Articles on Postcolonial Studies

 Articles on Postcolonial Studies

This blog explores some key ideas in Postcolonial Studies, looking at two important texts by Ania Loomba: Globalization and the Future of Postcolonial Studies and Future of Postcolonial Studies. These readings are part of an assignment given by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir for our course.

Brief introduction of postcolonial studies:

Postcolonial studies is a field that explores how colonialism has affected different cultures and societies. It looks at how identities, cultural exchanges, and power dynamics change after colonial rule. In contrast, globalization refers to the growing connection between economies, cultures, and societies around the world, driven by technology, trade, and communication. It impacts identities, economies, and environments both locally and globally, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

Reimagining Resistance: The Appropriation of Tribal Heroes in Rajamouli's RRR

In 'RRR', Komaram Bheem is shown as a superhero-like figure on a mission to save a girl from the British. But in real life, his fight was more about defending the rights of tribal people. The movie makes it part of a bigger fight against British rule, which makes the story more exciting but doesn’t focus on what Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju were really fighting for.

Both Raju and Bheem stood up against governments that took away the rights of tribal communities. Raju fought the British after a law in 1882 made it harder for Adivasis to use their forests. Bheem, on the other hand, fought against the Nizam of Hyderabad with the slogan "Jal, Jangal, Zameen" (Water, Forest, Land), showing the importance of natural resources for their people.

Indigenous people are often the first to suffer from things like climate change because their lands are destroyed, forcing them to leave. They take care of the land in a way that’s good for the environment, so losing it is bad for both them and nature. Today, big companies are causing similar problems. Raju and Bheem weren’t just fighting rulers but were trying to protect their land and people—a struggle that still matters today.

By focusing mostly on the fight against colonialism, 'RRR' misses out on the real issues like land and forest rights that are still important to tribal communities. It simplifies their struggle, which was about much more than just fighting the British.

Furthermore Reading (click here)

GLOBALIZATION AND THE FUTURE OF POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES:

Furthermore Reading (click here)

Postcolonial studies used to focus on the negative effects of British colonialism. However, after 9/11, the concept evolved to address the new global power dynamics. Scholars argue that the U.S. has become a modern empire, using its military and economic influence to control other countries.   

In their book 'Empire', Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri explain that the way power works today is very different from old-fashioned colonialism. After 9/11, the U.S. became a major world power, and its actions in the Middle East showed that modern empires still have traces of colonialism, even if they operate in new ways. Ania Loomba also talks about how the "New American Empire" and the war on terror make it clear that we aren’t fully in a postcolonial world. Power and control still exist in different forms across the globe.

Countries like the U.S. and the U.K. don’t use traditional colonial strategies anymore to maintain influence. Instead, they rely on multinational companies that work across different countries, often exploiting workers in poorer nations. This new kind of control is what people like Joseph Stiglitz call "Market Fundamentalism"—a harmful belief system that leads to more inequality around the world.

With the rise of Globalization 4.0 and technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), postcolonial studies need to adjust to these new realities. The Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring progress, but it also raises concerns about unfair treatment of workers. As AI and automation take over more jobs, global companies may continue to take advantage of cheap labor without offering fair pay or good working conditions. A postcolonial approach is important to make sure these new technologies don’t create modern-day versions of colonialism or worsen global inequalities.

Even though old colonial empires are gone, the effects of colonialism are still very much alive. Developed countries continue to dominate through global capitalism and control of technology. Postcolonial studies today should focus on these issues to fight for fairness and equality in a rapidly changing world.

GLOBALIZATION AND FICTION: EXPLORING POSTCOLONIAL CRITIQUE AND LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS:

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Contemporary literature often looks at globalization as something that complicates identity, culture, and economic power. Many postcolonial authors criticize its effects. For example, Arundhati Roy in 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness' and Aravind Adiga in 'The White Tiger' tell stories about characters dealing with the big social and economic changes caused by globalization. They explore themes like resistance, mixed identities, and struggles with who they are.

In 'The White Tiger', the main character, Balram Halwai, rises in India's new economy but shows how global capitalism brings inequality and corruption. His journey reveals the harsh realities people face, where survival often means making tough moral choices. Similarly, in 'The Ministry of Utmost Happiness', Roy highlights how globalization impacts marginalized people in India. She tells the stories of characters, such as Kashmiri separatists and those displaced by development, focusing on their small acts of resistance.

Both authors show the clash between global forces and traditional identities. Their characters often struggle with mixed identities as they try to fit into new economic and social systems while also holding onto their cultural values. This creates personal and societal tensions.

These issues of exploitation and inequality also appear in films like 'The Constant Gardener' . Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the film shows how multinational companies put profits over people, especially in postcolonial countries, similar to the way globalization affects the Global South in the novels.

Overall, both literature and film demonstrate how globalization creates conflict between local identities and global influences. They depict how marginalized groups navigate these challenges and fight for justice and survival. Characters like Balram and those in Roy's stories highlight the unfairness built into global systems and the ongoing struggle for independence in postcolonial societies.

POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE:

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The Global South, especially areas with a history of colonization, faces serious environmental challenges and climate change. This vulnerability comes from a history of resource exploitation during colonial times, which caused deforestation, loss of wildlife, and damaged ecosystems.

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak believes that postcolonial studies need to change to better address current issues. She argues that the traditional focus of this field may not be enough anymore. Vandana Shiva, an environmental activist, connects colonialism to environmental harm, saying that global capitalism has made these old problems even worse.

Some scholars romanticize pre-colonial societies as being more in tune with nature, but others point out that social inequalities existed in those cultures as well. It's clear that environmental issues in the Global South are linked to cultural and social factors, so we need comprehensive approaches to protect the environment and support communities.

This shift in thinking in postcolonial studies highlights how these countries continue to be left out of global environmental discussions. The film "The Constant Gardener"  shows this issue by portraying how multinational companies focus on profits over sustainability, leading to ongoing environmental damage and political neglect in postcolonial areas.

Heroes or Hegemons? The Celluloid Empire of Rambo and Bond in America's Geopolitical Narrative:

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The "Rambo" and "James Bond" film franchises have played important roles in spreading Western ideas, especially during the Cold War and globalization. These Hollywood films have shaped how the world views the United States, showcasing its military strength and values while supporting U.S. foreign policy.

For example, "Rambo: First Blood Part II" changes the story of the Vietnam War, presenting the U.S. as a heroic figure seeking redemption rather than a defeated nation. It highlights America fighting against non-Western enemies, reflecting Cold War fears. Similarly, "Rambo III" shows Rambo helping Afghan fighters against the Soviets, aligning with U.S. support for the Mujahideen in the 1980s.

Even though James Bond is a British character, the series supports Western interests. Films like "The Living Daylights," "Licence to Kill," and "Tomorrow Never Dies" depict Bond as a protector of freedom and democracy, promoting a pro-Western view. Their popularity helps maintain U.S. influence in global entertainment and spreads a Western narrative.

However, these views are not the only ones out there. Other film industries, like Bollywood, can challenge these dominant narratives by telling different stories. Non-Western cinema can help create a more balanced and inclusive global conversation.

Thank you...