The formation of postcolonial theory
The campaign seek on
(Lazare S Rukundwa & Andries G van
Aarde, 2007)
Introduction and definition of terms.
a) Optimistic – rebelliousness by
which any exploitative and
discrimination practices,
regardless of time space, can be
challenged.
b) Pessimistic – ambiguous, ironic
and superstitious.
c) “Post(-)colonial” – inadequate,
naïve and utopian
d) “Postcolonial” – less suggestive of
chronological or ideological
supersession.
e) Postcolonial criticism – unequal
and universal forces of cultural
representation (political/economic)
f) Emerged from experiences of
oppression and struggle for
freedom.
Formation of postcolonial theory.
1. Humanitarian justification
a. Moral (Bishop Las Casas)
b. Anti-colonial and anti-
slavery
2. Economic Justification
a. Karl Marx saw colonisation
as economic (he was not
anti-colonialist but when it
comes to economic he
was)
b. Economic effects of
capitalism.
3. Political Justification
a. Edmund Burke – campaign
on equal rights seen as
reformist of liberty.
b. Abuses of power, norms,
social practices and
institution of other cultures.
4. Religious Justification
a.
justice and righteousness
against slavery and
colonialism.
b. The emergence of
liberation (America, Asia &
Africa) contributes to the
struggle against
oppression, slavery,
colonialism and dictatorial
regimes.
c. Self-determination enabling
people to take control and
participate in their own
destiny.
d. Liberation theology and
Black theology – struggle
against class domination,
oppression and apartheid.
5. Feminism and Anti-colonial
movements
a. Feminism never been anti-
imperialist – able to fight
masculinity at home.
b. Their fight never been look
up as equal as men.
c. Jayawardena – women in
Vietnam leading local and
national revolutionary
movements against foreign
occupations.
d. Women acted as local
activist (supple food and
medicine, spying)
e. The colonial and patriarchal
systems were both
oppressive to feminist.
A Tricontinental Approach
(Third world continent – undeveloped and
underdeveloped continents)
- Putting together the thoughts,
strategies and writings that formed
a political and cultural unity
(OSPAAAL)
 - Brought up anti-colonial and
postcolonial writing (Havana
Conference)
1. A Latin American Perspective
a. Guevara – the world must
not only be interpreted, it
must be transformed.
2. An Asian Perspective
a. India – non-violence
(Gandhi developed the
concept of “self-reliance”)
3. An African Perspective
a. Anglophone – the objective
realm (history, economic
history, sociality and
materiality.)
b. Francophone – subjective
realm (history of
oppression and exploitation
with concern of human
attitudes towards them)
c. Equal rights for African
(education, treatment,
political participation)
d. Mandela – stress on non-
violence but use limited
violence)
e. Fanon – decolonisation
itself always violence
phenomenon.
(stimulate consciousness
and send clear message)
Hybrid Indentities
- New identity (mixing of before and
after colonisation)
- Reconstruction of the old/original
culture
- Subaltern – underclass people,
voice out in silence
- Colonialism is seen as not only
military and economic domination
but also discourse domination.
- Nationalism problems
o Geographic bounderies,
legal and political
structures of the
postcolonial nations.
o Lacks of charismatic
leadership.
Conclusion
- Postcolonial built from colonial
experiences of people who lived
within the time frame.
- Reclaim their negotiating space for
equity.

A Psychoanalytic Approach and

Liberation struggle.

1. Self-consciousness
a. War against colonialism
must not only materials but
also mental
b. Resistance to gain
freedom.
2. Self-determination
a. Non-violence (passive
resistance)
b. Violence (active resistance)
c. Non-violence looks
“romantic” but revolution is
not made by fasting.
d. Songs and poetry were
important weapons