The power dynamics of colonialism are alive and well in the 21st century. As major actors scramble to spread global influence and boost economic growth, they have once again resorted to exerting control over weaker countries. History is repeating itself…to no surprise. The process of cultural decolonization is now creating tensions between the forces of cultural preservation and modernization.
It is important to note the distinction between decolonization and postcolonialism, as many scholars claim colonialism never ended. The process of decolonization characterizes the long and violent process where colonies fought to achieve political independence. This also marks a period of later colonialism and the notion of neo-colonialism, where a hegemon utilizes cultural imperialism over its subordinate states. Hence, neo-colonialism is embodied today by capitalism, which enables transnational corporations and global or multilateral institutions to continue exploiting developing countries.
Cultural decolonization, in particular, involves understanding the role of non-European actors in creating both “Western” and “non-Western” cultures. This contrasts the European precedent of deciding if certain ideas or practices are authentically non-Western and fit within the boundaries of Indigenous culture. Especially as media and transnational corporations erase originality and traditions from indigenous cultures, addressing cultural imperialism is essential for two reasons: 1) to dismantle authoritarian censorship and 2) to allow historically oppressed groups to exercise their political agency.
In Canada, many Indigenous languages are endangered due to a history of restrictive colonial policies from England and France. The Indian Act, an Indigenous assimilation policy, as well as residential schools, forced Indigenous peoples to abandon their languages. Even after this period of colonialism ended and the schools were shut down, the population remained fearful of celebrating and passing down their traditional culture; widespread knowledge of the languages was lost between generations. Of the 58 Indigenous languages in Canada, many predict that only three – Cree, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwa), and Inuktitut – will survive.
A collaborative effort from governmental initiatives, community-led programs, and educational reforms have attempted to revitalize Indigenous languages. The government introduced the Indigenous Languages Act in 2016 to preserve Indigenous languages through increasing funding and setting up the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. This first step in reconciliation has fostered widespread cultural appreciation, yet some question where funding for this bill comes from. The systematic lack of legal support leads many to believe that the federal government will control the National Indigenous Language Commissioner, thus diverting money away from potential programs. Evidently, preserving indigenous languages does not remain a priority for non-Indigenous groups as racism in Canada remains pervasive.
The process of decolonization has also led to a reevaluation of power dynamics within and between nations. The current conflict between Ukraine and Russia stems from conflicting national identities and a long, intertwined history. Russia held considerable influence over Ukraine during the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine asserted its sovereignty and identity as distinct from Russian influence. Through asserting its national identity, the process of decolonization from Russia has allowed Ukraine to reclaim its cultural heritage and assert its unique identity, which is an important cornerstone of post-colonial nation-building.
Russian President Putin is now aiming to regain dominance over former Soviet territories; his behavior clashes with the Ukrainian goal of becoming more integrated with the West. Putin founded his goal on the basis of ethnic ties. For example, he notes the large population of Russian speakers in Ukraine as well as the common Eastern Orthodox religion as justifications for his actions. Thus, Ukraine’s efforts to form its own national identity have not only created geopolitical tensions but also have led to questions regarding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russia-Ukraine War reveals that the process of cultural decolonization is deeply intertwined with political issues.
As developing regions still struggle to detangle themselves from the history of colonization, movements for social justice and equality have risen in popularity. Marginalized communities seek to redress historical injustices and reclaim their rights through making their voices heard, but as they do so, they are met with repression from past colonizers. The current Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East stems from the period of British imperialism in the region. The British made conflicting promises to various actors in the region. First, with the Balfour Declaration, the British promised Palestine as a national home for Jewish people. However, the Sykes-Picot Agreement simultaneously dictated that France, England, and Russia would split Palestine territory amongst themselves. Hence, the decolonization process had a major role in stirring the tension and violence between the two groups. And, after all these years, the British government has not taken responsibility for making conflicting promises and the resulting consequences for Palestinians.
Anti-colonial protests also gained traction in the United States and have become particularly prominent across university campuses. Many students protesting on these campuses relate the struggle in Palestine to their own cultural identity and national identity regarding colonialism. Calls for divestment mirror protests in the 1980s, which demanded that universities divest from apartheid South Africa.
Despite movements attacking the very foundations of the system, colonialism still continues to shape political discourse and power dynamics. The case studies from Canada, Ukraine, and international social movements illustrate the arduous journey that characterizes the process of decolonization. Competing visions of national identity and tension between cultural preservation and modernization remain a subject of heated debate today.
Image source: Billie Grace Ward on Flickr
