Articles on Postcolonial Studies

Hello Everyone,😊

This blog is a part of thinking activity assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. In this blog, I'll try to explain how globalization connects with postcolonial studies. I'll explore how global capitalism impacts cultural identities and economic inequalities in formerly colonized countries. By examining books and films, we’ll see themes of resistance, cultural blending, and environmental challenges, helping us understand the struggles faced by marginalized communities today.

Introduction:

 Postcolonial studies is a multidisciplinary area that investigates the effects of colonialism on diverse cultures and societies. It delves into the identities, cultural interactions, and power dynamics that arise after colonial domination. On the other hand, globalization signifies the increasing interconnection of economies, cultures, and societies, propelled by advancements in technology, trade, and communication. This phenomenon impacts identities, economies, and environments at both local and global levels, presenting a blend of opportunities and challenges. In this blog, we will examine how these two themes intersect and influence the experiences of postcolonial societies today.

⮞ How does global capitalism influence the cultural and economic dimensions of postcolonial societies? Can you relate this discussion to films or literature that depict the challenges of postcolonial identities in a globalized world?

    Globalization, when looked at closely, shows a negative side that goes beyond just connecting the world through trade and culture. It often leads to Western culture becoming the dominant force, which can overshadow local customs and traditions in postcolonial countries. This process, called cultural homogenization, means that different cultures start to lose their uniqueness and blend into one global culture, mostly influenced by Western values. For example, people in postcolonial countries might feel pressured to adopt Western ways of speaking, dressing, or consuming media just to fit in or be seen as modern. Over time, this can cause local languages, traditions, and cultural practices to slowly disappear, leaving behind a sense of lost identity.

Economically, globalization might open doors to new markets and jobs, but it also often increases inequality in postcolonial societies. While cities may benefit from global trade and investments, rural areas and poorer communities are left struggling. The wealth tends to get concentrated in cities, where urban elites enjoy the benefits of globalization, while rural regions become poorer. This gap between the rich and the poor widens, especially in postcolonial countries. Also, globalization encourages people from poorer countries to migrate to wealthier ones in search of better jobs, often leaving behind their families and homes. These workers might face exploitation, harsh conditions, and low wages in foreign countries, further weakening their connection to their own cultural identity.

This video can help you understand globalization in simple terms.

Literature and Films Reflecting Globalization's Impact:

  These ideas are well represented in literature and films, which often explore how globalization affects people’s lives in postcolonial societies.

 In Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things, we see how global influences disrupt the traditional life of a family in India. The novel shows how the forces of modernization and capitalism affect not just the economy, but also relationships and social structures. As the characters navigate these global forces, we see them struggle to hold onto their cultural identity.

The same thing we can see in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, the impact of colonialism and the arrival of Western values are explored in an African village. The novel focuses on how these foreign influences completely disrupt the traditional way of life, causing tensions between those who want to hold onto their customs and those who adapt to the new global order. It highlights how globalization and colonialism can tear apart societies, forcing people to choose between their past and an uncertain future.

In the film Slumdog Millionaire, we see modern India, heavily influenced by globalization, where the gap between the rich and the poor is starkly visible. The film shows the lives of those left behind by globalization, living in poverty, while the city grows wealthier. It captures the impact of global capitalism, where only a few benefit, and the majority are left struggling. 

The same we can see in City of God, a film set in Brazil, highlights how globalization often ignores or even exploits the urban poor. The film portrays the lives of young people in a violent neighborhood, showing how poverty and crime are linked to the unequal effects of globalization.

In both literature and films, we see how people from postcolonial societies face the challenges of maintaining their cultural identity and traditions while being pushed by global forces to adapt to a new, often unequal world. These stories highlight the struggles of individuals and communities as they navigate a world shaped by global capitalism, where opportunities are often limited to a privileged few, and cultural traditions are at risk of being lost.

⮞ How do authors from postcolonial backgrounds navigate themes of resistance, hybridity, or identity crisis in their works? Consider analyzing a film that addresses similar issues.

   Contemporary fiction from postcolonial authors often looks at globalization in a critical way, showing how it affects people and societies, especially in terms of resistance, identity, and hybridity. These writers come from countries that were once colonies, and they use their stories to explore how global forces—like big economies and cultural influences—can still have a strong impact, often continuing the same kind of control that colonialism had in the past.

In books like The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga, the main character, Balram, rises from poverty in a fast-changing, globalizing India. However, the story highlights how globalization creates more corruption and deeper class divides. Similarly, Arundhati Roy’s The Ministry of Utmost Happiness focuses on political unrest, showing how people at the margins of society are further affected by global changes. These authors use their characters to show how people resist these systems, standing up to the pressures of capitalism and global dominance.

A big theme in postcolonial fiction is hybridity, which is when characters live between different cultures. Globalization often brings this idea to the forefront because it connects people across countries and cultures. But this also creates an identity crisis. 

For example, in The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, the main character, Changez, feels torn between his life in America and his roots in Pakistan, especially after the 9/11 attacks. He’s successful in the U.S., but the political tensions make him feel alienated. The novel shows how globalization can create new opportunities, but also lead to a loss of cultural identity.

A good example of this in film is The Namesake by Mira Nair, based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel. The film tells the story of Gogol, a young man caught between his Bengali heritage and his American upbringing. His parents try to keep their traditions alive, while Gogol feels the pull to fit into American society. This film explores how globalization forces people to balance their cultural heritage with modern, globalized life, which often leads to an internal struggle about who they really are.

Another film that critiques globalization is Slumdog Millionaire. It shows the huge gap between the glamorous side of India and the harsh reality of poverty. Jamal, the main character, grows up in the slums but ends up winning a huge fortune. His journey highlights the darker side of globalization—child labor, slum demolitions, and the exploitation of the poor. The film shows how people on the margins, like Jamal, survive and resist the negative effects of globalization. Even though he becomes successful, the film criticizes how globalization often leaves the poor behind.

In both books and films, postcolonial writers and filmmakers show how globalization isn’t always the positive force it’s often made out to be. By focusing on resistance, hybridity, and identity crisis, they highlight how global forces can create inequality and cultural tension. Stories like The White Tiger, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, The Namesake, and Slumdog Millionaire show that while globalization brings new chances, it also brings challenges—especially for those who are already struggling in a world where wealth and power are not evenly shared. These works encourage us to think about how to make globalization more fair and inclusive for everyone.

⮞ Using , discuss how postcolonial studies intersect with environmental concerns in the Anthropocene. How are colonized peoples disproportionately affected by climate change and ecological degradation? Reflect on this issue through a film that depicts ecological or environmental destruction, particularly in formerly colonized nations.

As part of our study on the link between postcolonialism and environmental crises, we watched the documentary "Anthropocene: The Human Epoch." The film shows how multinational companies produce goods by taking advantage of natural resources. These companies often build factories in poorer countries, where they pollute the air, land, and water and use cheap labor for low-paying jobs. This type of environmental and economic exploitation highlights the ongoing effects of colonial history, which is important for understanding these issues.

Postcolonial studies and environmental concerns come together in the Anthropocene—a time when human activities are deeply affecting the Earth. These studies explore how colonial histories, like land grabbing and resource extraction, have made climate change and environmental damage worse, especially in regions that were once colonized, mainly in the Global South.

People in these areas have been disproportionately harmed by ecological damage and climate change. Colonization left behind deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and disrupted ecosystems. As a result, these regions now lack the resources to effectively combat climate challenges like natural disasters and rising sea levels.

                     You can find the trailer of Anthropocene below:

Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak says postcolonial studies should go beyond just looking at colonial history and focus on issues like climate change and corporate power. Vandana Shiva agrees, noting that environmental damage has worsened with global capitalism. While some think pre-colonial societies were more sustainable, others argue they had problems too, like patriarchy. Most people agree that discussions about the environment should also consider the needs of local communities.

These ideas are reflected in films like The Constant Gardener (2005) and Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012). The Constant Gardener shows how multinational corporations exploit postcolonial nations, putting profit over environmental sustainability and causing ecological damage.

The same thing we can see that, Beasts of the Southern Wild tells the story of a poor community in the Southern U.S. dealing with flooding and extreme weather, a metaphor for climate change. The film mirrors the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the Global South, who are often the first to suffer from environmental disasters. It also shows the resilience of these communities, just like real-life environmental activists such as Ken Saro-Wiwa, who fought against multinational corporations in Nigeria for the damage they caused to local ecosystems.

So we can say that, postcolonial studies help us understand the connections between colonial history and today's environmental challenges. The field now explores how climate change impacts formerly colonized nations the most. Films like The Constant Gardener and Beasts of the Southern Wild highlight the ongoing struggles against environmental destruction in these vulnerable communities, showing the need for a focus on both environmental justice and the protection of local people.

⮞ From examine how Hollywood shapes global perceptions of U.S. hegemony. How do these films project American dominance, and what postcolonial critiques can be applied to these narratives? Consider selecting other films or TV series that perpetuate similar hegemonic ideals.

Hollywood films like the Rambo and James Bond franchises have played a crucial role in shaping global perceptions of U.S. hegemony, often projecting American dominance and Western geopolitical interests. These films reinforce the narrative of the U.S. as a global liberator and protector of freedom, particularly during the Cold War. For instance, Rambo: First Blood Part II reimagines the Vietnam War as a redemption story for the U.S., portraying American soldiers as betrayed heroes who ultimately triumph over communism. Similarly, Rambo III aligns with U.S. support for Afghan rebels during the Soviet-Afghan War, presenting the U.S. as a moral crusader against communism and a global liberator.

Although James Bond is a British creation, the series often aligns with broader Western geopolitical interests. Films like The Living Daylights (1987) feature Bond aiding Afghan rebels, echoing Rambo III, while Licence to Kill (1989) addresses U.S. concerns about drug cartels, reinforcing U.S. policies like the War on Drugs. These films serve as tools of soft power by promoting Western ideals of freedom and democracy and positioning American and Western characters as the moral centers of global conflicts.

The postcolonial critique of such films challenges their portrayal of the U.S. and the West as benevolent superpowers. These narratives are seen as perpetuating a hegemonic worldview that marginalizes non-Western perspectives, normalizing U.S. military and cultural dominance. By portraying American heroes like Rambo and Bond as defenders of "freedom," these films obscure the complexities of imperialism and neo-colonialism.

Other films and series, like Top Gun, which glorifies the U.S. military, and 24, which depicts American intelligence agencies as defenders against global threats, similarly perpetuate hegemonic ideals by simplifying complex international relations into good-versus-evil narratives. These stories reinforce U.S. global power and legitimacy, subtly aligning global audiences with American interests.

Postcolonial theory advocates for a deconstruction of these narratives, questioning their role in reinforcing U.S. dominance and offering alternative perspectives that challenge hegemonic power structures. Instead of accepting these portrayals as universal truths, these critiques encourage exploring narratives that represent diverse and marginalized voices, ultimately fostering a more inclusive global discourse.

⮞ In light of reflect on how the film appropriates and reimagines tribal resistance against colonial powers. How can such narratives contribute to or undermine postcolonial struggles? You could relate this to other films that portray resistance or appropriation of indigenous or subaltern heroes.

    In RRR, the film reimagines the real-life tribal heroes Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, who fought against local oppressors, and turns them into symbols of India's struggle against British colonialism. While the film celebrates their resistance, it shifts the focus away from their actual fight for land, water, and forest rights. This change makes the story broader and nationalistic but risks ignoring the real issues that tribal communities still face today, such as displacement, loss of land, and environmental destruction.

This kind of storytelling can either help or hurt postcolonial struggles. On one hand, it brings attention to historical resistance, inspiring national pride and unity. On the other hand, it can weaken the true history by focusing more on a national narrative and less on ongoing problems like corporate land grabs and environmental harm that affect indigenous people now.

Other films also deal with this issue. For example, Apocalypto focuses on the Maya civilization but has been criticized for showing more internal violence than the effects of colonialism. Similarly, Avatar portrays a battle for indigenous rights but is often criticized for the "white savior" trope, where an outsider leads the fight instead of the indigenous people themselves.

In all these cases, films can either empower indigenous communities by showing their resistance or undermine them by appropriating their stories to fit broader narratives. If these films focused more on the continuing struggles of indigenous people, like displacement and environmental damage, they could play a stronger role in supporting postcolonial movements and connecting historical battles to today’s issues.

Conclusion:

In nutshell, we can say that global capitalism and postcolonial struggles are closely connected. While globalization brings opportunities, it often erases local cultures and worsens inequality, especially for the poor. Books and movies like The God of Small Things, Things Fall Apart, Slumdog Millionaire, and RRR show how people struggle to keep their identity while dealing with the pressures of a globalized world. These stories also criticize how powerful countries dominate others and call for fairer treatment of cultures, the environment, and indigenous communities.

Thank you so much for your valuable time 😊

References: 

Barad, Dilip. (2022). GLOBALIZATION AND THE FUTURE OF POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES. 10. 186-200. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376374570_GLOBALIZATION_AND_THE_FUTURE_OF_POSTCOLONIAL_STUDIES. Accessed on 21 Sep, 2024.

Barad, Dilip. (2022). GLOBALIZATION AND FICTION: EXPLORING POSTCOLONIAL CRITIQUE AND LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS. 10. 177-185. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376371617_GLOBALIZATION_AND_FICTION_EXPLORING_POSTCOLONIAL_CRITIQUE_AND_LITERARY_REPRESENTATIONS. Accessed on 21 September, 2024.

Barad, Dilip. (2022). POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. 10. 201-213. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376374708_POSTCOLONIAL_STUDIES_IN_THE_ANTHROPOCENE_BRIDGING_PERSPECTIVES_FOR_A_SUSTAINABLE_FUTURE. Accessed on 22 September,2024

Barad, Dilip. (2024). Heroes or Hegemons? The Celluloid Empire of Rambo and Bond in America's Geopolitical Narrative. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383415195_Heroes_or_Hegemons_The_Celluloid_Empire_of_Rambo_and_Bond_in_America. Accessed on 22 September, 2024.

Barad, Dilip. (2024). Reimagining Resistance: The Appropriation of Tribal Heroes in Rajamouli's RRR. 10.13140/RG.2.2.30146.80329. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383603395_Reimagining_Resistance_The_Appropriation_of_Tribal_Heroes_in_Rajamouli. Accessed on 22 September, 2024.