The remnants of Colonisation impacting youth
Certain events in life last only a moment, yet they leave an eternal mark on us. Akin to that, in the life of a nation, there are catastrophic times leaving marks that last forever. Colonialism is the practice of acquiring full political control of a country. A holistic view of history shows that the colonizers often implement their language, culture, economic system, and in some instances, even religion upon the indigenous people. The exact origin of colonialism is unknown to this day as the human race has always been fond of power. Although, modern colonialism began in the discovery age when the Portuguese, British, and Spaniards began exploring various continents. Often, they disguised themselves as traders or merchants as in the case of East India Company who came to India in the 1600s as traders but once they gained power in the local circles by the virtue of their wealth, they began to strangle the authoritative powers (Mughals). Eventually, they took the reins of power and implemented their law and order. Their rule was ruthless, barbaric, and full of acts of atrocities as the local population was subjugated, forced to pay taxes, and slave trading was a common practice.
The tyrant colonizers inflicted such deep wounds on the minds of the local population that even after they left, they were looked upon with loathing. Despite the hatred, the population of ex-colonies adopted some of the ways of their pitiless previous masters. A very prominent instance is that the British colonies still have English as their first or second language and western democracy is their political system. Apart from the political system and languages, the vogue and etiquette are also adopted often. In Pakistan, an educated individual is expected to have a firm command of the English language. Gentry feels immense pride in applauding English artworks and artists. In several government offices and schools, English or western dress is the official dress code. As a consequence, the national language, Urdu and national dress (Shalwar-kameez) are barely in the limelight.
The youth of the countries that were once colonies still carries in its mind the reminiscences of hard times that their ancestors had faced. Despite the infamous perception of colonizers, they still somehow look upon their ex-masters as a more advanced and powerful race. For instance, British colonialism in India was a horrid nightmare for the local population. The locals were deprived of their lands and rights. The locals were only considered for low paid jobs. The freedom fighters were captured and received intimidating punishments. Yet a considerable part of Indian and Pakistani youth prefer to adopt English culture. The British system of governance is applauded. Akin to that, the youth of French, Italian, and Belgian ex-colonies in Africa also have the same mindset.
The need of the hour is that the youth of the third world countries, must realize their potential and put an end to mental inferiority. They ought to stop looking at the colonizers as superior and cease following the systems implemented by them. As natives can better understand the dynamics and challenges of their society, therefore, they must come up with their system for tackling the challenges at hand. For instance, the education system in government schools of several British ex-colonies is still the same as it was decades ago. The British system of education in colonial times aimed at producing clerks and low-rank officers for the military. Decades after independence, it stays as it was. The miserable education system is one of the many heirlooms of colonialism.
It is up to the youth to devise a strategy and come up with solutions for the local challenges. The dependence on the ideas of inhumane colonizers ought to be ceased at once!
