Rethinking colonial histories (The LIDN Weekly Roundup #63)
We are feeling the remnants of past empires and colonialism perhaps more than ever this year. The systemic injustices that persevered after the collapse of the once glorious empires have become more evident by the Covid-19 crisis and with the recent wave of the Black Lives Matter movement.
We’re finally questioning the gloriousness of these past empires in a deeper way. The international development sector in the West is realising that the legacy of colonialism is not only a problem that is present in Global South countries. It is here among us whether it’s in the streets of London or in those uncomfortable board meetings. It is something more than investing in peacebuilding projects or solving world hunger.
The old colonial structures and knowledge systems have a deep effect on the issues the sector is facing today. Realities such as unconscious bias, systemic discrimination against people of colour and gender inequality have started to reveal themselves one by one in Western headquarters. This new wave of historical awareness will hopefully bring about better working practices for international development organisations.
Here are a few resources to initiatives, people and writing which encourage to look at the history of colonialism from a different perspective and to learn more about once hidden histories.
Can reparations help us to re-envision international development? by Priya Lukka
Museum of British Colonialism
Dallas Goldtooth
Keep It In The Ground Campaign Organiser for the Indigenous Environmental Network and co-founder of the 1491s, a provocative Indigenous comedy crew.
By Alara Adali
