Frantz Fanon and the Critique of Colonialism: A Philosophical Inquiry

The question of colonialism has been a deteriorating phenomenon in African history. Frantz Fanon conceived colonialism as a form of domination with the goal redefining the reality of the world of indigenous (“native”) peoples, which he considered possible through the means of violence. His conception of colonialism is that which with no doubt is embedded in vices and nothing more irrespective of the claims of the colonial masters that they aim at civilizing the people of Africa. Exploitation, extortion, economic stagnancy, regression, and many more vices were all recorded as effects of colonialism. It involves the domination of a set of people in their society by different people known as settlers from another society, promoting class distinction and dehumanization. In a bid to evaluate its effect and impact both on the dominated society and the settlers’ society (nation), Fanon also enters into the discussion as he criticizes the idea of colonialism from his perspective, thereby accentuating possible solutions. This work thereby exposes Fanon’s critique of colonialism, and its’ possible effects if and when followed as proposed by the colonial masters. Using Conceptual and critical analysis, this paper argues that Fanon’s revolutionary model must be reassessed, as contemporary struggles for liberation demand more than armed resistance considering the shift in realities.