On the Psychological and Social Effects of Western Imperialism

The consequences of colonial education, research and political administration can only be counteracted by formerly colonized peoples. Indigenous peoples across the world are working within a new anti-imperialist agenda. There are no easy solutions, only the continuing mental and physical struggle against imperialism that Linda Tuhiwai Smith and Ngugi wa Thiong'o are a part of. Colonized peoples can rewrite, reclaim, redefine and reinterpret their respective cultures, histories, and futures. Smith (a Maori) and Thiong'o (Gikuyu) are both members of formerly colonized cultures that are oppressed under neocolonialism. Both explain the psychological and social effects of Western imperialism and offers ways in which to fight against them.

According to Smith, colonial research imposed Western knowledge and perspectives both formally (through institutions) and informally (travelers tales) while affirming Western superiority over conquered peoples. "The 19th century left a legacy of marginalization within indigenous societies as much as within colonizing society." (Smith, 1999, p 44) Four concepts delineated by Smith affected the colonized experience with research; imperialism, history, writing, and theory. Imperialism labeled indigenous or other colonized peoples as inhuman or subhuman. A Western focus wrote history as chronological, universal, linear and patriarchal among other perspectives which distorted indigenous views of their own history.