NCTCA2019

Congo’s History as a case study of Imperialism and Neocolonialism... 19th Century to the present. “The conquest of the earth, which mostly means the taking it away from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much. What redeems it is the idea only.” Joseph Conrad. Congo has a rich legacy of such Imperial Ideas: Protection from Arab Slave Traders, Development, Civilization, Christianity, Commerce, Paternalism, Racism, Anti-Communism, Great Power Rivalry, Capitalism, Humanitarianism, Peace Keeping, Independence, Self Determination, Structural Adjustment Programs, Neoliberalism, Pursuing Genocidaires... but what was really at the back of it? “It was just robbery with violence, aggravated murder on a great scale” Joseph Conrad. Africa is one the West's richest neocolonial projects and Congo is the heart of that darkness. This presentation uses quotes from "The Heart of Darkness" to illustrate the continuity of Imperial policy from Leopold's Congo to the present. Suggested documentary and book: BBC Documentary, Rwanda's Untold Story, https://vimeo.com/107867605 There Will be Blood by Judi Rever, https://www.cbc.ca/books/in-praise-of-blood-1.4828729