Books matching: neocolonialism
17 result(s)
- #1
Save:Petals of Blood by Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a post-colonial novel set in a small Kenyan village, focusing on the changes and challenges faced by the characters in the post-independence era. The story revolves around four main characters - Munira, Wanja, Abdulla, and Karega - whose lives intertwine as they navigate through the disappointments, corruption, and struggles of the new government. The book delves into themes of Western imperialism, the impact of colonialism on Kenyan society, the quest for wealth and power, and the tensions between modernity and tradition.
The narrative of Petals of Blood is described as dense and complex, requiring a slower pace to truly appreciate the well-rendered characters and their relationships. The novel explores the transition of a rural village into an urban center, highlighting the societal issues in Kenya post-independence, such as education, democracy, and capitalism. Through a mix of symbolism, analogy, and realistic character portrayals, Ngugi wa Thiong'o crafts a compelling story that reflects the struggles of individuals in a changing society.
1 ~ They came for him that Sunday. He had just returned from a night’s vigil on the mountain. He was resting on his bed, Bible open at the Book of Revelation, when two police constables, one tall, the... 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' by Walter Rodney is a detailed analysis of the historical factors contributing to Africa's underdevelopment compared to the 'First World'. Rodney's writing style is described as accessible and informative, providing a chronological sequence of Africa's development and European interference. He delves into the impact of slavery and colonialism on African societies, highlighting the strategies employed by Europeans to exploit and suppress the continent. Rodney's work is considered a seminal piece on the legacy of European destruction in Africa, offering a broad background on the history of European involvement on the continent.
In contrast with the surging growth of the countries in the socialist camp and the development taking place, albeit much more slowly, in the majority of the capitalist countries, is the unquestionable...- #3
Save:Angela Saini's book 'Superior: The Return of Race Science' delves into the history of race science, exploring the origins of research and beliefs regarding racial differences. Saini meticulously traces how the concept of racial superiority is a human construct rather than a scientific fact, debunking the harmful stereotypes that continue to persist in society. Through solid research and a journalistic style, the author presents a detailed account of the pernicious ideology of race, shedding light on how data can be skewed by biases, leading to flawed conclusions and perpetuating discriminatory beliefs.
I am on a road dotted with the corpses of unlucky kangaroos, just under two hundred miles inland from the western Australian city of Perth—at the other end of the world from where I call home. It feel... Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky delves into the intricate workings of mass media and its role in shaping public opinion. Through a critical analysis of the media landscape, the book exposes how information is manipulated and controlled to serve the interests of those in power. Drawing on examples from historical events and contemporary media practices, the authors present a compelling argument about the influence of propaganda, advertising, and political agendas on the dissemination of news.
This book centers in what we call a “Propaganda model,” an analytical framework that attempts to explain the performance of the U.S. media in terms of the basic institutional structures and relationsh...- #5
Save:In "The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism" by Edward E. Baptist, the author meticulously examines the relationship between slavery and the American economic system. Through solid statistics and argument, Baptist demonstrates how American economic growth was powered by the forced toil of enslaved people, particularly in the cotton industry. The book interweaves personal narratives of enslaved individuals with rigorous research to highlight the economic dominance of slavery in shaping the national economy in the years leading up to the Civil War. Baptist's writing style is described as clear, detailed, and searing, offering a deep dive into the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting impact on American society.
ABEAUTIFUL LATE APRIL DAY, seventy-two years after slavery ended in the United States. Claude Anderson parks his car on the side of Holbrook Street in Danville. On the porch of number 513, he rearrang... - #6
Save:'Democracy in America' by Alexis de Tocqueville is a political, historical, and philosophical milestone that offers an insightful analysis of the American political system. Tocqueville, a Frenchman, provides a unique outsider's perspective on American democracy, comparing it to European systems. The book delves into the intricacies of American government, society, and culture in the 1830s, highlighting the differences between the Old World and the New World.
Tocqueville's writing style in 'Democracy in America' is described as eloquent, insightful, and occasionally funny. He makes delicate distinctions and draws a grand design of American democracy, providing a critical review based on his personal observations. Despite being a rather dry subject, the book is praised for being engaging and thought-provoking, with many readers finding it to be a must-read for anyone interested in American history and politics.
North America divided into two vast regions, one inclining towards the Pole, the other towards the Equator—Valley of the Mississippi—Traces of the Revolutions of the Globe—Shore of the Atlantic Ocean ... - #7
Save:"Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington delves into the long, tragic history of the abuse of African Americans in medical research. Washington meticulously researches and documents the unethical practices and racist experiments conducted on people of African descent, shedding light on the atrocities committed in the name of science and medicine. The author highlights the deep-rooted distrust within the African American community towards the medical profession due to historical mistreatment, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability in medical research to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities.
The narrative in the book is described as grim and eye-opening, exploring the lesser-known corners of history regarding medical experimentation on African Americans. Washington's writing style is praised for being thorough, well-documented, and thought-provoking, providing a comprehensive account of the racial bias and abuses prevalent in medical studies throughout history. While the subject matter is distressing, the book serves as a crucial reminder of the systemic injustices faced by African Americans in the healthcare system and the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs.
There are a great number of Negroes, nearly all of whom are Slaves. And on different Streets are large halls occupied as Marts or stores, for the sale or purchase of Slaves…. While I have been looking... William Cronon's book, "Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England," delves into the ecological changes that occurred in New England during the colonial period. Cronon explores how the arrival of European settlers led to significant impacts on the environment, detailing the conflicts between Indians and colonists over different systems of property ownership. Through a narrative approach, Cronon illustrates how the changes in land use affected human lives, both indigenous peoples and newcomers, shaping the earliest history of the United States. The book not only provides insights into colonial history but also sheds light on the intersecting factors of ecology, economy, and culture during that period.
Cronon's writing style is praised for its depth and narrative quality, as he weaves together historical facts with engaging storytelling. The book is commended for being a masterful survey of the ecological, economic, and anthropological aspects of the interactions between Indians and colonists in New England. Cronon's analysis of the conflicting ways of life and land use practices between the two groups highlights the fundamental differences in their relationship with the environment, setting the stage for understanding the broader implications of these interactions on early American history.
'An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India' by Shashi Tharoor delves into the dark deeds and atrocities committed by the British Empire during its rule in India. Through detailed research and analysis, the author exposes how British colonialism hindered India's development, exploited its resources, disrupted local institutions, and caused widespread suffering among the Indian population. Tharoor discusses various aspects of British rule, including the impact on communities, economy, education, and governance, shedding light on the hidden truths of the colonial past.
Durant’s outrage – the conquest of India by a corporation – the East India Company – the deindustrialization of India – destruction of Indian textiles – extraction, taxes and diamonds – Clive and Plas...How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr delves into the history of US imperialism, shedding light on often overlooked aspects of American history such as territories, military bases abroad, and the impact of US expansionism on various populations. Immerwahr's narrative prose and structure make the book highly engaging and informative, offering a detailed exploration of how the United States came to control a significant portion of global affairs while avoiding the creation of traditional colonies.
The thirteen colonies that would make up the United States declared independence from Britain in 1776. Freedom, however, takes many forms. Just a year earlier, the hunter Daniel Boone and thirty or so...
