What is Postcolonialism? A Short Introduction to Postcolonial Theory

What is postcolonialism and why is postcolonial theory important to understand today? Postcolonial literature and film are vibrant and diverse fields that offer a critical approach to studying the socio-economic and cultural relationship between former colonial powers and current post-colonial states, as well as reflections on how the history of colonization has transformed our identities and conditions the ways in which we see the world around us.

The host, Dr. Alexander K. Smith, holds an MA from Oxford University and a PhD in the anthropology of Tibet and the Himalayas from the University of Paris, France.

A few recommended readings:

Boehmer, Elleke. 2005 [1995]. Colonial and Postcolonial Literature: Migrant Metaphors. Oxford University Press.

Gandhi, Leela. 1998. Postcolonial Theory: A critical introduction. Allen and Unwin.

Loomba, Ania. 2005 [1988]. Colonialism/Postcolonialism. Routledge

Moore-Gilbert, Bart, Gareth Stanton and Willy Maley. 1997. Postcolonial Criticism. Routledge.

Young, Robert J. C. 2001. Postcolonialism: An Historical Introduction. Blackwell.

I don’t often recommend primary source readers, but in the case of postcolonial writing, a great deal of the literature is so dense that it helps to have an expert unpack core readings. You can hardly do better than Moore-Gilbert, Stant, and Maley’s edited volume (1997). It's probably one of the better entry-points to the field that I’ve read. Loomba (1988) and Boehmer (1995) are both very solid monographs that provide contrasting perspectives on the intellectual history of postcolonialism. I would recommend reading them together, while Gandhi (1998) is probably the most political historically-grounded of three histories I’ve recommended. All very good starting points. If you already have an understanding of postmodern literary criticism and at least a layman’s understanding of Marxist academic theory, then I would highly recommend Young (2001). It’s not entirely unproblematic in its historical methodology, but I think that it will be considered a masterwork in the field – and already is by some.

[ArmchairAcademics]

Thanks for watching! Postcolonialism is a fabulously interesting and complex field. If you'd like us to make more content on the subject... on postcolonial film(s), specific authors, or national and/or historical perspectives, let us know in the comments 🍻✌ [corrections follow below]

Corrections: 4:10 I mispronounce Aijaz Ahmad.

[Indigomooneyes]

For me the main problem is that we still chose to operate the language that makes clear boundaries and binaries. Such as a term "global south". It immediately implies its pejorative meaning and solidifies imbalance.

[omarboujtat]

This video came in its time . I am currently studying all of those theories . I hope you would dive more deeply in each theory

[Ward]

The criticism that post-colonialism is very difficult to read is valid. Their writings are purposefully obfuscated to further their deconstruction of perceived power differentials. It is one of the primary aims of post-structualism, postmodernism, post-colonialism. The goal is not to express truth or find the wiser path forward, but solely to deconstruct long-held understandings. The end game to their destruction is that there is no end game. Hence, the near impossibility to understand their literature.

[vncntrgr]

Great video, Prof! Having been to several (but nowhere near enough) national or regional museums in countries previously occupied by Western countries, I definitely felt the echo of the "interruption" in self-representation during that period.

[Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki]

Hi Dr. Smith! Thank you so much for this video, it's very helpful to look into this matter in such a concise manner. If I may ask, I've noticed a lot of East vs. West form of definition here, but I was curious as to whether or not this could be applied to East Asia as a whole in a minor sense. I want to do a MA and hopefullly a PhD in regards to the history, repercussion, affect and influence Japan has had on it's neighbors following the end of WW2. As a Japanese national myself I feel compelled to this form of research as I've noticed that Japan does have a significant effect on it's formerly colonized territories be it through soft power and infrastructure, and the lack of post-colonialist dialogue for the most part in Japan, especially from China and S. Korea has been a major political focal point in regards to international relations. I've also noticed that since Japan lost it's colonial territories almost overnight, with justice of war crimes being doled out by the US alone, and the post war occupation of Japan by the US has affected Japan's perception on the international stage. Japan doesn't operate the way the UK (as example) does now with it's former colonies as well.

Sorry for the longwinded arc but I was curious as to whether this would be considered Postcolonial research, to look into this topic from a former Asian colonizing power that has affected it's neighbors with it's prior actions :3 Thank you kindly!

[africanhistory]

Might train some empathy as well. Yes those people in Gaza are humans with dreams like everyone else. Why should they not fight for what others have fought for? Freedom?

[noemi-mi-mi]

What about the criticism of PT from the actual left? That includes the argument that much of the writing is obscurantist (as mentioned), but more importantly, that a lot of it is in fact reactionary, wearing a cloak of radicalism but posing a threat to no one in power and liberating only a few on the subaltern side. Some tenures for the academics of colour, but nothing for the working class of any colour. See Vivek Chibber.

[yinckwo]

Thank you for this the information i found was very vague.

[sherrylbaquiran]

Thanks for this video sir. It's helps us understand the approach about postcolonialism

[Nedwin]

Just read Ania Loomba book, and your explanation is so relevant. Thank you sir! ❤

[andreahoehmann]

I speak three languages ​​from formerly colonized countries, and so I know how difficult it is for people there to even formulate their own viewpoint on history. They even have to borrow the words for this from European languages! This makes them easy prey for pseudo-scientific ideologues who often hold professorships at prestigious universities. "Postcolonial studies" are occasionally carried out scientifically, but in most cases only a vulgar form of it exists.

[Rhythmicons]

Post-colonial Indiana Jones: "It never belonged in a museum."

[maryamqureshi]

is there a specific theory on post colonial opression ?
theory of oppression?

[NullStaticVoid]

Have a love hate thing with Fanon.
He says some rally insightful things.
But I swear half his books are just rote repetition of standard Marxist stuff.
I'm probably not the audience he was writing for though.

[maximillianphoenix]

You forgot to mention that it fell out of the backside of the rotten left 🤔