Strictly speaking, “post colonial” refers to the period following the colonization of a country by another power. Post colonialism is the realization that there is inherent value in the cultures that existed prior to European political domination and the re-learning or re-empowering of those cultures and practices. Literature, film, art has been created to acknowledge and celebrate the rich history of indigenous, formerly colonized people. Post colonialism is also evident in politics and sport.
In a 2004 article, “Africa: A fragile peace on a bloodied continent” by Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guehenna, the author argues that the African states and their supporters must continue to be innovative in their search for their own political solutions and build on what they have learned in recent years of independence. In other words the confidence to find solutions must come from within. Not from an external power that simply breathes life into the fragile nation with foreign aid. Nations must rediscover their own beliefs and practices and cease governing their countries based on the ideals instilled by colonists. Once the people achieve this feat, the entire human race will begin to gain momentum towards a more balanced, equitable, and better off global community.
In the press today, there is an ironic example of post colonial culture. It’s the World Cup of Cricket and India and Pakistan are competing against each other. The article in the Global and Mail says “India is calling in sick with cricket fever”. The irony is that is swept up in a game that was imported by the British Colonizers. India has a strong, vibrant cultural community, e.g. cinema, dance, literature, yet the national sporting passion is a foreign game.
I was intrigued by your point on countries such as India adopting foreign games as their own. It is not noticed but most country's main or favourite sport isn't their own but rather a foreign sport. Japan has adopted baseball as the favourite sport, and in my country, The Philippines, basketball is considered as the national sport. Countries have created sports of their own but it seems as if they would rather play foreign sports. Once again, that was an interesting effect of post-colonialism that you pointed out Nick.
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