Postcolonial Studies and Globalization

Greeting,

This blog post is a response to a task assigned by Professor Dilip Barad Sir. It presents my understanding and interpretations of five research articles on postcolonial studies and its future scope in the era of globalization.

Article on "Globalization and Future of Postcolonial Studies"

Traditionally, the term "postcolonialism" was associated with a strong aversion to English people, their language, their culture and almost everything about them was viewed with disdain. This narrow idea of postcolonialism was prevalent when India was under British rule. The same sentiment was common in many colonized countries throughout history.

“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 ‘postcolonial. As the New American Empire develops, openly and shrilly advocated by policy-makers, politicians, and academics within the US and elsewhere, it is more urgent than ever to think about the questions of dominations and resistance that have been raised by anti-colonial movements and postcolonial studies worldwide.” (Loomba)

 

Now, the times have changed, especially after the 9/11 terror attack. We are in an era of globalization, and there are new ways of exploiting and governing countries that were once colonized. Following the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, the United States emerged as a new global empire. The U.S. began to assert control over Middle Eastern countries like Afghanistan, and its foreign policies regarding terrorism shifted significantly thereafter.

Critics Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, in their book 'Empire', argue that new methods of control and empire-building are easier compared to the old forms of imperialism.

In today's world, while traditional colonies no longer exist, first-world developed countries like the United States, England, and others have found new ways to extend their influence over third-world countries. In this globalized era, multinational corporations possess a significant threat, often exploiting workers in these developing nations. These corporations have established their presence across the globe, creating new forms of dominance. Therefore, the future of postcolonial studies must focus on understanding how the enduring effects of colonialism, the complexities of global politics, and the shifts brought by globalization intersect.

Joseph Stiglitz, a prominent economist, discusses the concept of "Market Fundamentalism." This ideology drives today's corporate culture. It is similar to religious fundamentalism, where individuals rigidly adhere to the basic tenets of their holy scriptures, believing that the written words are the ultimate truth with nothing beyond them. Both religious and market fundamentalism are harmful to society, but market fundamentalism is more destructive due to globalization. For example, multinational brands like Pepsi operate in almost every country, yet they control their business from their home country. In this way, market fundamentalism transcends national borders, cultures, and geography.

With the advent of technology and Globalization 4.0, it is predicted that the next industrial revolution will be driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). In such times, we must shift our postcolonial perspective from traditional to modern, focusing on how human beings are treated in this era of technological advancement. We need vigilant eyes on companies that exploit workers by failing to provide minimum wages and fair working conditions. This modern form of exploitation requires a critical lens to ensure that technological progress does not perpetuate new forms of colonialism or injustice.

Article on Globalization and Fiction

This article showcases the close relationship between globalization and how they are portrayed or captured within the fictional movies and literature. And how we can see this global phenomena through postcolonial lenses. 

In the wake of globalization, it is important to see how writers have captured these themes in their work. One such Pakistani writer is Mohsin Hamid, whose novel 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' captures the essence of globalization, the 9/11 attacks, and market fundamentalism. The novel centers around an ambitious man, Changez Khan, who comes to the U.S. in search of better career opportunities.

Initially, Changez faces discrimination due to his Islamic background, but after some time, he earns recognition in his company and quickly rises to a prominent position. However, things begin to change after the 9/11 terror attacks. His colleagues start viewing Changez as a potential threat and connects him with terrorism, and his girlfriend, Erica, creates a photographic project that portrays him in a way that unsettles him. Changez feels that this project robs him of his true identity. He begins to lose his sense of belonging in the company and eventually decides to leave. He returns to Pakistan and pursues a career as a professor. 

Article on Postcolonial Studies in The Anthropocene 

At this point, we might feel that there is no need for postcolonialism, as no country is colonized in the traditional sense anymore. Scholars like Gayatri Spivak have remarked that "postcolonialism is the day before yesterday," However, other critics, like Dipesh Chakrabarty, argue that we should shift our postcolonial focus toward more pressing concerns, such as climate change and environmental studies. Chakrabarty suggests that the global challenges we face today, particularly environmental crises, require a rethinking of the postcolonial framework to address the inequalities and vulnerabilities shown by these issues. 

"And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Genesis 1.26)

In contemporary times, humans have embraced an anthropocentric worldview, in which they see themselves as the center of the Earth, with other living and non-living entities existing merely to serve human needs. This mindset has led to the unchecked exploitation of the Earth and its natural resources, often without consideration for the ecological harm being caused. Anthropocentrism has deep roots in human culture, where natural resources have historically been used for human benefit. However, with the advent of advanced technology and industrial machinery, the pace of resource exploitation has increased dramatically. If we do not take necessary steps to address the environmental damage we are causing, it could have devastating consequences for the entire human race in the future. 

As part of our study on the intersection of postcolonialism and environmental crises, we also screened the documentary 'Anthropocene: The Human Epoch'. The documentary vividly illustrates how multinational companies across the globe mass produce goods by exploiting natural resources. These corporations often establish their factories in developing and poorer countries, where they not only pollute the air, land, and water but also take advantage of cheap labor for menial tasks. This form of environmental and economic exploitation highlights the continued legacy of postcolonial dynamics, and our focus in addressing these issues. 

Here, you can watch this documentary free on You Tube 

 

Another phenomenon we observe is "spatial amnesia." This concept, rooted in the American myth of wilderness, refers to the encroachment upon land that is believed to be unoccupied. When people discover seemingly empty or abandoned land, they often assume it is theirs for the taking. However, this is not always the case. Indigenous populations, such as the Red Indians, may already inhabit these lands, considering them their own. The newcomers then colonize the indigenous people. This myth of wilderness has become a central theme in American literature and has contributed to the development of the American Dream.

The encroachment of multinational companies on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a contemporary example of this phenomenon. Pankaj Sekhsaria's 2014 novel, "The Last Wave," focuses on the Jarawa community, an indigenous tribe residing in these islands. The book depicts how these companies and peoples exploit the Jarawa community for their own gain and betterment.

Moreover, we observe internal colonialism within decolonized nations. This concept highlights the enduring effects of colonialism in regions that have formally achieved independence, significantly impacting both the environment and local people. In India, not only foreign companies but also domestic corporations contribute to ecological degradation. The recent Hasdeo forest crisis in Chhattisgarh is a prime example, raising serious environmental concerns. Thousands of trees are cut daily in the Hasdeo forest in the name of development, and coal mining factory. This land has been granted to the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, operated by the Adani Group. Such deforestation poses a significant threat to biodiversity.

Ekta, an environmental activist says, 

“The forest is home to many species of animals, including elephants, bears, reptiles and others. Economically and spiritually important trees like sal and mahua, which are sold for sustenance and worshipped as deities by indigenous communities, are chopped. They have been conserved and protected for over 100 years,”

This is an example of how internal colonization works, but many Indian companies operating within the country also pose a threat to our ecology and biodiversity. We shouldn't forget the recent Ladakh crisis, where activists like Sonam Wangchuk went on a long hunger strike, yet the government took no action.

The current crisis in Joshimath is a result of prioritizing economic development over protecting the environment. This issue has been brewing ever since we adopted a model of development that encouraged the unchecked exploitation of natural resources. It’s well known that the Himalayan mountain range and its ecosystem are fragile. The Himalayas play a crucial role in shaping South Asia's environment, society, and economy. Yet, our greed has kept us from respecting these facts.

Contemporary arts and culture should be vigilant of ecological concerns, addressing these issues and raising awareness. This has led to the emergence of a distinct literary genre,  climate fiction, exemplified by the celebrated Indian writer Amitav Ghosh. Climate fiction incorporates ecological themes into fiction. In his work "The Great Derangement," Ghosh explores how religious gatherings can be used to influence people about the deteriorating state of the environment. Given the deep faith and belief that many people hold in religion, such environmental activism could be effectively carried out within these social gatherings.

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

In his seminal work "Orientalism" (1978), Edward Said discusses how Europeans (Occidentals) have preconceived notions about non-European peoples (Orients), particularly those from Asia and the Middle East. They view Eastern people as savage, brutal, and uncivilized, while seeing themselves as noble and superior, with a duty to "civilize" the Orientals. This form of discrimination is also evident in European and Hollywood films.

During the Cold War, Hollywood movies were used as soft power tools, promoting certain ideologies, cultural values, and economic influence. Films like the 'Rambo' and 'James Bond' series are prime examples. In these movies, non-European characters are often portrayed as villains. In the era of globalization, such films shaped America's image as a benevolent superpower, using entertainment to align global audiences with U.S. interests and values, while influencing perceptions of its power and role in the world.

In such films, the hero often travels to exotic countries and fights local people, and restores the image of their European country by gaining victory in the war. European heroes frequently use modern machines, guns, cars, and advanced technology, while local characters rely on traditional tools like horses and swords, lacking access to high-tech, expensive weaponry, and ammunitions.

"The Avengers" film series can be pinned as contemporary example of such hegemonic and influential  narrative by America. This film series also establishes America as a house of super power and high end technology. If there is anything wrong happens with the world then America is ready to save the whole world. 

This franchise reflects America's geopolitical narrative by portraying the U.S. as a global protector, with heroes symbolizing American leadership. The films emphasize technological superiority, global interventionism, and moral dichotomy, aligning with U.S. foreign policy themes of policing the world. While the team is multinational, the leadership remains centered on American characters, reinforcing U.S. dominance. Through its global appeal, "The Avengers" serves as a tool of soft power, promoting American values and influence worldwide.

 

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

The article discusses the portrayal of historical figures Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem in S. S. Rajamouli's film "RRR". While these characters are known for their resistance against local oppression within their tribal communities, the film frames them within a nationalistic narrative focused on British colonialism. This perspective overlooks their actual struggles for land, water, and forests.

Movies should honor the rich history of tribal people's struggles instead of glorifying narratives for entertainment. If such histories aren’t recorded in films or literature, there's a risk that future generations will forget their efforts. Literature must address these everyday issues critically, encouraging writers to raise important questions about these overlooked topics.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan was a social protest led by Medha Patkar and various tribal communities in response to the passing of a bill to build a dam on the Narmada River. While building the dam might seem beneficial for providing drinking water and irrigation, this primarily benefits the state of Gujarat and overlooks the impact on local tribal people. Their homes and livelihoods are directly affected by the river's waters. Those who would be impacted by the dam's construction were not informed about the project; they were simply offered rehabilitation.

"Displacement… is a very inadequate word that conveys nothing of its true meaning. Displacement is not about moving…(It) is about losing a river. Losing access to clean, safe, drinking water…losing land that is watered richly…losing the grass that your herds grazed on. Losing your cattle. Losing the milk that came from your cattle…losing honey and herbs…losing the right to protest when somebody in a uniform shows up to set fire to your home. What else was left to lose?" 

Many people were forced to leave their homes because of a dam project. This wasn't just moving it changed their lives in many ways. A famous Gujrati writer named Dhruva Bhatt wrote a book about the Narmada River and the people who lived there. However, his book didn't talk much about the struggles of the people who fought to save the river.

Nowadays, writers are more aware of environmental problems and the difficulties faced by marginalized groups. They are writing about these issues and trying to understand them from a different perspective. 

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References

Bahukhandi, Prem. “Joshimath crisis is a warning from the Himalayas.” Down To Earth, 19 January 2023, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/urbanisation/joshimath-crisis-is-a-warning-from-the-himalayas-87229. Accessed 17 September 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “GLOBALIZATION AND THE FUTURE OF POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES.” researchgate.net, ResearchGate, October 2022, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376374570_GLOBALIZATION_AND_THE_FUTURE_OF_POSTCOLONIAL_STUDIES. Accessed September 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “POSTCOLONIAL STUDIES IN THE ANTHROPOCENE: BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE” researchgate.net, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376374708_POSTCOLONIAL_STUDIES_IN_THE_ANTHROPOCENE_BRIDGING_PERSPECTIVES_FOR_A_SUSTAINABLE_FUTURE. Accessed September 2024.

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

Barad, Dilip. “Reimagining Resistance: The Appropriation of Tribal Heroes in Rajamouli's RRR”, researchgate.net, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383603395_Reimagining_Resistance_The_Appropriation_of_Tribal_Heroes_in_Rajamouli's_RRR.  Accessed September 2024.

Barad, Dilip. “GLOBALIZATION AND FICTION: EXPLORING POSTCOLONIAL CRITIQUE AND LITERARY REPRESENTATIONS”, researchgate.net, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376371617_GLOBALIZATION_AND_FICTION_EXPLORING_POSTCOLONIAL_CRITIQUE_AND_LITERARY_REPRESENTATIONS. Accessed September 2024.

Nitnaware, Himanshu. “Activists allege thousands of trees felled in Hasdeo for coal mining.” Down To Earth, 4 January 2024, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/activists-allege-thousands-of-trees-felled-in-hasdeo-for-coal-mining-93718. Accessed 21 September 2024.