My look at Colonialism
... This paper is neither an apology for nor a defense of colonialism. I feel that neither my family nor I should have to offer an apology for nor a defense of colonialism since we were not the perpetrators or condoned colonization, this paper is simply what the title states “my look at colonialism”. So far, we have looked at colonialism through the view points of three quite different authors, two of whom had actually lived under colonial rule. ... It is also shown when Ikemefuna who lives with Okonkwos family for three years is cut down by Okonkwo, who doesnt wish to look weak in front of his fellow tribesmen. ... I have no doubt that the colonialism system was terrible for most of those who lived under it, but ironically I also believe it has proved beneficial for many of their descendants. I truly feel that these descendants of colonialism are in many ways better off than they would have been if colonialism had never happened. ... Historically there is really nothing uniquely European or even Western about colonialism. ... So depending on how you want to look at it the Europeans were preceded by at least six colonial powers that invaded and occupied these lands since ancient times. ... Those who identify colonialism and empire only with Europe either have no sense of history or have conveniently forgotten about the Egyptian empire, the Persian empire, the Macedonian empire, the Islamic empire, the Mongol empire, the Chinese empire, and the Aztec and Inca empires. ... In fact if you look at European countries of today you could say that the former colonizers are now themselves being colonized. ... There were other benefits as well from European colonialism that are often overlooked or ignored. Whole industries have been developed that may not even have been implemented or even existed without colonialism are now being utilized. ... My conclusion is that even if it may not have been their intention colonialists brought things to their former colonies that have immeasurably enriched the lives of the descendants of colonialism. ... It’s strange in a way that I’m pointing out the good that has resulted from colonialism. ... In fact I feel Northern Ireland is still colonized by the British, but to the south the Republic of Ireland has thrown of the yoke of British colonialism and is now one of the strongest economies in the European Union.