In his book, Fanon engages in a lengthy inspection of the implications of colonialism on the colonized people, their journey to achieve national consciousness, and eventually liberation. As a trained psychiatrist, Fanon specifically places emphasis on the psyche of the individual who deals with oppression, and how this impact extends to a social collective, with a whole chapter dedicated to cases of mental illnesses caused directly by trauma related to colonialism.

I must admit that I was not well acquainted enough with the history of African colonialism to understand the full scope of Fanon's arguments, but a point that stood out to me most was how colonialism relies heavily on the dehumanization of the native to subjugate them, but by their willingness to carry out horrific acts of violence it is actually the colonizers that deny themselves of their humanity. Such examples that Fanon includes in his case analyses are not only native Algerians traumatized by war and torture, but European officers who are driven mad by their interrogation and torture of Algerians. This book does not shy away from the graphic details of atrocities committed by colonizers on African soil, appalling yet a potent recall to Fanon's justification of violence as a rightful means to overthrow the oppressor. Fanon's manifesto for decolonization is written with urgency and ardor, and remains an indispensable voice for countries on the uneasy path of regaining their sovereignty amidst the aftershock of emancipation— not just for Africa, but many communities fighting for liberation to this very day. 

It's groundbreaking and essential. I thought to re-visit this since there's a new biography about Frantz Fanon out and I wanted to brush up on what I'd read in uni before embarking. 

Amazing. Excellent. Superb.

Historical nonfiction, in my experience, is very repetitive, but here it works. It also works that the books begins (in either the foreword or the preface, idk, 68 pages before we get to the meat of the text is crazy) with whichever writer mentioning that critics of the book have complained that the book doesn't give a good enough blueprint on what revolutionary actions they should take nexts. You fools. You spineless clowns. Fanon literally says over and over here's how the colonizer distracts you and the way forward is not gonna be the same for everyone. The repetition is to show that while every story and its circumstances are different, the root of all their problems come from the same source.

It's depressing that this book published when my grandmother was born (and has since passed) is still relevant to today. I hope it is not relevant by the end of my life time. I hope that people look back at this book as a cautionary tale, a reminder of our history we cannot forget and always, constantly relearn to remember what not to do and how to move forward. 

Also kinda fucked up his parents named him Frantz. Sounds like France. Is / Was that a common name?