How does colonialism shape the world we live in? | The Stream

Summary

This discussion delves into the lasting global impact of colonialism, focusing on its historical, cultural, and economic effects. Experts from India, Angola, Portugal, and the U.S. share personal experiences and academic insights on how colonialism continues to shape societies. The conversation covers topics such as cultural imperialism, economic exploitation, and neo-colonialism, while also addressing arguments about potential 'benefits' like infrastructure. The debate highlights how the legacy of colonialism influences modern capitalism, global inequalities, and educational curricula, sparking deep reflection on both its negative and complex legacies.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The week-long series explores the global impact of colonialism and its lasting effects on contemporary society.
• 📚 Colonialism has influenced various aspects of life, including language, religion, culture, legal systems, and economics.
• 🏛️ The historical narrative of many countries often begins with European conquests, reflecting the enduring impact of colonialism.
• 👥 The conversation includes perspectives from historians and professors from different parts of the world, adding diversity to the discussion.
• 🇬🇧 Lord Macaulay's 1835 minutes on English education in India aimed to create a class of interpreters, which still impacts Indian society today.
• 🇵🇹 Miguel de Barros discusses how living in a former Portuguese colony shaped his early life and later understanding of colonialism.
• 💼 The economic legacy of colonialism is evident in the continued exploitation of resources and people in former colonies.
• 🚄 Infrastructure like railways, often seen as a positive legacy of colonialism, was primarily built for resource extraction, not for the benefit of the colonized.
• 🌍 The conversation highlights the shift of colonial power from European empires to America and the rise of new economic powers like Brazil, China, and India.
• 🏫 There's a push to change the way colonialism is taught in schools, moving away from a glorified narrative to a more critical and inclusive one.
• 🧬 The debate on whether the trauma of colonialism can be genetically inherited is mentioned, indicating the depth and complexity of the topic.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion in the video script?

The main topic of discussion is the global impact of colonialism, how it shaped the world, and its influence on people's lives today.

Who are the guests participating in the discussion?

The guests are Priyamvadha Gopu, a professor of English at the University of Cambridge; Achieng Ede Ashokan, an associate professor at Indiana University; and Miguel de Barros, president of the Association of History Teachers in Portugal.

What is Priyamvadha Gopu's perspective on colonialism's impact on her life?

Priyamvadha Gopu explains that her ability to speak and teach English is directly linked to colonialism. She notes that English education in India was intended to create a class of interpreters between the colonial government and the Indian population.

How did colonialism shape Miguel de Barros' experience growing up in Angola?

Miguel de Barros shares that growing up in Angola during its colonial period, he lived in a segregated society but only realized it after moving to Portugal. He observed that in Angola, white people lived separately while African servants were considered part of the landscape.

What are some ways in which colonialism still affects modern societies?

Colonialism still affects societies today through language, cultural influences, political and economic systems, and even international institutions like the IMF and World Bank, which some see as continuing the legacy of colonial exploitation.

How does Achieng Ede Ashokan describe the cultural impact of American colonialism?

Achieng Ede Ashokan describes American colonialism as cultural imperialism, especially through media. He notes that growing up, American culture dominated his social space, which influenced his view of the world more than British colonial history.

What arguments were made about the positive impacts of colonialism?

Some people argue that colonialism brought infrastructure and development to colonized nations, such as railways and education. However, this viewpoint was challenged by guests who stated that these infrastructures were built to benefit the colonial powers, not the local populations.

What role does capitalism play in the ongoing legacy of colonialism, according to the discussion?

The discussion points out that capitalism is deeply tied to the colonial project, and even today, the capitalist system is a continuation of the colonial legacy, shaping global inequalities and power structures.

What is the concept of 'neo-colonialism' as discussed in the video?

Neo-colonialism refers to the continuation of colonial-like exploitation and influence by former colonial powers over previously colonized nations, often through economic and political means. This can be seen in how countries still rely on former colonial powers and are influenced by their economic policies.

How are countries like Brazil and China involved in a new form of colonialism?

Countries like Brazil, China, and India are becoming involved in land appropriation and resource extraction in other countries, resembling a form of modern colonialism where they exert influence and control over foreign lands and resources.