Description
Book Synopsis: What is the meaning of blackness in Africa? While much has been written on Africa’s complex ethnic and tribal relationships, Jemima Pierre’s groundbreaking The Predicament of Blackness is the first book to tackle the question of race in West Africa through its postcolonial manifestations. Challenging the view of the African continent as a nonracialized space—as a fixed historic source for the African diaspora—she envisions Africa, and in particular the nation of Ghana, as a place whose local relationships are deeply informed by global structures of race, economics, and politics.
Against the backdrop of Ghana’s history as a major port in the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent and disruptive forces of colonialism and postcolonialism, Pierre examines key facets of contemporary Ghanaian society, from the pervasive significance of “whiteness” to the practice of chemical skin-bleaching to the government’s active promotion of Pan-African “heritage tourism.” Drawing these and other examples together, she shows that race and racism have not only persisted in Ghana after colonialism, but also that the beliefs and practices of this modern society all occur within a global racial hierarchy. In doing so, she provides a powerful articulation of race on the continent and a new way of understanding contemporary Africa—and the modern African diaspora.
Details
Welcome to a groundbreaking exploration of race and identity in West Africa with Jemima Pierre's The Predicament of Blackness. Discover a new perspective on the meaning of blackness in Africa, challenging conventional views and uncovering the deep-seated influence of global structures of race, economics, and politics on Ghanaian society. This thought-provoking book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of postcolonial Africa.
Delve into the rich historical context of Ghana as a major port in the transatlantic slave trade and explore the lasting impact of colonialism and postcolonialism on the country. From the pervasive significance of "whiteness" to the controversial practice of skin-bleaching, The Predicament of Blackness offers a comprehensive analysis of how race and racism continue to shape modern Ghanaian society.
Discover how the government's promotion of Pan-African "heritage tourism" intersects with global racial hierarchies, providing insights into the complexities of contemporary Africa and the modern African diaspora. Jemima Pierre's insightful research and compelling narratives will challenge your perceptions and broaden your understanding of race dynamics in Africa.
Ready to explore the complexities of race in West Africa and gain a deeper understanding of postcolonial Ghana? Dive into The Predicament of Blackness today and embark on a transformative journey through the intricate intersections of history, politics, and identity.
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