Bhatt Prakruti B.Paper:11 The postcolonial Literature

Topic: Postcolonialism in Black Skin White Mask

Roll:No:12Date:-15-10-2013

Meaning of Postcolonialism Postcolonial theory is a generalized term used to describe the variety of events that

took place in the aftermath of decolonization throughout various nations.

Post colonialism as a study addresses issues of power, subordination, race, gender inequality and class warfare; but it examines how these issues still exist and linger far after the imperial powers exited the colonies.

The ultimate goal of post colonial theory is to combat the lasting effects of colonialism on native cultures. It is not simply concerned with recovering these past cultures, but learning how the world can move beyond this period together, towards a place of mutual respect.

Some of the most prominent theorists and authors of this theory are Frantz Fanon, Gayatri Spivak and Edward W. Said. These authors sought to expose and deconstruct the racist, imperialist nature of Eurocentric assumptions and thus remove the power of persuasion and coercion.

Postcolonialism in Black Skin White Mask

Superior - inferior

race and states of mind

Psychological dimention of race

colour hegemony over the other

Black Skin White Masks, Fanon argued that colonoalism dehumanized the native.

This process was thorough that the black man can see himself

only as the black (mirror) image of the white man.

The white man is the master, and represents an object that is to be feared and desired.

The black therefore tries to be more like the (desirable) white man/master. He puts on 'white mask'.