This blog task is assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir, as a part of thinking activity. In this blog I'll be discussing about the various articles.
Globalisation and the future of Postcolonial Studies
The first article talks about how globalisation and postcolonial studies relate to each other,
especially after the 9/11 attacks. It highlights that scholars now need to look at global power dynamics to understand who controls global issues and how they interfere. After 9/11, America shifted from fighting terrorism just in specific countries like Afghanistan to a global war on terror. This event helped shape what is now called the "New American Empire."
Hardt and Negri argue that creating an empire no longer requires conquering physical land. Instead, power now works through different means, such as globalisation and multinational corporations. Traditional postcolonial ideas that focus on the margins and the center might not fully apply today. Instead of direct colonization, powerful countries and corporations use globalisation to influence and profit. For example, the company Reliance initially provided free internet and calls, driving out competitors. Now, those left in the market face challenges, like raising prices. Government-owned BSNL, which was once popular, has lost many customers due to this shift towards privatisation, but it seems that its demand would increase as there’s rise in the price of the companies like Jio.
Journalist P. Sainath believes market fundamentalism is more dangerous than religious fundamentalism because it has no boundaries and grows endlessly, taking over everything in its path. This theme is also explored in the novel ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ by Mohsin Hamid, which shows how multinational companies exploit ordinary people.
Globalisation is often called the fourth Industrial Revolution, growing faster than any previous one and creating serious problems. Mass production needs large amounts of raw materials, and advanced machinery allows faster work, raising concerns about environmental exploitation and pollution. This growth also impacts politics, as the wealth concentrated in the hands of multinational corporations affects governance. Society becomes more unequal, as company owners make far more money than their workers, who often work long hours. Noam Chomsky refers to these corporations as ‘private tyrannies’, highlighting their control over people and their profit-driven motives. The global market focuses only on profit and loss, with little regard for equality or human welfare. An article discussing universities in America also points out that students often struggle to address these complex issues.
Postcolonial Critique and literary Representation
Contemporary postcolonial fiction uses storytelling to look closely at the harmful effects of globalisation. Authors from postcolonial backgrounds explore themes like resistance, mixed identities, and identity struggles to show how globalisation disrupts and changes societies. Many postcolonial writers criticise globalisation for creating new types of colonialism. They show how multinational companies and economic policies control countries in the Global South.
For instance, in Arundhati Roy’s ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’, the characters struggle against globalisation’s impacts, which include political chaos, displacement, and economic exploitation. Roy portrays how local communities are pushed out and taken advantage of by powerful global economic forces.Globalization also blurs cultural and national boundaries, leading to hybrid identities. In Aravind Adiga’s ‘The White Tiger’, the main character, Balram Halwai, represents this mix. Balram’s story of moving from poverty to success, with difficult ethical choices along the way, shows the moral challenges of a globalised, capitalist world.
Authors often highlight the identity crisis that comes with being caught between local traditions and global modernity. This struggle is shown in Don DeLillo’s ‘Cosmopolis’, where the main character, Eric Packer, deals with the isolating effects of global capitalism. While DeLillo isn’t a postcolonial author, his focus on alienation connects with postcolonial ideas and the negative side of globalisation.
Similarly, in Salman Rushdie’s ‘Midnight’s Children’, the character Saleem is a blend of different cultures, representing a hybrid identity that is difficult to define. When these authors write within their cultural backgrounds, they show that globalisation increases inequality, challenges local identities, and reveals both resistance to and adaptation to global changes.
Postcolonial studies intersect with environmental concerns in the Anthropocene.
Postcolonial studies and environmental concerns are connected when looking at how colonialism has hurt both people and nature, especially during the Anthropocene, the current time when human activity greatly affects the planet's climate and ecosystems. Colonialism led to the exploitation of both people and natural resources. Colonisers, now replaced by multinational companies, have taken resources from the land and damaged the environment in the process. Problems like deforestation, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity are direct results of this exploitation.
The heavy use of minerals and natural resources has contributed to climate change and environmental damage. Many people in postcolonial regions depend on farming, fishing, and other activities tied to the land. When the environment is damaged, their way of life suffers. These regions often lack the resources to handle climate disasters such as floods, droughts, or rising sea levels. Governments in these areas, still dealing with the effects of colonialism, often do not have the infrastructure to protect their people from these challenges.
Films like ‘The Salt of the Earth’ (2014) show real-life examples of how environmental damage affects vulnerable communities, especially in the Global South. This film documents the destruction in Brazil, such as deforestation and mining, which has harmed local communities and ecosystems. The documentary ‘Anthropocene: The Human Epoch’ (2018) also discusses the impact of human activity on the environment and ecosystems.
Movies like ‘Sherni’, directed by Amit V. Masurkar, highlights environmental concerns and wildlife protection. James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ (2009) shows how people go to extremes, even exploiting other planets, to obtain valuable minerals.
The Celluloid Empire of Rambo and Bond in Americas Geopolitical Narrative
Hollywood action movies like ‘Rambo’ and ‘James Bond’ have had a big impact on how people around the world see America. These films show the U.S. as a hero that fights for freedom and democracy against bad guys. This helps create a positive image of America as a strong, fair, and important world leader.
These movies show American power in several ways. They often make the U.S. military and intelligence look highly skilled and morally good. American characters are usually portrayed as saviours who help other countries that can’t help themselves. The films also promote American values and ideas, making them seem normal and attractive to audiences everywhere.
From a postcolonial view, this can be seen as problematic. These movies often turn complex global issues into simple stories of "good vs. evil," with America always being the hero. This can continue old colonial beliefs, making other cultures seem weak or underdeveloped. The films can also make it seem acceptable for the U.S. to step into other countries’ affairs, supporting the idea that it has the right to be the world’s problem solver.
Critics point out that this approach by Hollywood often leaves out other viewpoints and cultures. It makes American power seem natural and right, without asking if this is fair. Some critics believe that instead of following this pattern, other film industries should challenge these stories. They could tell stories that offer different perspectives and question the idea of any one country being the world's leader.
Reimagining Resistance
The article, “Reimagining Resistance: The Appropriation of Tribal Heroes in Rajamouli's ‘RRR’,” critiques how the film ‘RRR’ reimagines the historical resistance of tribal leaders Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the film shows them as symbols of Indian nationalism fighting against British rule. However, this retelling ignores their real struggles for local rights to land, water, and forests. This makes their historical importance less clear and overlooks current issues faced by indigenous communities, like land loss and environmental problems. The movie raises questions about how popular films should represent history and how they can impact postcolonial struggles. By focusing on a broader nationalist story, ‘RRR’ fits into modern nationalist ideas but may weaken awareness of the real fights that marginalised communities continue to face for justice and rights.
This approach is also seen in other movies, like ‘Mangal Pandey: The Rising’ (2005). This film tells the story of Mangal Pandey, an Indian soldier who played an important part in the 1857 uprising against British rule. While the film tries to show his role in India’s first fight for independence, it often romanticises his story and makes his role seem bigger than it was. The movie simplifies the complexity of the rebellion, turning it into a straightforward tale of heroism. Although it celebrates a national hero, it risks downplaying the widespread nature of the 1857 rebellion by focusing more on one person rather than the collective efforts of many.
Refrences
Barad, Dr. Dilip.
Barad, Dr. Dilip.
Barad, Dr. Dilip.
Barad, Dr. Dilip.
Barad, Dr. Dilip. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383603395_Reimagining_Resistance_The_Appropriation_of_Tribal_Heroes_in_Rajamouli's_RRR.
I hope this would be helpful
Thank you
