Revisiting Frantz Fanon

“Sometimes people hold core belief that is very strong. When they are presented with evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalize, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit with the core belief.” So wrote Frantz Fanon in his book, “Black Skin, White Mask”.

I was first introduced to Fanon in 1983 by my lecturer Mr. Rajah Rasiah (now Professor) as an undergraduate. Reading Fanons thought provoking book “Wretched of the Earth” totally changed the perspective as to how I perceived the western world and their agendas. It was truly an indepth critical analysis of the cause and effect of colonization by the western world. Colonization did not only hold a grip in a physical sense but its psychological overbearing had a much more damaging effect.

Suddenly I was forced to relook and reflect on my own presumptions about my existence. Though I must say that this revelation actually put me into further state of confusion and at times I really wanted to erase it from my mind because it was easier that way in moving on with life based on known preconditioned belief.

Today in recollecting Fanons thesis, its resonance seems not only louder but the impact has become more complex and sophisticated. 

In “Wretched of the Earth” Fanon goes on to say, “Each generation must discover its own mission, fulfill it, or betray it, in relative opacity”. This is a very strong assertion. He is not being apologetic, nor being an apologist. But looking at the socio-political development taking place from the Middle East to South East Asia and from Africa to South America one wonders who are the agent provocateur? Are the current conflicts self-induced with genuine struggle or is there a puppet master orchestrating an artificially induced cause.  Of course Fanon had justified the use of violence to end injustice. But history has proven time immemorial, violence do indeed breed violence.

Fanon when on to say, “The basic confrontation, which seemed to be colonialism versus anti colonialism, indeed capitalism versus socialism is already losing its importance. What matters today, the issue that blocks the horizon, is the need for redistribution of wealth. Humanity will have to address this question, no matter how devastating the consequences may be”. 

Though Fanon propounded this in 1959, but looking at the state of imbalance today his concerns are very much relevant. Sadly nothing much has changed since. I would believe it only got worse with the emergence of new breed called “resident colonialist”, an elite group with power and wealth within a particular society lording over their own people. Thus the vicious cycle continues only now the perpetrators are within.

Frantz Fanon’s famous quote, “What matters is not to know the world but to change it”, is something that I would hold close to my heart. If only everyone takes the initiative to do the right thing, the world would definitely be a better place to live.