Why were many African intellectuals frustrated by colonial policy?
A: Many African intellectuals were frustrated because they recognized the gap between theory and practice in colonial policy. Westerns had exalted democracy, equality, and politic freedom but did not apply these values in the colonies.
Correct.
To understand why many African intellectuals were frustrated by colonial policy, it's important to recognize the historical context. During the period of colonialism, European powers exerted control over African territories, imposing their own political, economic, and social systems. African intellectuals were educated individuals who had gained knowledge and awareness of the principles of democracy, equality, and political freedom through their education or exposure to Western ideas.
However, these African intellectuals realized that there was a stark contrast between the ideals that Western colonial powers professed and the actual application of these values in the colonies. European colonial policies often perpetuated discrimination, exploitation, and the denial of basic rights to African people.
African intellectuals were frustrated because they saw that the foundations of colonial policy were based on the exploitation of African resources and labor, for the benefit of the colonial powers. They recognized that the policies implemented by colonial authorities did not reflect the principles of equality, justice, and self-determination that were touted by the Western imperial powers. Instead, the colonial system upheld hierarchies and imposed racial and social divisions that perpetuated inequality and marginalized African people.
Furthermore, colonial policies often limited the opportunities for African intellectuals to participate in decision-making processes, governance, and the development of their own countries. This exclusion further heightened their frustration, as they were systematically denied the ability to contribute their knowledge, skills, and perspectives to the development of their own societies.
In summary, African intellectuals were frustrated by colonial policy because it revealed the hypocrisy of the Western powers' claims of democracy, equality, and political freedom. They saw firsthand how these values were not being applied in the colonies, leading to oppression, discrimination, and the denial of African agency.
Step 1: Many African intellectuals were frustrated because they recognized the gap between theory and practice in colonial policy.
Step 2: Western powers often promoted ideals such as democracy, equality, and political freedom.
Step 3: However, these ideals were not applied in the colonies, leading to a sense of disappointment and frustration among African intellectuals.
Step 4: The contradiction between the espoused values of colonial powers and the reality on the ground created a sense of injustice and frustration.