In the excerpt, Fanon discusses the concept of decolonisation which involves
providing the means for a previously disadvantaged colonised group of people to
gain their freedom back from the oppressive control of colonisers. He explains the
transformative effect of decolonisation on individuals when the oppressive colonial
system is challenged and overthrown.
His first paragraph presented argues that decolonisation is a profound and powerful
process that brings fundamental changes in the lives of those who were colonised. It
changes them from being passive spectators who were considered unimportant, into
empowered actors who are recognised and valued in history. He emphasises the
idea that decolonisation is a necessary step towards creating a new generation with
their own specific and unique language, humanity, and rhythm. The process of
decolonisation itself is what is empowering those individuals, not supernatural forces.
It is the natural outcome of this liberation process.
Fanon goes on to further emphasise the importance of decolonisation in challenging
the previous unfair situations. His statement “the last shall be first” implies that those
who were oppressed and disadvantaged by colonisation should have the chance to
be in a better situation now. They should have the opportunity to come to the
forefront and be prioritised. He suggests that regardless of how it is described, any
form of decolonisation is considered successful, however the process of challenging
the colonial system and striving for the last to be first, is inherently positive and
advantageous, but it does not necessarily guarantee automatic success in all cases
or in all descriptions.
The third paragraph in this excerpt highlights that decolonisation is not an easy
process as it requires confrontation between the colonised and colonisers. The use
of terms like “red-hot cannonballs and bloody knives” suggests that resorting to any
means, including violence, may be necessary. He believes that for decolonisation to
succeed and for the oppressed to achieve social and political progress in society,
violent confrontation is needed. While violence has been shown to previously bring
attention to oppressive situations and matters, this approach is hasty and extreme
and may bring the wrong opinion to the cause, resulting in a negative outlook on
those simply fighting for equal opportunity.
providing the means for a previously disadvantaged colonised group of people to
gain their freedom back from the oppressive control of colonisers. He explains the
transformative effect of decolonisation on individuals when the oppressive colonial
system is challenged and overthrown.
His first paragraph presented argues that decolonisation is a profound and powerful
process that brings fundamental changes in the lives of those who were colonised. It
changes them from being passive spectators who were considered unimportant, into
empowered actors who are recognised and valued in history. He emphasises the
idea that decolonisation is a necessary step towards creating a new generation with
their own specific and unique language, humanity, and rhythm. The process of
decolonisation itself is what is empowering those individuals, not supernatural forces.
It is the natural outcome of this liberation process.
Fanon goes on to further emphasise the importance of decolonisation in challenging
the previous unfair situations. His statement “the last shall be first” implies that those
who were oppressed and disadvantaged by colonisation should have the chance to
be in a better situation now. They should have the opportunity to come to the
forefront and be prioritised. He suggests that regardless of how it is described, any
form of decolonisation is considered successful, however the process of challenging
the colonial system and striving for the last to be first, is inherently positive and
advantageous, but it does not necessarily guarantee automatic success in all cases
or in all descriptions.
The third paragraph in this excerpt highlights that decolonisation is not an easy
process as it requires confrontation between the colonised and colonisers. The use
of terms like “red-hot cannonballs and bloody knives” suggests that resorting to any
means, including violence, may be necessary. He believes that for decolonisation to
succeed and for the oppressed to achieve social and political progress in society,
violent confrontation is needed. While violence has been shown to previously bring
attention to oppressive situations and matters, this approach is hasty and extreme
and may bring the wrong opinion to the cause, resulting in a negative outlook on
those simply fighting for equal opportunity.
