By Raza Syed
Dr. Akhtar Ali Syed’s seminal book The Psychology of Colonialism delves into the intricate psychological impacts of colonial rule, offering a fresh lens through which to examine the enduring effects of imperialism on colonized societies. The book was officially launched at the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, a key event that attracted intellectuals, writers, and political figures from across the world. Chaired by Dr. Noor Zaheer, leader of the Progressive Writers Association (UK), the launch witnessed discussions on how colonialism shaped the human psyche, a subject often overlooked in traditional political discourse.
The launch event was a gathering of influential minds, including renowned journalist Saqlain Imam, intellectual Dr. Tahir Zaidi Wasti, and acclaimed writer Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, who together analyzed the multifaceted themes of Dr. Syed’s book. They shed light on how colonial rule extended beyond the physical and economic exploitation of occupied nations to deeply embed itself in the mental and cultural fabric of the colonized. Dr. Syed’s work interrogates how colonial ideologies and tactics created long-lasting changes in the behavior, self-perception, and social structures of those under imperial subjugation.
A groundbreaking exploration of the Psychological Ramifications of Colonialism
In The Psychology of Colonialism, Dr. Syed provides a comprehensive study of the psychological dimensions of colonialism. Divided into six distinct parts, the book covers the social, intellectual, and psychological consequences of colonial rule, primarily focusing on the emotional and mental stress that colonialism imposed on the occupied. Dr. Syed critiques the mental and emotional toll that colonial exploitation had on subjugated peoples, leading to symptoms such as identity crises, a combination of narcissism and inferiority, collective trauma, and dependence on colonial powers even after the end of direct imperial rule.
One of the most compelling sections of the book deals with the “identity crisis” that many individuals from former colonies face. Raised under colonial regimes, these individuals often find themselves torn between their native identities and the colonial culture forced upon them. This internal struggle leads to feelings of alienation, confusion, and an often contradictory sense of both inferiority and superiority.
Another prominent theme that Dr. Syed addresses is the “combination of narcissism and inferiority” present in post-colonial societies. On one hand, colonial domination often instilled a deep sense of inferiority in the colonized, while on the other hand, the imposed narrative of racial and cultural superiority led to the development of an inflated sense of self-worth. This psychological paradox continues to affect the social and political development of many former colonies.
The author also examines the idea of “collective mental stress” (akin to post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD), which he argues has afflicted entire societies due to prolonged colonial oppression. Dr. Syed suggests that the wounds of colonialism have not healed, and the trauma continues to impact the political and social development of these societies.
Colonial Legacy and the Struggle for Sovereignty
One of the critical insights that Dr. Syed presents is the idea that many former colonial nations, despite achieving political independence, remain psychologically dependent on external powers. Whether through economic reliance or political influence, these nations struggle to assert full sovereignty, with many still looking to former colonial powers or global institutions for guidance. The result is a continuous cycle of external control, further entrenching the colonial mentality in post-colonial societies.
The book echoes themes found in the works of Frantz Fanon, who also explored the psychological impact of colonialism in his seminal work The Wretched of the Earth. However, while Fanon went on to suggest potential solutions for overcoming colonial mentalities, Dr. Syed’s work remains largely diagnostic. The questions he raises are urgent and profound, yet the answers remain elusive, making his book a starting point for critical discussion but not a solution in itself.
The role of exiled intellectuals in shaping Post-Colonial thought
Dr. Syed’s work also resonates with the broader experience of exiled intellectuals, who, like Edward Said, often offer critiques of their homeland through a globalized lens. Exiled intellectuals are uniquely positioned to view their countries from both an insider and outsider perspective, leading to analyses that challenge traditional political and cultural assumptions. In this way, Dr. Syed’s critique of colonialism and its psychological legacy can be seen as part of a larger intellectual tradition that uses exile to shape a critique of both the colonizing powers and the post-colonial state.
Dr. Syed’s analysis touches on contemporary forms of digital colonialism, a modern iteration of the historical processes of subjugation. In today’s globalized world, the mechanisms of colonial oppression have evolved, taking on new forms through digital technologies, media, and economic systems that continue to shape the psyche of post-colonial societies.
An Eventful Launch and Intellectual Exchange
The launch of The Psychology of Colonialism at SOAS marked the beginning of an important conversation on the psychological consequences of colonial rule. Attended by key figures such as Ayub Auliya, Director of Faiz Cultural Foundation, Mushtaq Lashari, Head of Third World Solidarity, Dr. Javed Shaikh, President of Urdu Markaz London,Raza Syed,Editor London Post, Asim Ali Shah,Faisal Ali Shah and Habib Jan.The event was a gathering of thought leaders from a wide array of fields, including literature, politics, and social activism. The event provided an intellectual platform for discussions that not only explored the book’s themes but also placed it within the context of current global struggles for identity and sovereignty.
The book’s exploration of colonialism’s psychological effects resonated with the attendees, many of whom, like the author, have experienced political and cultural exile, and who continue to grapple with the legacy of colonial domination. The launch highlighted the significance of understanding the mental legacies of colonial rule, especially in a world where the effects of past imperialism continue to reverberate in contemporary geopolitics.
Conclusion
Dr. Akhtar Ali Syed’s The Psychology of Colonialism is an essential work that opens a new dimension in the study of colonialism and its lasting psychological impact. By focusing on the mental subjugation imposed by colonial rule, Dr. Syed brings to light issues that are often neglected in traditional post-colonial analysis. While the book raises critical questions about the continuing psychological effects of colonialism, it remains a preliminary step in what promises to be an ongoing conversation on the mental legacies of imperialism. The book will undoubtedly serve as a foundational text for scholars, intellectuals, and activists seeking to understand and address the deep-rooted psychological scars left by colonial history.
NOTE:The review by former BBC journalist Saqlain Imam was incorporated into the preparation of this report.
