Fanon Colonial Wars

In the reading Fanon addressed issues of psychological distress brought on by the affects of war. The most interesting element I found was near the conclusion where Fanon (212-225) addressed how scientists concluded that Africans lacked a specific element in the brain. Through scientific research it concluded that because of this deficiency, the Africans were more prone to violence and animalistic instincts and essentially needed the colonizers to control their urges. I found that astounding that that conclusion could be made in modernity even with the medical practises that can prove the opposite this "truth". The medical personnel proposed this to perpetuate the need to colonize and justified their oppressive nature to the colonized.

Trials and tribulations of National consciousness

After the Nation has withered from colonization, it seeks independence and eventually gains a pseudo form of freedom from its previous state. The bourgeoisie of the previous element maintains an ever present hold on the mentality of the colonized political elite. In an attempt to replicate the grandeur of the westernized bourgeoisie, the national bourgeoisie develop into a false mimesis and perpetuate the previous regime. They are as bad or worse than the former national institution and continue the stranglehold on the population of masses from true independence. Unable to achieve national unity, "the population stagnate in intolerable poverty" 112, and eventually will recognize the treachery the national bourgeoisie placed their country. (Trials and Tribulations of National Consciousness 97-144)

Foucault on discipline

Foucault discusses the concept of controlling the individual of observation. In this element I associated this with the imbedded mentality of continual observation. I related this to the Marines as I was in a position of continual observation to ensure that my juniors were maintaining the discipline and order. The element of organizing the base camp is still very appliciable as when we establish bivouac it is still organized as such. It was to reeinforce this sense of observation, and from junior Marine to a senior, we all went through stages of this control.170-173