It is not uncommon to hear one say “England colonized India” when discussing the plethora of countries heavily influenced by British rule in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, this would be an incorrect statement. “Colonization” is simply when one group of people moves to another new place and “sets up camp”. They may go so far as to create an entire city composed only of their own race. However, they govern only themselves and do not take over control of the existing inhabitants. England colonialized India. Colonialization is a much more inclusive word whose implications reach far. Its definitive focus is not the movement of people, but the extension of power. Existing populations are generally forced to adhere to new laws set in place by the colonializing nation. Any people perceived to be rebels will either be killed, or have to leave. All economic resources (land, labor and capital) become controlled by the imposing nation, and many times social and religious activities will either be monitored or controlled. Therefore, “England colonialized India” is a much more accurate statement.
Is it now possible to jump to the conclusion that England was a big bad one-of-a-kind monster of a nation? Absolutely not. There were many countries that did similar things in similar ways. Colonialization’s impetus spawned in two places, depending on what kind of stooge stood at the helm at any given moment. Either a leader ethnocentrically believed that he was doing God’s work by helping change the ways of “barbaric people”, or he simply wanted money.
I'll post more when it is written, ain't it soundin gud so far?
2 comments:
Great beginning, Ben! I notice you are going full steam ahead with your plan to use more sophisticated and less used words. (Your comment at the end was a jarring contrast.) I was glad to learn the distinction between colonization and colonialization.(spell checker doesn't think that's a word). And talk about unintended consequences-----India is probably prospering as much as it is today because of their fluency in English, thanks to the British "colonialization".
Didn't know you were taking a class on developing economics. Very interesting! Have they talked about the triple bottom line yet? You and Emilie should talk, as this is a subject of great interest to her. I think finding the best ways to have a positive impact on every level is challenging and subtle!
Paper's off to a great start, we look forward to the rest.
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