Algeria

Colonial Madness: Psychiatry in French North Africa explores French colonization in the Maghreb region of North Africa, specifically: Tunis, Morocco, and Algeria. The book, unlike many of the others that we have read so far in class, focuses almost exclusively on the viewpoint of the controlling colonial power, rather than on the indigenous persons being ruled. Stripped of cultural context, these chapters provided a striking contrast to the narrative presented in the book Medicine and the Saints…

Throughout history, many nations have been subjected to imperialism. In particular, India and Africa have both seen their fair share of being ruled by another nation. Both these two regions had differing imperial experiences, much to do the aims of the imperialize to the independence movements indorsed by the native people. But, the imperial experience in India was much less destructive and more effective than the one in Africa. The process of the subjugation in both India and Africa can be…

harsh conditions France imposed on its colonies. The second chapter, “Algeria Face to Face with the French Torturers”, highlights how torture was used, not only as a form of punishment, but also as a necessary means to maintain control. Torture was quietly accepted by both French leaders and Algerians as a fundamental necessity. Fanon takes the time to examine how torture left a psychological scar on police serving within Algeria. By 1956 “cases of insanity amongst police became frequent” (Fanon…

Harun, the protagonist of Kamel Daoud’s novel, The Meursault Investigation, and Meursault, the protagonist of Albert Camus’ novel, The Stranger, are strikingly similar people that commit strikingly similar crimes. Harun’s obsession with Meursault leads him to subconsciously mold his life into one so similar to Meursault's that he confuses the two. However, they are ultimately two different men, despite their similar characteristics and experiences, because they are the products of different sets…

Africa is a diverse continent that has many different aspects depending where it is. Morocco is different from most of the other countries in Africa. The different parts of countries are what makes them special and unique. The geography, politics, social behavior, religion, and economy make Morocco a unique place to live. Morocco borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Mountain ranges cover the north, middle and south parts of the country. During the winter, rain collects in the…

Emerald Johnson Matthew Quest AFST 236 October 12, 2015 Battle of the Algiers Review The Battle of the Algiers was a thought provoking film with many focal points for discussion. It was intriguing albeit hard to watch due to societal expectations of higher quality films. While watching it I could see how it could possibly be controversial at the time due to the fresh events that happened a few years earlier (upon which it was based). After looking up more information out of curiosity I read…

The berbers tribe in Morocco are one of the largest tribes on this planet consisting of approximately 40 percent of Morocco's population of 32 million people (1). Although up to 80 percent of the country’s population reportedly has some degree of native Berber blood in their family (1). Morocco itself has is scattered with ride-ranging mountains, a vast coastline, while having a subtropical climate which at times can prove to be a challenge to thrive in such an environment especially when…

The Influences of Languages in the Maghreb Language is regarded as the most basic means of expression across every culture and has continued to have significant impacts throughout history. Language precedes art as the most basic means of expression since it consists of unique personality, which is a reflection of the individual that speak it. Language basically solidifies the figurative thought processes and conveys information, aspirations, values, and beliefs. Cultures use language to…

Colonialism is a big theme in the 20th century. Both Gandhi and Fanon have written on colonialism and violence during that era. One if them is a guru of India, leading people to peace and unionship; the other is a psychiatrist working in Algeria, seeing the condition of Algerian people under the French control. Having experienced authentic colonialism during their years of service in an developing or underdeveloped country, they both have feelings to express regarding the oppression enforced by…

At the turn of the 18th century, Morocco was the only Arabic-speaking nation not a part of the vast Ottoman Empire. The independent country was ruled by the once powerful Alaouite dynasty of sultans, who ruled since capturing Fés in 1666. Although Morocco remained independent through the forefront of African colonization, European powers had their eyes set on the “Arab or the West”. Colonization became possible when a 13-year-old from the Alaouite dynasty succeeded as sultan in 1894, reducing…