COLONIALISM, NEOCOLONIALISM AND THE AFRICAN SELF. A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT

Every “self”, is characterized by its uniqueness, having beliefs and systems that distinguish it’s “self”, from every other. However, a problem arises when certain societies believe their systems and beliefs should supersede others and with the adequate power and instruments, seek to dominate others, resulting in culture clash that affects the traditional belief systems of the subjugated. This domination may lead to a partial or total loss of the traditional beliefs of such dominated society. Taking into consideration the above remarks, the issues surrounding the loss of the African traditional beliefs which we categorize as the “African self”, stems from the historical impacts of colonialism and neocolonialism; a push from a direct dominance of western ideologies over the African traditional beliefs into an indirect system of dominance. There is therefore, a need to carry out a critical evaluation of precolonial African society to establish the Traditional African belief systems that existed prior to colonization. Placing it side by side with postcolonial African Society, these losses which may have taken place through colonialism or are still taking place through instruments of neocolonialism are revealed and efforts aimed at regaining these traditional practices that makeup the African identity and African “Self” are instituted to regain an authentic Africa.