Authors: Gillian Faith Achieng, Maureen Kabasa, Joel Onyango
"So, transform yourself first. In doing so, you will begin transforming your little part of the world. It doesn't matter your major, minor, profession, or avocation. […] Because you are young and have dreams and want to do something meaningful, that makes you our future and hope. Keep expanding your horizon, decolonize your mind, and cross over borders." Yuri Kochiyama, Expand our Horizons: Decolonize Our Minds, Cross Our Borders
The process of decolonizing the mind is a deep cultural movement. It aims to question and dismantle the lasting effects of colonialism both in its imperialistic forms and its more subtle and harmful expressions. This influential idea, first introduced by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o in his book “Decolonizing the Mind”, goes beyond temporal limits, connecting with the challenges faced by marginalized communities worldwide. Decolonizing the mind involves freeing one's consciousness from the constraints imposed by powers and rejuvenating indigenous knowledge, language, and culture. The transformation process necessitates a thorough and analytical reassessment of historical events and dominant narratives. Additionally, it functions as a call to action for pursuing social justice, equity, and individual agency in a global context that grapples with colonialism's long-lasting consequences. This blog will examine the complicated aspects of decolonizing the mind, including its significance, challenges, and capacity to reshape our understanding of power, identity, and the dynamics of global society.
As voiced by civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama above, decoloniality is urgent, and as more researchers strive to decolonize their minds, individuals are also urged to do so. What comes to your mind when you hear the term decoloniality? There is no simple answer to this question, so let me start with the first time I came in touch with the concept of decoloniality. It was during the 2023 summer school, themed "decoloniality in practice.' To understand decoloniality as a concept, the term coloniality, which can also be referred to as the 'colonial matrix of power,' crossed my mind. As the summer school went by, I understood that decoloniality is an intricate and multifaceted concept comprising political, intellectual, cultural, and social aspects. It displays a dedication to redressing past inequities, deconstructing systems of oppression, and establishing a global community that is fair and impartial while also appreciating an array of perspectives and life experiences. Therefore, in a world still marked by the effects of colonialism, decolonizing the mind has emerged as a potent instrument for societal change. Decolonizing the mind is of the utmost importance and transcends geographical boundaries, influencing individuals worldwide.
Decolonization is a broad and complex process that requires a deep understanding of our different human experiences and histories. Decolonization, at its foundation, entails undoing the legacy of colonial control, which frequently imposed Western ideology, institutions, and values on various civilizations across the world. To really comprehend and participate in this transforming process, it is critical to appreciate and respect the world's complex tapestry of cultures, languages, and customs. Recognizing the various ways in which different cultures experienced colonialism and its aftermath is part of appreciating diversity. It entails welcoming a diverse range of voices, viewpoints, and narratives that were excluded or silenced during colonial control. Decolonization is thus not a one-size-fits-all activity; it necessitates an inclusive approach that honors the contributions of many groups and acknowledges the significance of cultural autonomy. By recognizing diversity, decolonization becomes a more complex and inclusive process, establishing a global environment in which each culture is honored and the impact of colonization is destroyed in ways that are sensitive to the specific histories and identities of every community.
The process of decolonization involves more than just the political and economic dimensions of dismantling colonial systems. It also include the crucial need for cognitive emancipation. This aspect of the decolonization process highlights the imperative to emancipate individuals' cognitive faculties from the enduring effects of colonial ideologies, epistemologies, and knowledge systems. Cognitive emancipation is the critical examination and dismantling of Eurocentric narratives that have traditionally exerted significant influence on educational curriculum, intellectual discussions, and cultural depictions. This statement emphasizes the need of acknowledging and valuing indigenous epistemologies, varied viewpoints, and alternate methods of knowledge creation that were frequently marginalized over the period of colonialism. This facet of decolonization highlights the need of encouraging critical thinking, giving people the tools they need to question prevailing ideologies, and recovering one's own cultural identity. Through cognitive emancipation, decolonization becomes a comprehensive activity that attempts not only to reform political structures but also to liberate minds from the mental shackles imposed by colonial beliefs, encouraging a more inclusive and pluralistic perspective of the world.
In conclusion, the process of decolonizing one's mind extends beyond growth. As you embark on this transformative journey, you become part of a movement that aims to question and challenge the existing norms. By reshaping your thoughts and perspectives, you actively foster a society that values and celebrates diverse voices and experiences. This path entails rewriting the standing narratives that have shaped our world for a long. It is an expedition of self-discovery, empowerment, and reclaiming our identities. By acknowledging the narratives imposed upon us, we can actively strive to change them. This endeavour is not about transforming our minds; it revolves around reshaping the collective narrative of humanity.
As an organization, to change the narrative, ACTS is currently engaged in several activities, including yearly summer schools with themes on decoloniality and working with different authors to publish a book on Decoloniality of Knowledge and Learning Systems. Join us in this movement to decolonize minds, and together, we can build a world that respects the dignity and experiences of all individuals.
For more information on this topic please refer to:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/anglistik/staff/davis/decolonising-the-mind.pdf
