REGENERATING ETHNICITY IN COLONIAL RULE IN JEANETTE ARMSTRONG’S SLASH.

Abstract

The research article delves into the profound struggle and enduring spirit of Native Canadians, highlighting their resolute commitment to reclaiming and revitalizing their ethnic identities in the face of colonial domination. By exploring the multifaceted dynamics of cultural preservation and adaptation, this study seeks to illuminate the indomitable will of indigenous peoples in Canada to safeguard their ancestral traditions against the currents of history.

Post-colonial literature revisits colonial history through the lens of the colonized, analyzing its economic, political, and cultural impacts on both colonized peoples and colonizing powers. It delves into decolonization, contests various forms of domination, and shapes political and cultural identities. Key themes include anti-racism, anti-oppression, and decolonization, with writers like Fanon, Memmi, Rushdie, Ondaatje, and Walcott rejecting colonial oppression. Their works raise awareness of racism and oppression among colonized peoples, marking the initial steps toward decolonization. Postcolonial writers challenge the imposition of language, culture, and attitudes by colonizers, striving to subvert colonial powers. Many reject the "postcolonial" label, as NayantaraSahgal does, arguing that it simplifies India's history, overlooking pre-colonial traditions and ongoing legacies.