Frantz Fanon: Colonialism and Alienation

by Renate Zahar

Analysis of Fanon’s major theories, with a special emphasis on his work on alienation.

Genres: Philosophy

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A sua recusa [a de Fanon] em relação à Europa tem as suas raízes na deceção experimentada aquando do enfraquecimento do movimento operário europeu, que se aproveitava dos sobejos do colonialismo, em vez de combater solidariamente com os oprimidos das colónias contra o explorador comum: «face a todo o perigo, "amarelo", "negro" ou de outra cor, manifesta-se uma solidariedade que vai desde os grandes bancos até ao último funcionário sindical. A luta de classes interrompe-se no interior, enquanto que, à escala internacional, se agrava» "

[Victor Chizi Ihunda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first time(2016) to hear about Frantz Fanon and this role in the Algerian liberation struggle but I haven't read any of his works especially Black Skin, White Mask(one which I just want to read). Thanks to Renate Zahar for writing on Fanon's Political thoughts with a good critique and analysis particularly within the context of colonial and precolonial era.
Unlike most valiant and committed men involved in the struggle for Independence for their country, Fanon is a unique figure among this class of men for two reasons;
Firstly, despite being born and raised up in a "Black bourgeoisie" family in France, with good education in France, he joined in several struggles against the French colonizers, once in Dominica, North Africa and Algeria.
Secondly, Unlike most individuals involved in the struggle for independence of the colonies Fanon brought a new and important interpretation of the situation of the colonized. The central tenet of Fanon's work is based on the psychic transformation of colonized. As a psychiatrist he witnessed and understood the psychological and socioeconomic effect on the colonized.
Though one may disagree with with some of his theories in the light of our current knowledge but no doubt it takes us deep into the evils of the French Assimilation policy.