TEMA#1

How can we deconstruct colonial patterns of thinking?

Colonization is part of White European history. The colonizers dominated the world and their sense of superiority was transmitted through social systems. Today, this heritage is still ingrained in society. Consciously or unconsciously we still think in colonial patterns. In this issue TEMA is rethinking the European culture of colonial thought and attempts to take its readers on a path towards the decolonization of their minds.  

While writing about decolonization and racism it is particularly important to be aware of the space and position we take within this debate. We, as mostly White, young people from educated, privileged families, have never been ‘the other’ in our society. Hence, we can only relate to the topic by educating ourselves and listening to people who themselves embody the experiences of the colonial past and racial discrimination. We want to use our privilege to amplify voices that are not heard enough and educate ourselves. Simultaneously, we aim to share knowledge on topics that don’t receive enough attention.   

The indigenous lens in audiovisual art
Viola Karsten Viola Karsten

The indigenous lens in audiovisual art

Audiovisual art has a very special power to touch people, to make them angry, to empathize, and should therefore be considered more precisely as an instrument of resistance against postcolonialist practices.

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