To think how the world we know today came to be is a sad and demoralizing but hopeful at the same time. It is sad to see how we arrived to our current state. Imperialism and colonialism were both heavy instruments used especially during the discovery of land in the western hemisphere of the world. Rich powerful nations in Europe like Great Britain, France, and Spain to name a few, sought to control this land without regard for the indigenous people and their lifestyles. But because of this, today we can reflect and see the wrongdoings of our ancestors and look towards the future and make sure we don’t do the same thing.
Our generation is at a point like no other in history where we demand our natural rights, where we will not settle with the norm. Imperialism and colonialism are two similar terms which basically describe a country influencing or taking control of another nation or territory. Imperialism is more the idea or belief, while colonialism is more the actual practice of taking over or influencing another country/territory. The legacy that imperialism/colonialism has left is a negative one.
However the thinking behind the nations or countries that imperialized and colonized others was a positive one, thinking it would improve both themselves and those they were taking over. However, as we study our history, we see that millions were killed, raped, and deprived of their land –not to mention their customs, traditions, and religions. Perfect example of this is the Spanish conquistadores. Due to the Spaniards, the Aztec people and their culture are virtually history, although there are still some people who embrace their Aztec decent in the Americas until this day, the number is very limited.
The Essay on Ever Since The Beginning Of The Humankind History People Were
Ever since the beginning of the humankind history people were trying to express their thoughts and feelings, and deliver them to the next generations. The first examples of the art form are dated back to the prehistoric ages. The paintings on the cave walls is just one of the many forms of art that managed to live through the many centuries. Sometime between 30,000 and 40,000 thousand years ago ...
One could argue for both extremes, that imperialism/colonialism was good and/or bad. A supporter of imperialism/colonialism may suggest it has helped countries industrialize creating amazing advancements in science and technology as we see in our daily lives. A controversial topic which was a byproduct of European imperialism was slavery. Without slavery could there have been a United States of America until this day? Not giving praise or anything to slavery but undeniably it was a key factor in the development of the early USA.
With an economy thriving on a free labor system; the slaves, who were mainly from Africa, were deprived of their culture and sense of self being. But not only the slaves, imperialism and colonialism have diluted several numbers of cultures, traditions, history, and languages found throughout the world. I could never argue that these loses of the indigenous people was worth the advancements we have made. El-Saadawi argues that the United States is still trying to influence other countries, indirectly.
Instead of helping to “develop” these rural, third world countries the United States is practicing a modern type of colonialism. In the article “How to write about Africa” there is a clear repulsion of colonialism and of how colonialism has changed Africa. The article best captivates this when it states,” The Ancient Wise Man always comes from a noble tribe (not the money-grubbing tribes like the Gikuyu, the Igbo or the Shona).
The Modern African is a fat man who steals and works in the visa office, refusing to give work permits to qualified Westerners who really care about Africa.
He is an enemy of development, always using his government job to make it difficult for pragmatic and good-hearted expats to set up NGOs or Legal Conservation Areas. ” The influence of the west has clearly been noted; especially the description of the modern African, which is typically the stereotype of an American. There seems to be a consistent motive for most of the people in this generation. The strive for a better future and a sense of being comfortable is what most of this generation is looking for.
The Essay on Common Themes among Imperialism, Colonialism and Slavery
A study of imperialism and colonialism at the turn of the century in the United States will draw many parallels to the treatment of African Americans in the South. Although many arguments for imperialism appear to have an economic basis, prejudice and white-race superiority are just below the surface. The United States has a history of the white Christian being superior from the first moment the ...
Considering the point of being comfortable, being comfortable in this generation can be achieved through material means, which unavoidably involves monetary status, but it can also be achieved in a society as a whole. The Arab Spring is a powerful example on the impact of the generation. The Middle East has reached a point where they are truly just frustrated and tired of the way of life they have been suppressed for as long as they have resided there. Taking action and causing riots is definitely a way of gaining attention. Egypt was successful in overthrowing its government.
Applying this to the West, there are constant protests going on, but notably the recent popularity of the Occupy movement that is protesting everything from the banks to most recently the Bohemian Grove in Sonoma County. Yet the motives between east and west differ, in the Middle East the motives for protesting are about a better living like more human rights. Ironically the issue in the west is money the battle of the ninety nine percent of the population versus the one percent of the population who owns most of the money. In the front line video of china their aspirations is looking for a better life.
Wang Xiaolei wants to become a rapper but is in a rough spot since he doesn’t have much money and is struggling to achieve his goals. Wang is a great example of how culture imperialism is taking place in this age. Wang says he can relate to a lot of the hip hop music to his own life since he grew up with disadvantages. Wei Zhanyan also is in a hard spot. She is working in a sweat shop because her parents didn’t have enough to support her studies. Imperialism and colonialism have affected the world throughout history in many kinds of fashions.
You could argue without European imperialism there would be no United States today. But as a result there have been those against imperialism especially the group of people that are harshly inflicted by its damage. So as an ultimatum there have been those who have fought it. A peaceful example is that of Gandhi and Great Britain. Revolting revolutions like the over throw if the Egyptian government has proven to be a bit violent. The revolution and strive to a better way of living is what has been the response this generation has given to this new world.
The Essay on Japanese Imperialism and Other Countries In The 1920s
After World War I, Japan began watching China with interest. Japans military leaders hoped to gain some of Chinas lands and resources if it should become weak. Soon, problems overseas such as the Great Depression and poor trade helped put that plan into action. Other countries at the same time were also experiencing the kinds of changes that Japan was. Nationalism and imperialism were becoming ...
