Postcolonial studies

 Postcolonial studies and examples 

Hello everyone,

This blog is based on the thinking activity assigned by dilip barad sir . In which I'm going to discuss about the postcolonial studies and some relevant examples about it, according to the articles and my understanding.(NOTE: Along with articles which is cited in 'references' I took a help of generative AI for framing my words.)

So let's begin…..

ARTICLE 1: 

The first article talks about how globalization relates to postcolonial studies, especially after the 9/11 attacks. It explains that scholars need to look at global power dynamics differently, focusing on which countries have control over global issues. The 9/11 attacks showed how America's fight against terrorism became a worldwide issue instead of just a conflict with a few countries, leading to the idea of a New American Empire.

Then after we have P. Sainanth and he in a way argues that market fundamentalism is more dangerous than religious fundamentalism because it has no limits and keeps growing, taking over everything in its way. Mohsin Hamid’s novel, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” , also discusses how big companies take advantage of ordinary people.

According to Hardt and Negri, empires can now be built without taking over land physically. The old idea of center and margin in postcolonial studies doesn’t work as well anymore because power dynamics have changed. Instead of needing to occupy territories, colonization now happens through globalization and multinational companies that make important decisions worldwide. 

For example, the Reliance company initially provided free internet and phone services, which pushed other companies out of the market. Now, the remaining companies can charge higher prices, while BSNL, a government-run company that used to be successful, is losing customers because of privatization.

Globalization is often seen as the fourth Industrial Revolution, happening faster than any before it. However, it brings many problems, like the higher demand for raw materials and increased risks of environmental damage due to large machines. The wealth concentrated in the hands of owners of multinational corporations also impacts politics, as these companies can influence government decisions. This growing inequality means that corporate owners earn much more than workers who put in longer hours.

Noam Chomsky also describes the corporations as "private tyrannies," emphasizing how they control people and exploit their resources for profit. The market is focused on profits and losses, paying little attention to fairness or the welfare of people. In an article about American universities, it is noted that students are having trouble understanding these complex issues.

ARTICLE 2: 

Contemporary postcolonial fiction looks at the harmful effects of globalization. Authors from postcolonial backgrounds use themes like resistance, mixed identities, and identity crises to show the disruptions caused by globalization. Many postcolonial writers criticize globalization for creating new types of colonialism, especially through multinational companies and economic policies that dominate poorer countries. 

For example, 

In Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, characters fight against the negative effects of globalization, which are seen in political unrest, forced displacements, and economic exploitation. Roy highlights how global economic forces often take advantage of local communities.

Globalization also mixes cultural and national boundaries, leading to hybrid identities. 

For example,

 In Aravind Adiga's “The White Tiger”, the character Balram Halwai represents the complex changes happening in India, where traditional and global influences collide. His rise from poverty to success involves ethical compromises, showing the moral challenges of living in a globalized capitalist world.

Many authors illustrate how globalization creates identity crises for people who feel torn between local traditions and global modern life. This struggle appears in Don DeLillo’s Cosmopolis, where the main character, Eric Packer, grapples with feelings of isolation caused by global capitalism. Although DeLillo isn’t from a postcolonial background, his focus on alienation connects to the negative effects of globalization. 

In Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, the character Saleem represents hybridity, as he cannot be defined by a single culture but instead belongs to many.

By writing from their own cultural and geographic perspectives, these authors highlight how globalization leads to inequality, challenges local identities, and shows both resistance and adaptation.

ARTICLE 3 :- 

Postcolonial studies and environmental issues come together when we look at how colonialism has harmed both people and nature, especially in the current era called the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene is the time we live in now, where human activities significantly affect the Earth's climate and ecosystems. Colonialism often resulted in the exploitation of both people and natural resources. Today, multinational companies act like modern colonizers, using land and taking valuable resources while damaging the environment. Issues like deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity are direct results of this exploitation.

The heavy use of minerals and natural resources contributes to climate change and environmental damage for various reasons. Many people depend on these resources for their livelihoods, such as farming and fishing. When the environment suffers, their way of life is greatly affected. Moreover, many areas lack the resources to deal with climate disasters like floods, droughts, or rising sea levels. Their governments, which still struggle with the effects of colonialism, often do not have the necessary infrastructure to protect their people from these crises.

Films like The Salt of the Earth (2014) provide real examples of how environmental destruction impacts vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries. This film shows the environmental damage in Brazil, including deforestation and mining, which have caused lasting harm to local communities and ecosystems. Documentaries like Anthropocene: The Human Epoch (2018) also discuss the harm being done to the environment and ecosystems. One can also say the Movies like Sherni, directed by Amit V. Masurkar, address environmental issues and wildlife. James Cameron's Avatar (2009) also talks about how people exploit resources, even on other planets.

ARTICLE 4 :- 

Hollywood action movies like Rambo and James Bond greatly shape global perceptions of America, portraying it as a hero fighting for freedom and democracy. These films create a positive image of the U.S. as a powerful leader. They depict U.S. military and intelligence agencies as highly capable and moral, with American characters often acting as saviors for those in need. These narratives promote American values, making them seem desirable worldwide.

However, from a postcolonial perspective, these films simplify complex global issues into "good vs. evil" stories, portraying America as the hero and reinforcing colonial attitudes by depicting other cultures as weak. They also justify U.S. intervention in other countries, suggesting that America has the right to solve global problems.

ARTICLE 5 :- 

The film RRR reimagines the stories of tribal heroes Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem as part of a larger fight against British colonial rule, which alters the real history. While Raju and Bheem focused on specific local issues, such as protecting tribal rights to forests, land, and water, the movie broadens their narrative to emphasize Indian nationalism. This shift misses the opportunity to address ongoing challenges faced by tribal communities today, like land loss and environmental destruction.

While this reimagining can raise awareness of tribal issues and celebrate tribal heritage, it also oversimplifies complex histories. By centering the plot on the fight against the British, the film neglects current problems like the displacement of tribal people caused by Indian governments and companies. This trend of simplifying indigenous stories is not unique to India; Hollywood westerns have similarly portrayed Native American leaders as "noble savages," ignoring their real struggles. As a result, many Indian films focusing on historical figures emphasize their battles against the British, making these heroes appear less relevant to modern issues.

Refrences :- 

Barad, Dilip. “GLOBALIZATION AND FICTION: EXPLORING POSTCOLONIAL CRITIQUE AND LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS.” ResearchGate, Oct. 2022, www.researchgate.net/publication/376371617. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “GLOBALIZATION AND THE FUTURE OF POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES.” ResearchGate, Oct. 2022, www.researchgate.net/publication/376374570. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.” ResearchGate, Oct. 2022, www.researchgate.net/publication/376374708. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “Reimagining Resistance: The Appropriation of Tribal Heroes in Rajamouli’s RRR.” ResearchGate, Oct. 2022, www.researchgate.net/publication/383603395. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Dilip. “Heroes or Hegemons? The Celluloid Empire of Rambo and Bond in America’s Geopolitical Narrative.” ResearchGate, Oct. 2022, www.researchgate.net/publication/383415195. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.

Thank you so much for reading...

Have a great time.