In:
psychosozial, Psychosozial-Verlag GmbH and Co. KG, Vol. 44, No. 3 ( 2021-09), p. 24-37
Abstract:
In his first book, Black Skin, White Masks (1952), Frantz Fanon presents a theory of recognition that conveys an existentialist theory of society and a psychoanalytic theory of the subject with the aim of counteracting colonial neurosis and realizing a new form of humanism. Fanon’s goal is to abolish the alienation that occurred in the colonial era. Debating Sartre, he emphasizes the personal responsibility of the colonized to take their fate into their own hands. With the end of colonialism in mind and with reference to Hegel and Marx, Fanon looks for possibilities of a historical liberation. At the same time, he looks at the psychic alienation of the black subject. In order to heal the inferiority complex, Fanon draws upon theories of A. Freud, Lacan, and Adler, among others, and outlines therapeutic approaches aimed at working through and coming to terms with the colonial dilemma. This essay examines Fanon’s approaches in the context of epoch and biography and connects some dots in the history of ideas that led to the creation of the work. Finally, it will be asked to what extent French existentialism can serve as an anti-colonial social theory and whether a reconciliation of the individual and (colonial) society – in Fanon’s spirit – is possible.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0171-3434
,
2699-1586
DOI:
10.30820/0171-3434-2021-3
DOI:
10.30820/0171-3434-2021-3-24
Language:
German
Publisher:
Psychosozial-Verlag GmbH and Co. KG
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
282451-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3001796-8
SSG:
5,2
