanon 23). For Fanon, non-violent compromises do not adequately dismantle the complexities of a compartmentalised colonial world. While I am not certain that Fanon recognised the full implications of his message of retributive violence – as Fanon’s work has often been blamed for emotionally instigating acts of terrorism by non-state actors – can we actually extend Fanon’s advocating of violence beyond the Algerian fight for