Thinking Activity: Conclusion: Globalisation and Future of Postcolonial Studies:-
Hello readers! This blog is written in response to the thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir from Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I am going to summarize two articles from Ania Loomba's book - 'Colonialism and Post Colonialism about Post Colonial Studies. The First article is Conclusion : Globalization and the future of Post Colonial Studies (2nd Edition) and another one is Conclusion : The Future of Post Colonial Studies (3rd Edition). Click here to read about article Conclusion: Future of Post Colonial Studies)
What is Postcolonialism?
According to Cambridge Dictionary,
"Postcolonial means it is a from or relating to the period after colonialism. Postcolonial studies explore how colonialism has shaped and continues to influence these aspects". Certainly, postcolonial studies is a multidisciplinary field that emerged in the mid-20th century and has gained significant prominence in academia.
Postcolonial Studies embrace an interdisciplinary approach, offering a diverse range of academic tools and perspectives to examine the social, cultural, and psychological consequences of colonialism and the identity challenges arising during the process of decolonization. In essence, Postcolonialism critically investigates the cultural, political, and economic legacies of colonialism and imperialism, with a specific focus on the impact of human control and exploitation on colonized people and their lands. This academic field began to take shape in the 1960s when scholars from formerly colonized countries started publishing works that scrutinized the enduring effects of colonialism, contributing to a critical theoretical analysis of history, culture, literature, and the discourse of imperial power.One Possible definition for Postcolonialism is that ;
" It involves a studied engagement with the experience of Colonialism and its Past and Present effects, both at the local level of ex - colonial Societies and at the level of more general global developments thought to be the after- effects of empire."
Postcolonialism encompasses discussions on a wide array of experiences, including slavery, migration, suppression, resistance, difference, race, gender, and place. It also involves responses to the discourses of imperial Europe in fields such as history, philosophy, anthropology, and linguistics. This broad perspective allows for a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted impacts of colonialism on societies and individuals, considering both historical and contemporary dimensions. (Click Here) to know more and understanding about Post Colonialism.
What is Globalization?
In simple Words ;
"Globalization is a term used to describe how trade and technology have made the world into a more Connected and interdependent Place."
Globalization is the word used to describe the growing interdependence of the world’s economies, cultures, and populations, brought about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, and flows of investment, people, and information. Countries have built economic partnerships to facilitate these movements over many centuries. To know more about Globalization (Click Here).
Conclusion: Globalization and the Future of Post Colonial Studies:-
The article explores the dynamic relationship between Globalization and the future of Postcolonial Studies. It delves into the impact of Globalization on this academic field, emphasizing how the increasingly interconnected and transnational nature of the world has both challenged and broadened the scope of Postcolonial Studies. Ania Loomba, the author, identifies various key areas where Globalization is influencing and transforming the landscape of Postcolonial Studies.
" Post Colonial tool become very much Intresting when it comes to question."
This article also talks about the Perspectives of different Scholars like Thomas Friedman, Hardt and Negri , Joseph E.Stiglitz and P.sainath. In addition to that It also talks about Globalization and its Discontents - Work by Noam Chomsky.
1. 9/11 Attack:-
The 9/11 attacks, also known as the September 11 attacks, have been a significant event that intertwines the concept of a global war with the phenomenon of globalization. The aftermath of this tragic event sparked discussions on violence within the context of globalization. Furthermore, it played a pivotal role in the rise of the New American Empire and the subsequent Global War on Terror.
Ania Loomba rightly observed that ;
" Since the events of 11 September 2001, the so called global war on terror, and the US invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, it is harder than ever to see our world as simply Post Colonial. As the new American Empire develops, openly and shrilly advocated by Policy- makers , Politicians, and academics. Within the US and elsewhere, it is more since the events of 11 September 2001, the so called global war on terror and the urgent than ever to think about the questions of dominations and resistance that have been raised by anti Colonial movements and Post Colonial studies worldwide. "
Since the events of 11 September 2001, particularly the global war on terror and the US invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, our world's characterization as simply postcolonial has become more challenging. The rise of the new American Empire, openly advocated by policymakers, politicians, and academics, has brought urgency to the consideration of questions related to domination and resistance raised by anti-colonial movements and postcolonial studies globally.
2. Market Fundamentalism:-
Market fundamentalism sheds light on the role of global institutions like the World Bank and the IMF in shaping the global economic landscape. Palagummi Sainath further explores the destructive impact of market fundamentalism in his seminar paper titled "And Then There Was the Market." In this particular observation:
"Market Fundamentalism destroys more human lives than any other simply because it cuts across all national, Cultural, geographic, religious and other boundaries. It is as much at home in Moscow as in Mumbai or Minnesota. South - africa whose advances in the early 1990s thrilled the world moved swiftly from apartheid to Neoliberalism. It sits as easily in Hindu, Islamic or Christian Societies and it contributes angry, despairing recruits to the armies of all religious Fundamentalisms. Based on the Premise that the Market is the soultion to all the Problems of the human race, it is too a very religious Fundamentalism. It has its own Gospel : The Gospel of st. Growth , of st. Choice."
The impact of Market Fundamentalism on Globalization is a contentious issue, as some argue that the actual measures taken under globalization resulted in the process of imposition and underdevelopment. Moreover, some critics also claim that new global powers apply a theory that, while facilitating global connections and creating new opportunities, also entrenches divisions.
3. Empire:-
Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, theorists of globalization, conceptualize the contemporary world in a way that distinguishes it from its modern past. According to them,
"Empire" represents a universal order that accepts no boundaries or limits".
Their perspective suggests a shift in the global paradigm, challenging traditional notions of statehood and sovereignty. The concept of Empire, as presented by Hardt and Negri, reflects the complexities and interconnectedness characterizing the current global landscape.
Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri's perspective on Empire challenges conventional notions of state-based systems of power. They argue that the emerging empire is fundamentally different from historical forms of imperialism and capitalist expansion. According to them, globalization is not merely a process of deregulating world markets; it signifies the breakdown of the traditional statist world order. The old idea of a dichotomy between ruling classes and proletariat, dominant core and subject periphery, is giving way to a more intricate and complicated pattern of inequality.
Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri argued that ;
" Globalization is transforming individual nation states into a System of diffuse national and global institutions of Power in other words a new type of Empire which raises the Possiblity for a multitude of peolpe to fight it."
In their conclusion in "Empire," Hardt and Negri propose an intriguing perspective on contemporary globalization. While acknowledging that it introduces new forms of capitalist command and exploitation, they suggest that it should be welcomed. According to their view, this form of globalization represents capital's latest concession to the force of insurgent subjectivity. In other words, it contains the seeds of another globalization – the counter empire of global communism. This concept implies the potential for a transformative and emancipatory global movement that challenges the existing structures of power and domination.
4. Role of Universities:-
The concept of New Imperialism extends its influence into the realm of educational institutions, raising critical questions about the preparation of the best and brightest students for imperial missions. This suggests an examination of how educational systems might play a role in shaping perspectives and attitudes that align with or challenge imperialistic ideologies and actions. Nilall Ferguson suggest that ;
" United States should Consider sending its most talented students; often hailing from its leading Universities , to fulfill this mission."
It appears that the critique of globalization is not universally accepted, and, in response, there is an attempt to discredit postcolonial studies, especially using the crisis of 9/11 and the global war on terror. Ania Loomba observes that disciplines such as history and literature are not exempt from the politics of patriotism and hyper-nationalism.
"Those who do not teach western history and literature are not exempt from Critique, In an earlier report ACTA ( Anti - Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) had complained not only that Shakespeare was being dropped from required courses but that Shakespeare and Renaissance were being Polluted by a Focus on Social issues such as Poverty and Sexuality. "
One of Edward Said's most significant contributions in "Orientalism" was not only to establish the connections between scholarship and state power in the colonial period but also to highlight its afterlife in a post-colonial global formation with the US at its epicenter. The article concludes with these lines,
" If Universities are to remain sites of dissent and free intellectual inquiry , if scholarship is not be at the service of American or any other Power, Critiques of Past and ongoing empires are going to be more necessary than ever. "
The article concludes with these lines, suggesting that Said's insights have enduring relevance in understanding the ongoing dynamics of power, knowledge, and representation in the contemporary world, particularly in the context of the United States.
Movies Based on Globalization:-
Ghayal Once Again:-
This movie revolves around the struggles faced by four young individuals who become witnesses to the killing of an RTI activist by a wealthy business magnate named Bansal.
Tigers:-
This movie is inspired by the real-life account of a former Nestle Pakistan salesman who takes a stand against multinational corporations. The narrative unfolds the compelling conflict between an individual and the corporate world, showcasing the protagonist's courageous battle against powerful multinational entities.
Rang De Basanti:-
The 2006 film "Rang De Basanti" revolves around the clashes and conflicts between politicians and businessmen against a group of young college boys. The storyline takes a compelling turn when one of the young protagonists must confront his own corrupt father before challenging a politician.
In conclusion, I have tried to analyze Ania Loomba's article on "Globalization and the Future of Postcolonial Studies."
Thank you for visiting...
Word Count:- 1,778
Images:- 10
Videos:- 3
No comments:
Post a Comment