Colonial Legacies in Francophone African Literature: The School and the Invention of the Bourgeoisie

Mohamed Kamara's book examines the representation and impact of the colonial school and bourgeoisie in Francophone sub-Saharan literature, challenging the notion of an indigenous colonial bourgeoisie invented by the colonizer. It explores the relationship between colonial education and the emergence of the African bourgeois and bourgeoise and offers a fresh perspective on the intimate connection between the school and social transformation in the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Colonial Legacies in Francophone African Literature: The School and the Invention of the Bourgeoisie by Mohamed Kamara is a groundbreaking work that explores the representation and lasting impact of the colonial school and bourgeoisie in Francophone sub-Saharan literature. Kamara argues that the so-called indigenous colonial bourgeoisie was invented by the colonizer through the school to perpetuate the ideology of the colonizer and interrogates the policies and practices of the school and the ways they were informed by discourses of racial difference. While many works have interrogated the impact of the colonial school on the African individual and society, they do not focus on the relationship between colonial education and the emergence of the African bourgeois and bourgeoise. This book analyzes the various literary strategies used in selected texts to paint a portrait of the school and the class it produced in view of showing the organic relationship between the two. Kamara suggests that the best solution for the continent resides in the continents ability to take what is good in its precolonial past and combine it with what makes sense in today's reality.

The book begins by examining the historical context of colonial education in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa. Kamara highlights the fact that colonial education was designed to serve the interests of the colonizer and to perpetuate the ideology of colonialism. The colonizer used the school to indoctrinate African children into the values and beliefs of the colonizer, and to train them to become loyal servants of the colonial state. The school was also used to create a class of African bourgeoisie that would serve the interests of the colonizer and maintain the status quo.

Kamara then examines the policies and practices of the colonial school. He highlights the fact that the school was designed to be segregated, with African children being taught in separate schools from European children. This segregation was intended to create a sense of inferiority among African children and to prevent them from developing a sense of self-worth. The school was also used to enforce a strict code of conduct, which included corporal punishment and forced labor.

Kamara also examines the ways in which the colonial school was informed by discourses of racial difference. He highlights the fact that the colonizer used the school to justify the exploitation of African resources and to maintain the status quo. The school was also used to create a sense of racial superiority among European children, and to prevent them from developing a sense of empathy for African people.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between colonial education and the emergence of the African bourgeois and bourgeoise. Kamara argues that the colonial school played a significant role in the development of the African bourgeois and bourgeoise. The school provided African children with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the colonial economy, and it also provided them with a sense of social status and prestige. However, the school also created a sense of resentment and frustration among African children, who felt that they were being denied the same opportunities as European children.

Kamara also examines the ways in which the colonial school has continued to impact African society today. He highlights the fact that the school has continued to perpetuate the ideology of colonialism and to create a sense of racial inequality. The school has also been used to justify the exploitation of African resources and to maintain the status quo.

In order to address these issues, Kamara suggests that the continent should take what is good in its precolonial past and combine it with what makes sense in today's reality. He argues that the continent should focus on education that is inclusive and that promotes social justice and equality. He also argues that the continent should focus on developing its own resources and industries, rather than relying on the exploitation of African resources.

One of the strengths of the book is its use of literary strategies to paint a portrait of the colonial school and the class it produced. Kamara uses a variety of literary techniques, including narrative, symbolism, and metaphor, to create a vivid and compelling story. He also uses a variety of sources, including historical documents, interviews, and literature, to support his arguments.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the limitations is that it does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the colonial school and the class it produced. Kamara focuses primarily on the relationship between colonial education and the emergence of the African bourgeois and bourgeoise, and he does not explore the other aspects of colonialism, such as the exploitation of African resources and the impact of colonialism on African culture.

Another limitation of the book is that it is written in a scholarly tone, which may make it difficult for some readers to understand. Kamara uses a lot of technical terms and concepts, and he does not always provide clear explanations of them. This can make it difficult for readers to follow his arguments.

Despite these limitations, Colonial Legacies in Francophone African Literature: The School and the Invention of the Bourgeoisie is a valuable and important book. It provides a fresh perspective on the intimate connection between the school and social transformation in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa. It also provides a valuable insight into the relationship between colonial education and the emergence of the African bourgeois and bourgeoise.

In conclusion, Colonial Legacies in Francophone African Literature: The School and the Invention of the Bourgeoisie by Mohamed Kamara is a groundbreaking work that explores the representation and lasting impact of the colonial school and bourgeoisie in Francophone sub-Saharan literature. Kamara argues that the colonial school was invented by the colonizer to perpetuate the ideology of colonialism and to create a class of African bourgeoisie that would serve the interests of the colonizer. He also examines the policies and practices of the colonial school and the ways in which they were informed by discourses of racial difference. While the book has some limitations, it is a valuable and important book that provides a fresh perspective on the intimate connection between the school and social transformation in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793644442