30 Ways Modern-Day Africans Still Exhibit a Colonial Mindset: A Garveyite Analysis
Marcus Garvey’s Pan-Africanist philosophy emphasized self-reliance, cultural pride, and the rejection of colonial influence. However, many Africans today still exhibit behaviours and attitudes rooted in a colonial mindset. Below are 30 examples, explained and analyzed in depth, from a Garveyite perspective:
1-10: Cultural Influence and Identity
1. Preference for European Standards of Beauty
Example: Many Africans prioritize lighter skin, straight hair, and European features over natural Black aesthetics.
Analysis: Skin-lightening creams and the global embrace of Eurocentric beauty ideals reflect internalized inferiority and rejection of African identity.
2. Disdain for African Languages
Example: African children are often discouraged from speaking native languages in favour of English, French, or Portuguese.
Analysis: Linguistic erasure ensures dependency on colonial languages for governance, education, and international relations.
3. Glorification of Western Education
Example: Degrees from European or North American universities are valued more than African ones.
Analysis: This reinforces the notion that African intellectual systems are inferior, perpetuating brain drain and dependency.
4. Adoption of Western Names
Example: Africans often give their children Western names instead of traditional African ones.
Analysis: This signifies a rejection of African heritage in favour of aligning with Western norms.
5. Colonial Religious Practices
Example: Christianity and Islam dominate African spiritual practices, while indigenous beliefs are demonized.
Analysis: Religion was used as a colonial tool to pacify and control, and its dominance reflects ongoing psychological colonization.
6. Rejection of African Fashion
Example: Western suits and dresses are deemed more "professional" than African attire in workplaces.
Analysis: Clothing reflects identity, and the preference for Western styles reinforces the idea that African traditions are primitive.
7. Accent Bias
Example: Africans with European or American accents are viewed as more intelligent or credible.
Analysis: This bias reflects internalized colonial superiority.
8. Neglect of African History
Example: African curricula prioritize European history over African empires like Mali, Songhai, or Great Zimbabwe.
Analysis: This erasure perpetuates ignorance about Africa’s rich heritage and contributions to civilization.
9. Worship of Western Entertainment
Example: Hollywood and European music dominate African media, sidelining local industries.
Analysis: This promotes cultural dependency and undervalues African creativity.
10. Desire to Migrate to the West
Example: Many Africans dream of emigrating to Europe or the U.S. for a "better life."
Analysis: This mindset undermines the potential of building strong nations on the continent.
11-20: Political and Economic Dependence
11. Reliance on Foreign Aid
Example: African governments often depend on Western aid for development projects.
Analysis: This fosters dependency and allows Western nations to control African policies.
12. Colonial Borders
Example: African nations still adhere to arbitrary colonial borders that divide ethnic groups.
Analysis: The refusal to renegotiate these borders reflects a lack of sovereignty and Pan-African unity.
13. Imitation of Western Governance
Example: African governments replicate Western political systems, often failing to adapt them to local contexts.
Analysis: Blind imitation undermines the development of systems rooted in African traditions and needs.
14. Dependence on Western Currencies
Example: The CFA franc, used by West and Central African nations, is controlled by France.
Analysis: This reflects continued economic colonization and inhibits financial independence.
15. Exploitation of Resources by Foreign Corporations
Example: Multinational companies exploit Africa's oil, minerals, and agriculture with little reinvestment.
Analysis: Africans prioritize Western partnerships over local ownership and control.
16. Outsourcing Security to Foreign Powers
Example: French troops stationed in Africa under the guise of fighting terrorism.
Analysis: This reinforces the narrative that Africans can not secure their own nations.
17. Preference for Imported Goods
Example: Imported clothing, food, and technology are seen as superior to local products.
Analysis: This devalues African production and stifles economic growth.
18. Neocolonial Debt Traps
Example: African nations take loans from institutions like the IMF, leading to perpetual debt.
Analysis: These loans come with conditions that undermine sovereignty.
19. Overdependence on Western Technologies
Example: Africa imports most of its technology rather than building local industries.
Analysis: This dependency stifles innovation and economic independence.
20. Election Interference by Western Powers
Example: Western nations influence African elections through funding or propaganda.
Analysis: This undermines democratic processes and reinforces external control.
21-30: Social and Psychological Patterns
21. Black Elitism
Example: Africans educated in the West often look down on those educated locally.
Analysis: This creates divisions within African societies and perpetuates classism.
22. Hostility Toward Pan-Africanism
Example: Resistance to efforts to unify Africa economically or politically.
Analysis: Colonial powers instilled fear of unity to prevent collective strength.
23. Undervaluing African Labour
Example: African workers are underpaid while foreign workers are overpaid for similar roles.
Analysis: This reflects an internalized belief in the superiority of non-African expertise.
24. Neglect of Local Agriculture
Example: African nations import staple foods like rice despite fertile lands.
Analysis: This prioritizes foreign economies over local food sovereignty.
25. Demonization of Traditional Medicine
Example: Preference for Western pharmaceuticals over indigenous remedies.
Analysis: This reflects distrust in African innovation and healing systems.
26. Preference for Colonial Languages in Art and Literature
Example: Writers and artists creating works in English or French to gain Western recognition.
Analysis: This marginalizes African languages and creativity.
27. Inferiority Complex Toward Western Nations
Example: Africans praise Western infrastructure while criticizing their own.
Analysis: This self-perception hinders the belief in African potential.
28. Overlooking the African Diaspora
Example: Africans often ignore the struggles and contributions of African Americans, Caribbeans, etc.
Analysis: Colonial divisions still separate the global African community.
29. Dependence on Colonial Education Systems
Example: African nations still use colonial curricula with minimal African content.
Analysis: Education is a tool of control, and this reflects ongoing intellectual colonization.
30. Hostility Toward Repatriation
Example: Africans discouraging descendants of the enslaved from returning to Africa.
Analysis: This reflects colonial teachings that Africa is undesirable or unworthy.
Garveyite Call to Action:
Marcus Garvey warned against mental colonization and called for:
Reclaiming African identity: Embrace African languages, cultures, and traditions.
Economic independence: Build industries, control resources, and support local economies.
Pan-African unity: Foster solidarity among Africans worldwide.
Rejection of Western validation: Recognize that Africa’s greatness does not depend on foreign approval.
“Liberate the minds of men, and ultimately, you will liberate the bodies of men.” – Marcus Garvey
