Impericalism and Colonialism Essay Example

people who embrace their Aztec decent in the Americas until this day, the number is very limited.

One could argue for both extremes, that imperialism/colonialism was good and/or bad. A supporter of imperialism/colonialism may suggest it has helped countries industrialize creating amazing advancements in science and technology as we see in our daily lives. A controversial topic which was a byproduct of European imperialism was slavery. Without slavery could there have been a United States of America until this day? Not giving praise or anything to slavery but undeniably it was a key factor in the development of the early USA.

With an economy thriving on a free labor system; the slaves, who were mainly from Africa, were deprived of their culture and sense of self being. But not only the slaves, imperialism and colonialism have diluted several numbers of cultures, traditions, history, and languages found throughout the world. I could never argue that these loses of the indigenous people was worth the advancements we have made. El-Saadawi argues that the United States is still trying to influence other countries, indirectly.

Instead of helping to “develop” these rural, third world countries the United States is practicing a modern type of colonialism. In the article “How to write about Africa” there is a clear repulsion of colonialism and of how colonialism has changed Africa. The article best captivates this when it states,” The Ancient Wise Man always comes from a noble tribe (not the money-grubbing tribes like the Gikuyu, the Igbo or the Shona). The Modern African is a fat man who steals and works in the visa office, refusing to give work

permits to qualified Westerners who really care about Africa.

He is an enemy of development, always using his government job to make it difficult for pragmatic and good-hearted expats to set up NGOs or Legal Conservation Areas. ” The influence of the west has clearly been noted; especially the description of the modern African, which is typically the stereotype of an American. There seems to be a consistent motive for most of the people in this generation. The strive for a better future and a sense of being comfortable is what most of this generation is looking for.

Considering the point of being comfortable, being comfortable in this generation can be achieved through material means, which unavoidably involves monetary status, but it can also be achieved in a society as a whole. The Arab Spring is a powerful example on the impact of the generation. The Middle East has reached a point where they are truly just frustrated and tired of the way of life they have been suppressed for as long as they have resided there. Taking action and causing riots is definitely a way of gaining attention. Egypt was successful in overthrowing its government.

Applying this to the West, there are constant protests going on, but notably the recent popularity of the Occupy movement that is protesting everything from the banks to most recently the Bohemian Grove in Sonoma County. Yet the motives between east and west differ, in the Middle East the motives for protesting are about a better living like more human rights. Ironically the issue in the west is money the battle of the ninety nine percent

of the population versus the one percent of the population who owns most of the money. In the front line video of china their aspirations is looking for a better life.

Wang Xiaolei wants to become a rapper but is in a rough spot since he doesn’t have much money and is struggling to achieve his goals. Wang is a great example of how culture imperialism is taking place in this age. Wang says he can relate to a lot of the hip hop music to his own life since he grew up with disadvantages. Wei Zhanyan also is in a hard spot. She is working in a sweat shop because her parents didn’t have enough to support her studies. Imperialism and colonialism have affected the world throughout history in many kinds of fashions.

You could argue without European imperialism there would be no United States today. But as a result there have been those against imperialism especially the group of people that are harshly inflicted by its damage. So as an ultimatum there have been those who have fought it. A peaceful example is that of Gandhi and Great Britain. Revolting revolutions like the over throw if the Egyptian government has proven to be a bit violent. The revolution and strive to a better way of living is what has been the response this generation has given to this new world.