Discours sur le colonialisme

Published in 1950, 'Discours sur le colonialisme' is a powerful critique of European colonialism.

Césaire argues that colonialism is not a benevolent or civilizing mission but rather a self-serving, exploitative system that dehumanizes both the colonized and the colonizers.

He highlights the hypocrisy of colonialism, pointing out that it creates two major problems: the problem of the proletariat and the colonial problem.

Césaire also draws parallels between colonial violence and the atrocities committed by Hitler, emphasizing that colonialism is a form of dehumanization rooted in racism and economic exploitation.

The essay is a foundational text of postcolonial literature and continues to influence discussions on colonialism and its legacy.