Pro-colonial

Pro-colonial describes an ideology, stance, or sentiment that supports or favors colonialism. This includes the belief in the benefits, justification, or necessity of colonial practices, such as the establishment and maintenance of colonies by a ruling power in a distant territory. pro-colonial viewpoints often emphasize perceived benefits like economic development, infrastructure improvements, or the spread of culture and governance, while typically minimizing or ignoring the inherent exploitation, oppression, and cultural destruction associated with colonial rule. This perspective can manifest in various ways, from overt advocacy for colonial expansion to subtle rationalizations of past colonial actions.

Pro-colonial meaning with examples

• The historian's pro-colonial analysis of British rule in India focused primarily on the construction of railways and the implementation of legal systems, downplaying the devastating impact on local industries and the subjugation of the Indian populace. This limited perspective ultimately served to romanticize the colonial project rather than offering a balanced assessment of its complexities.
• Despite acknowledging the injustices of the past, the politician adopted a pro-colonial stance by emphasizing the legacy of British institutions in shaping the current legal and administrative systems of the former colony, arguing these have benefits still. The critics of the stance see it as a way of minimizing the long-term impact of colonialism.
• The author's book presented a pro-colonial argument, claiming colonialism brought superior healthcare and education to the colonized people, and dismissing widespread resistance and indigenous knowledge. The lack of acknowledgement about how this came to be, ultimately led to the book's dismissal and denouncement by critics.
• During the debate about cultural heritage preservation, some local officials argued that a pro-colonial approach was beneficial, as preserving specific colonial architecture would attract tourism and create jobs. Detractors, however, pointed out the need to remember colonialism's damage, and the erasure of indigenous history.
• The museum's exhibition, despite including some indigenous artifacts, presented a pro-colonial narrative. It emphasized the colonizers' achievements, their impact on infrastructure, and the spread of Western ideals, while overlooking the indigenous voices, histories, and forms of resistance.