Discuss your views on the racism inherent (or not) in Conrad’s novella. What implications does this have for reading, teaching, and its place in the canon?
Is there racism in Heart of Darkness? Yes and no. There really isn’t a soul who could argue that ethnocentricity runs rampant in the novel, but racism is an entirely different entity. Whereas the former could be expanded to include the simple definition that one is aware of one’s own race, and of the existence of others, it could also imply a tendency to naturally see a different race from the perspective of one’s own. Racism, however, deals with the belief that one’s own race is far more superior to others.
Conrad includes examples of both in Heart of Darkness, though the degrees of these instances qualify them as either Ethnocentricity or Racism. The initial depictions of the natives could qualify as racist, with overwhelmingly negative descriptions coming from Marlowe, as well as the sense that these particular people are worth less than the European company men.
Reading the novella through this lens can alter the perception of the plot, though to what degree depends on the reader. The descriptions of the African natives are inescapable, though the perceptions of these descriptions could go so far as to completely skew how one sees the character of Marlowe.
On your point of ethnocentricity and racism being two completely separate concepts: it is apparent that ethnocentricity is much more apparent in the novella than racism. For example, Kurtz stated that he aimed to "convert" the natives so they would be less "brutish" and more "civilized." It is obvious that this is a matter of lifestyle and not race. On the other hand, Marlow described the natives more as creatures and less as humans, which was clear racism. I found it really interesting trying to figure out which instance in the novella was which after I read your comment. You make a very interesting point!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point of Marlow being a tad blunt with his description of the natives. However, there ARE two sides of this "ethnic profiling lin" if you will. When Kurtz begins wanting to change the natives' way of life, I feel this isn't racism, but is just the epitome of the definition of ethnocentricity. Kurtz wasn't purposefully being harsh; he was simply thinking of how he could help them improve the way the natives live. He can't help but think of them separate from himself because he hasn't encountered anyone like them before. However, it is not like he thinks they are a worthless and the scum of the Earth. This further illuminates the difference between the two characters.
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