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00:00:00 – 00:58:49
The video features a detailed discourse led by Nelson Maldonado Torres, a professor at Rutgers University, focusing on the distinctions and overlapping themes of colonialism, modern colonialism, and coloniality. Torres explains that while colonialism denotes the general practice of one country exercising control over another, modern colonialism refers specifically to European expansion starting around 500 years ago marked by the so-called discovery of the Americas. This era established a new relational dynamic termed coloniality, a long-lasting framework organizing power, knowledge, and societal structures that persists beyond the end of formal political colonialism.
The dialogue delves into the foundational myths propagated by European civilization, including the concepts of race, labor, and human categorization influenced by colonial ideologies. This is further underscored by an examination of European colonial empires' global influence, resulting in deep-seated racial and economic hierarchies that still impact modern capitalist systems, particularly in Latin America and Africa.
The conversation transitions to the theoretical critique of philosophers like Martin Heidegger on ontological distinctions, and highlights the enduring impact of thinkers like René Descartes, whose ideas shaped modernity by separating reason from tradition and religious authority. Scholars such as Enrique Dussel and Emmanuel Levinas are cited for their calls to prioritize ethics and ontology to counteract dehumanization perpetuated by colonial and rationalist frameworks.
The impact of coloniality is illustrated through historical examples, including genocides in Africa and the paradox of European modernity marked by both self-proclaimed advancement and destructive colonization practices. The discussion also ties colonial legacy to contemporary issues, arguing that neoliberal policies often stem from colonial attitudes and emphasizing the challenge of genuine decolonization versus superficial integration.
Finally, the video touches on the metaphysical dimensions of coloniality, stressing that a profound and complete restructuring of societal concepts—reason, identity, and justice—is essential. The speakers advocate for decolonization at all societal levels, aiming for new forms of communal relationships that counteract systemic dehumanization. Inspired by revolutionary thoughts, they emphasize ongoing struggles and the importance of making meaningful connections, highlighting the perseverance needed to honor the efforts of ancestors and work towards a better future.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the host introduces Nelson Maldonado Torres, a professor specializing in Latino and Caribbean Studies and Comparative Literature at Rutgers University, to discuss coloniality. Maldonado Torres distinguishes between colonialism, modern colonialism, and coloniality. He explains that colonialism is broadly defined as a relationship where one country or territory takes over another’s sovereignty, a phenomenon seen throughout history. Modern colonialism, however, specifically refers to the type of colonialism starting 500 years ago during the so-called discovery of the Americas, characterized by European conquests and doctrines of discovery. This period marked a fundamental shift in perceptions, where indigenous peoples were not seen as fully human by European standards, thus initiating a different kind of relational dynamic and conceptualization of being—what Maldonado Torres refers to as coloniality.
00:05:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the concept of colonialism and its evolution into coloniality. It highlights the expansionist activities of European empires like Spain, Portugal, France, and Britain, noting that their influence extended globally, including Asia and Africa. The speaker differentiates between colonialism, a juridical-political relationship, and coloniality, a broader concept involving the organization of power, knowledge, and societal structures that persist even after formal colonial rule ends. The conversation also contrasts European colonial expansion with other historical empires, arguing that European colonialism’s global consequences and its creation of a world map and worldview make it uniquely significant. The impact of these colonial structures continues to influence global relations and access to resources today.
00:10:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the foundational myths of civilizations, highlighting the European notion of discovery and expansion. They differentiate between traditional colonialism and modern colonialism, linking the latter to the European expansion and civilization efforts. The concept of coloniality is introduced, emphasizing a colonial configuration of power and knowledge that persists beyond political colonialism. The discussion then shifts to European colonialism’s influence on concepts such as race and the organization of labor, suggesting that race plays a crucial role in global societal structures, especially in capitalist transactions between Latin America and Europe. The speaker reflects on Aníbal Quijano’s introduction of coloniality, noting that power relations in the modern world cannot be fully explained by capitalism and class alone. They conclude that colonial practices imposed an ontological inferiority on certain groups, such as indigenous peoples and African slaves, who were not intended to participate equally in labor markets, but rather serve as serfs or slaves in the social hierarchy established by colonial powers.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the discussion revolves around historical perspectives on race and labor, emphasizing that racial distinctions influenced labor relationships, sometimes prioritizing racial hierarchies over economic benefits. It delves into how Europeans historically conceived humanity, particularly in academic contexts, and the struggle to extend this concept of humanity beyond European experiences. The concept of “coloniality of being” is introduced, highlighting its significance in understanding power dynamics, knowledge, and societal structures. This involves a critique of Martin Heidegger’s ontological theories, focusing on the perceived distinctions between different forms of existence and their implications for human categorization.
00:20:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion centers around the concept of ontological difference, specifically highlighting how certain human beings, such as black subjects in colonial contexts described by Franz Fanon, are socialized not to fully recognize themselves as complete social beings. This creates a sub-ontological difference where these individuals are seen as lesser beings compared to others who are admitted into the sphere of being and becoming. The conversation also reflects on how this difference impacts the perceived humanity of European individuals, influencing their fundamental assumptions about humanity. Additionally, the segment explores the significance of René Descartes in shaping the ideas of modernity and being, highlighting how Cartesian thought marked a shift from tradition and religious authority to a new foundation of knowledge and truth through skepticism and the method of doubt.
00:25:00
In this part of the video, the speaker delves into the foundational reality of epistemological problems in philosophy proposed in the early 17th century. Emphasizing the “thinking substance,” they discuss how issues of knowledge and truth became central, sidelining aesthetics and ethics. This thought influenced European civilization, culminating in the Enlightenment, which shaped modern nation-states and rationalism. The speaker then critiques this focus on reason, pointing to 20th-century wars and genocides, including the Holocaust, as failures of rationalist societies. They mention philosophers like Enrique Dussel and Emmanuel Levinas, who argue for prioritizing ethics and ontology to address dehumanization and link such atrocities to colonialism and modern coloniality.
00:30:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on various genocides, particularly in Europe and Africa, highlighting the brutalities during the enslavement of Africans and the atrocities in Congo under King Leopold of Belgium. The conversation then explores the paradox of European modernity, where Europeans considered themselves highly developed and modern while perpetuating death and colonization outside Europe. The notion of modernity is presented as inherently colonial, as it differentiates the “modern” Europeans from the “ancient” and “primitive” peoples, often leading to exploitation and control under the guise of extending civilization and integrating others into the global economy.
00:35:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion centers around the notion of coloniality and its lasting impact on modern political systems. It delves into how former colonial powers often treated colonized regions as inferior, maintaining a paternalistic relationship that justified their own dominance. The speakers argue that many current issues attributed to neoliberalism also stem from these deep-rooted colonial attitudes, which persist in various forms across the world. They highlight the temporal and spatial disparities enforced by colonial powers, which prevented true developmental parity between colonizers and the colonized. Furthermore, the segment touches on the concept of integration in European societies, examining how even a slight increase in diversity can lead to significant anxiety and resistance among established populations, often manifested as outright rejection or calls for assimilation.
00:40:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the issues surrounding integration and accountability for people from former colonial territories. They argue that there is often an arrogant attitude of superiority where the state or dominant group imposes compliance without acknowledging their own lack of accountability. They highlight persistent segregation and inequality in the United States as an example, noting that even successful African-Americans face systemic barriers. In academic institutions, people of color often must conform to existing norms, hindering diverse knowledge generation. The speaker critiques the notion of integration, asserting that true decolonization requires rejecting the foundational norms and myths of the current system, rather than merely diversifying within it.
00:45:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers on the concept of coloniality and its critical transformation. The speaker highlights the importance of decolonizing foundational concepts such as reason, human identity, and justice. They emphasize understanding how contemporary society perpetuates coloniality, particularly through mechanisms of race and racism which dehumanize populations. The speaker argues for the need to move beyond recognizing surface-level effects to identify and analyze root causes. This process should involve creating new forms of community, knowledge, and relationships that counteract dehumanization. Additionally, the speaker advocates for engaging in decolonizing activities at all societal levels, from community organizations to intellectual circles, transforming both actions and thought processes. They stress the significance of addressing institutional formations and not merely integrating marginalized bodies into existing structures. The conversation concludes with a contemplation on the metaphysical catastrophe of the modern world, exploring the underlying expectations and realities shaping our current existence.
00:50:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the concept of ‘the other’ as a metaphysical category that signifies what is beyond the immediate self. They explore how metaphysical relationships between the self and the other shape human existence, following thinkers like Emmanuel Levinas. The speaker argues that the conquest and subjugation of others, such as during the discovery of the Americas and the ensuing enslavement of African populations, represent a metaphysical catastrophe that underpins the formation of modern Western civilization. This catastrophe marked a fundamental turning point, leading to the current global paradigm. In contrast, the ‘decolonial turn’ is framed as a counteraction to this catastrophe, advocating for a reconstitution of healthy human differences and mutual relationships. The speaker emphasizes the importance of moving away from divisive and essentializing ideologies towards a more relational approach that values otherness. The discussion concludes with reflections on the future, inspired by Frantz Fanon’s perspective on the need for revolutionary thought and action, even in the absence of immediate change.
00:55:00
In this part of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of continuing to strive for change and create meaningful relationships, even in the face of significant challenges and uncertainties. They discuss the necessity of speaking out and engaging with others despite the obscurities and potential failures, asserting that this is a fundamental aspect of our humanity. The speaker highlights the ongoing struggle against coloniality and its deep-rooted impact on civilization. They praise the efforts of ancestors and various global voices that contribute to overcoming these adversities and fostering community. They conclude by stressing the importance of perseverance and honor in the fight for a better future.