Discussion group – July 2021

The group met on Monday 12th July at Anne’s house, (excellent biscuits), to discuss post colonial guilt.

It was quickly clear that we didn’t consider it was possible or desirable for one generation to take responsibility, or apologise for, the actions of previous ones. Indeed, it seems impossible to judge past actions, and the motivations behind them, against today’s standards.

What constitutes colonialism was discussed, and it appeared that distinctions were to be drawn between settling in a country and suppressing the inhabitants way of life, and controlling resources and trade with less effect on the culture of the country. The question of whether China’s ‘belt and road’ schemes in other countries is a kind of colonialism is an interesting one.

Having exercised our grey matter sufficiently for one day, we ended the meeting at about noon.
Michael Heyden

Please note, views expressed by the Discussion Group may not represent those of the wider Dawlish and District u3a membership.