The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #163953 Message #3917621
Posted By: Senoufou
16-Apr-18 - 08:42 AM
Thread Name: BS: Belgium Colonialism
Subject: RE: BS: Belgium Colonialism
At the root of all colonialism in Africa were two overriding tenets:-
One, the idea that black races were inferior, primitive, savage and heathen. This justified robust and cruel methods of 'civilising' them, sending missionaries out to instil Christianity, making them wear more 'decent' clothing and interfering with their traditions and culture. This basic ignorance and despising of Africans' way of life was one of the worst things contaminating the colonists' attitudes to black peoples. They even congratulated themselves on achieving these detrimental changes and felt noble about it.
Two, the precept that white Westerners had every right to invade African territories to exploit the vast resources and riches to be mined, forests to be felled, crops to be harvested, all by using black labour, like a giant pigs' trough to be eaten greedily until it was almost empty.
It has to be said that, in the wake of the invasions, many countries benefited with the building of hospitals, clinics, schools, roads and railways. But I still find the attitude that 'we are superior to Africans' among white Europeans, even today. It usually occurs among folk who have never set foot on the continent and who know nothing at all about the myriad cultures, traditions and dignity of African ways of life.
Those photos of the Human Zoo brought a lump to my throat. The despair of the 'exhibits' is palpable. Poor poor souls.