It is this process of dehumanization of the colonial populations that justifies their own imperialistic behavior. In a similar manner, the human psyche may really be incapable of the kinds of structures and deeds necessary to subjugate a population. In order to do so, then, the colonial population slips into a sense of unreality and justification, accelerating dehumanization in order to allow for colonial subjugation (Fanon, 108, 171-4).
Bibliography:
Achebe, C. Things Fall Apart. New York: Anchor Books, 1994.
Achebe's first novel, is a story centered in an African village of the late 1880s. At this time, European missionaries and other outsiders have not arrived and the Tho clan lives much as it has for hundreds of years. Leadership and status are based on a man's personal worth and what he contributes to the tribe. The main character in the book, Ohonkwo, is well-respected and has just the qualities of leadership that the tribe values. However, Ohonkwo accidently shot a young tribesman and is banned from the village for seven years. When he returns he finds the way of life he knew completely different. The tribal unity is broken, divided by traditionalists and outsiders (the English and Missionaries)....
It is through Ohonkwo's leadership, however, that the tribe returns to its tradition, which is its greatness.
The central character, Okonkwo, finds that the interference of the missionaries and English "entrepreuers" disrputed the tribes. "The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his
religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart" (Apart, Chapter 20). For certain behaviors to exist, it is first necessary to rank oneself, or one's
culture or
race, as superior to another group. This may be subtle or overt; an individual or group, or even an entire State or Country. Common to this
theme is the idea of using a group to scapegoat -- to
target and use in order to justify action. In Things Fall Apart the African's are dehumanized and seen as nothing more than primitive -- an excuse for the British to subjugate and control.
Booker, M. Keith. (2003). The Chinua Achebe Encyclopedia. New York: Greenwood Press.
This is primarily a research source for Western scholars since many works about Achebe and his materials are published
