The West and The Rest of Us: White Predators, Black Slavers, and the African Elite” is a profound and critical examination of the impact of Western imperialism on Africa, written by Chinweizu. First published in 1975, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of the political, economic, and social ramifications of colonial and neocolonial interactions between Africa and the Western world. Through a detailed historical lens, Chinweizu not only scrutinizes the exploitative practices of European colonial powers but also critiques the role of African elites in perpetuating these systems of oppression.
Historical Context and Core Themes
Chinweizu meticulously charts the historical trajectory of Africa’s engagement with the West, beginning from the early days of the transatlantic slave trade to the colonial conquests of the 19th and 20th centuries, and finally, to the post-independence era. He argues that the legacy of colonialism has deeply entrenched economic and political structures that continue to disadvantage African societies. One of the core themes of the book is the critique of the ‘civilizing mission’ – a justification for colonialism that purported to bring progress and enlightenment to supposedly ‘backward’ societies. Chinweizu exposes this as a facade for exploitation and domination.
