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During the era of European empires, the prevalent method of colonizing foreign territories often involved the use of violence. European colonizers would arrive in new lands armed with advanced weapons and impose their ideals on the indigenous populations through force. However, the English colonization of the Nigerian town Ake took a different approach by employing cultural imperialism as a means of control. The English sought to convert the people of Ake to Christianity as a way to exert their influence and dominance.
Like many other colonial powers, the English understood that religion could be a powerful tool in shaping the beliefs and behaviors of the Nigerian people.
They cleverly enlisted Nigerians to act as evangelists, spreading Christianity within their own communities.
Those who cooperated and embraced English concepts were rewarded for their efforts. For instance, Wole Soyinka's family received the security of a parsonage as a result of Essay's contributions to English education as the headmaster of the school.
Education played a significant role in the process of cultural imperialism in Ake.
The English introduced Nigerian children to a curriculum that instilled English values and ideals from a young age.
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English language instruction was mandatory, allowing the colonizers to imprint their beliefs on the local population. The education system also served as a means of surveillance and control, especially over the most talented and promising students.
This strategy of cultural imperialism was effective in preventing Nigerian intellectuals from becoming political adversaries. The English established a government school for advanced students, where they could further indoctrinate the elite.
While the English did not resort to overt violence in their colonization efforts, there was a subtler form of coercion through education and religion.
Wole Soyinka, for example, was disciplined with physical punishment at home for not adhering to Christian beliefs, and faced similar treatment at school for failing to conform to English manners.
In addition to education and religion, the English colonists introduced technological luxuries such as electricity and radios to Wole's family in Ake. These modern conveniences further ingrained English culture and dependency among the locals. The radio, in particular, played a crucial role in cultural imperialism by broadcasting English news and entertainment directly into Nigerian homes. As depicted in "The Years of Childhood," Essay and his friends became enamored with the radio, allowing the English to shape their perceptions of current events.
Another tool of cultural imperialism employed by the English was taxation. The accumulation of wealth through taxes was essential for the economic prosperity of European nations. In Ake, taxation was especially burdensome on women, leading to a revolt against the unfair treatment. Recognizing the importance of keeping the male population in check, the English eventually relented and abolished taxes on women to appease the Nigerian men.
Overall, the English colonization of Ake serves as a prime example of how cultural imperialism can be just as effective as overt violence in exerting control over a foreign population. Through religion, education, technology, and taxation, the English were able to shape the beliefs, behaviors, and economic systems of the Nigerians in Ake. This nuanced form of imperialism highlights the complexities and lasting impacts of colonialism on indigenous cultures and societies.
Cultural Imperialism in English Colonization of Ake. (2018, Sep 30). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/cultural-imperialism-in-ake-essay
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