TRIGGERnometry The Truth About Colonialism with Nigel Biggar
Mar 26, 2023
Nigel Biggar, Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and author of 'Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning', discusses the complexities of British colonialism. He challenges the purely negative narrative, highlighting Britain's role in abolishing slavery while addressing societal interpretations of history. Biggar shares his trials with publishing his book amidst censorship, emphasizing the need for nuanced discussions about colonial legacies and modern implications. This enlightening conversation critiques academic ideologies and the evolution of public discourse.
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Ignorance and Fear
- Widespread ignorance of imperial history allows one-dimensional narratives of colonialism to dominate.
- People fear being labeled racist or colonial apologists for challenging these narratives.
Slavery and Abolition
- Slavery was a near-universal historical institution, not unique to the British.
- The British Empire was exceptional in its efforts to abolish and suppress both the slave trade and slavery itself.
Historical Revisionism
- Some critics exhibit glee at the worst interpretations of British history.
- This reflects a desire to undermine Western self-confidence, which concerns Biggar.
