Fall Learning Journal (Weeks Nov 7th,14th, 21st )

Introduction:

The history of dominance, power and resistance is intertwined by several significant

elements in the constantly shifting tapestry of world history. The aftermath of the global forces

have shaped society, identities, and landscapes today. This journey will engage with the

complexity of the issues explored in the lectures related to Imperialism Racial classification, and

Settler Colonialism. Along with the repercussions of Colonialism, how colonialism by settler

notions has affected the lives of Indigenous people. As I navigate the journey of my three weeks

of learning experience, I find myself weighed down by the complicated historical narratives and

contemporary realities. The world we constitute has been influenced by the remnants of a history

characterized by exploitative practices and power disparities. My concept of identities has been

profoundly impacted by the arbitrary classification of races, which constitutes just one of the

many lasting legacies of imperialism and objectives on the collective mentality of people. The

expulsion and deprivation of indigenous peoples, along with their destroyed cultures left behind

through the advancement of society, are terrifying legacies of a conquered past. Therefore, I

struggle with the unsettling reality that my existence is inextricably connected to a heritage

established on the marginalization of different people. This journal serves as an outlet for my

reflection, enabling me to organise my thoughts among the entanglements of the empire.

To begin with, I have gained a critical understanding of how Imperialism functions and

continues to influence modern culture and ideologies today. It is political, economic and social

control, formally or informally, whereby one country subjugates and controls other countries. As

mentioned in the lecture, to acknowledge the representation of the non-European world, it is

in our society is heavily shaped by British Imperialism. The British attempted to govern various

communities inside their vast empire by formulating these beliefs about race. Throughout

history, imperialism has imposed inequalities through economic exploitation and political and

cultural domination, as the Europeans used their power as a way to protect their wealth and

ensure entry to markets as a means of obtaining resources. I learned that the naturalization of

colonial relationships portrays colonialism not as a political act but rather as an inevitable force

of nature. The impacts of Imperialism are vividly present in contemporary society. The Western

culture and values enforced on Indigenous people forcefully impose Western ideologies,

cultures, and traditions on colonized people, resulting in loss of their identity. In addition,

according to the readings and lecture, I have come to an understanding that imperialism is not

just about politics, social processes and economic interest but perhaps is a symbol that represents

superiority because it rejects and fails to recognize the existence of indigenous people and often

fails to acknowledge their rights. The ignorance towards the indigenous people gives more

authority and dominance to the colonizers to further exploit the vulnerable communities,

resulting in neoliberalism. For example, through the Industrial Revolution, the Europeans in the

1870s took control over the rest of the world and profited from the colonies they formed. This

new regime is the root cause of racial classification in our society today because of the way the

Europeans enslaved the Africans and were considered incapable and weak, whereas the

Europeans were believed to be strong and powerful forces. It reflects how, in our society today,

the colonised people are subjected to racism and class differences because they held little to no

power historically.
 Settler Colonialism can be seen as a system where colonizers invade and occupy existing

territories. It is a system of oppression which often involves genocide by displacing the

indigenous people and cultures of existing territories. Establishing a new community focused on

taking full power and dominance while making a permanent presence. Settler Colonialism is an

ongoing occupation of land by settlers which has resulted into marginalization, injustice and

inequalities of indigenous communities. From my understanding, the main goal of settler

colonialism is to occupy both land and resources. As they make a profit based on the Indigenous

people’s land which ultimately eliminates Indigenous people's cultures, land, traditions and

ethnic cleansing. The legacy of settler colonialism is an ongoing battle for Indigenous people.

The arrival of the European settlers in Canada established colonies on Indigenous land, which

resulted in violations, as the settlers forcefully claimed the Indigenous land. For instance, the

establishment of residential schools was one of the tactics ruled by Europeans to assimilate

Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture and practices, which stripped away Indigenous

language, customs and traditions today. The Indian Act of 1876 is another prime example of how

the legacy of settler colonialism exploited Indigenous communities where the government had

significant control over Indigenous land and resources. It is shocking to learn that, in order to be

considered as Indian, the Indigenous people have to prove their Indian-ness by meeting recent

requirements. The construction and expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway disrupted

Indigenous territories. On the other hand, historically Dutch and British settlers arrived in South

Africa. As mentioned earlier in the journal, the Africans were forced to work in the colonial

plantations at low wages and displaced from their lands. There has always been a misconception

between “colonialism” and “settler colonialism.” However, the lecture and the readings have

given me an explicit understanding that it is a phenomenon and the formation that rarely ends
because the settlers exploit their indigenous with their power and dominance by using them as

labourers, forming colonies and by replacing them. For example, to think that imperialism and

settler colonialism is not impacting the current world situation would be flawed because, in a

capitalist society. The investments in third-world countries by the Western countries are the

indication that settler colonialism still exists. Making, third-world countries obliged to the

Western world because they have interest over those countries.

Furthermore, it is predominately evident that the legacy of imperialism and settler colonialism

has created racial classification in society. It taught me that Canadian society remains driven by

the logic of imperialism. For example, the consequences of residential schools and the

occupation of indigenous land led to violence. Leaving, significant transgenerational trauma,

systematic racism, and economic disparities. In the lecture, “how we survive settler colonialism”,

engages with the complexities of indigeneity, their resistance, politics, identity, and sovereignty.

It emphazies the legacy of settler colonialism as a structure as mentioned throughout in the

journal. For instance, the documentary, You are on Indian Land highlights the 1969 Akwesasne

border crossing dispute between the Mohawk community and the Canadian government. The

Kahnawake began protesting when the Canadian authorities prohibited the duty-free border

crossing for personal purchases. One can only understand the struggles of Indigenous people

after learning about the history through Indigenous perspectives because they are not propagated

by the Western world. Therefore, it is essential because it makes us recognize that our land is not

ours. It is evident that Indigenous people are still subject to settler colonialism. The readings and

the movies show resilience and motivation to preserve their land and traditions. Throughout the
readings and lecture one message that as a student, I learned was how after so many struggles

and obstacles, the indigenous people are resiliently willing to fight to save their customs and

traditions. Despite the conflict within their communities over kinship Kahnawake members

navigate their feelings through resistance. For example, in the reading, "Mohawk Interruptus:

Political Life Across the Borders of Settler United States”, Simpson discusses the Mohawk of

Kahnawake, who have been seeking to articulate their political sovereignty and the impacts of

the settler colonial. The refusal of Canadian citizenship is one of the ways for them to preserve

their identities and land therefore, it challenges the assimilation of settler colonialism. In

addition, it is interesting to learn how historical narratives purposed by, Europeans creates

stereotypical perceptions and differences among different cultures. The sense of superiority the

colonizers has against indigenous has caused inferiority amongst indigenous people hence there

is resistance towards white people and polices. The society often forgets the existence of

indigenous people and when the white people speak about their country, they speak with the tone

as if though they claimed the land. Therefore, ignorance alienates us from deconstructing

narratives of the oppressed. The lectures and the readings have enabled me to understand why

indigenous people resent the Europeans.

All three together unveil the major cause of class conflict and struggles difference. It is important

for the younger generation to learn and understand about the indigenous history. If the newer

generation can learn about the indigenous history, it will help with inferior and superior

complexity. Thus, will give power to indigenous people raise their voices for their rights and

recognition. Resulting, in a more equal society because in a society where younger people have

rich knowledge about history, that society is more likely to walk towards the path of equality

compared to the society where you’re not taught the history of people you oppressed. In addition
to promoting empathy and awareness, knowledge of indigenous history opens doors to real

reconciliation and respect of cultural practices. We can create stronger links that promote variety

and respect for all cultures by recognizing and appreciating the stories of indigenous

communities. This will help to foster a more harmonious and inclusive society.

References:

Lawrence,B.(2023i,November 7th).Seminar nine: Imperialism and Racial Classification.

Lawrence,B.(2023j,November 14th). Seminar ten: Settler Colonialism.

Lawrence,B.(2023k,November 24th). Seminar eleven: How We Survive Settle Colonialism.

Mohawks of Akwesasne film: You are on Indian Land.

Simpson, Audra. Mohawk Interruptus: Political Life Across the Borders of Settler States. Duke
UniversityPress,2014,pp.112 https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/york/detail.action?
docID=1666608&pq-origsite=primo