1. Bhatt Prakruti B.
Paper:11 The postcolonial Literature
Topic: Postcolonialism in Black Skin White
Mask
Roll:No:12
Date:-15-10-2013
2. 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.
3. Postcolonialism in Black Skin White Mask
Superior - inferior
race and states of mind
Psychological
dimention of race
colour hegemony over
the other
4. 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'.