How does modernity and coloniality rub against each other

Answer 1

Modernity and coloniality often come into conflict with each other because modernity is based on the principles of progress, development, rationality, and individualism, while coloniality is rooted in the legacy of colonialism, exploitation, domination, and racism.

Coloniality refers to the ongoing impact of colonialism on societies and cultures, including the continued marginalization and subjugation of indigenous peoples, the imposition of Western values and norms, and the perpetuation of unequal power dynamics.

Modernity, on the other hand, is seen as a product of Western civilization and is often associated with ideas of progress, technology, and enlightenment. However, the ways in which modernity has been imposed on non-Western societies often mirror colonial practices, leading to a clash between the two.

For example, the spread of capitalism and industrialization, which are key components of modernity, have often been accompanied by the exploitation of non-Western resources and labor, echoing the exploitative practices of colonialism. Similarly, the promotion of Western values and norms as universal and superior can be seen as a continuation of colonial ideologies of cultural superiority.

Overall, the tension between modernity and coloniality highlights the ways in which the legacy of colonialism continues to shape our world today and the ongoing struggles for decolonization and social justice.