Imitations as Elements in the Shadows of Colonial Legacy: Reflections on Kobina Sekyi’s The Blinkards

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate use of imitation as a device in Kobina Sekyi's satirical play, The Blinkards. The play's central theme is a scathing critique of the attitudes and behaviours of African elites who mimic European values and customs. The article posits that the practice of imitation is an integral element in perpetuating the shadowy remnants of colonialism in Africa. It draws on the tenets of postcolonial theory and cultural studies to argue that imitation is a tool of subjugation and control, as it reinforces the pervasive notion of the "Other" as being inferior. The article also explores how imitation intersects with other legacies of colonialism, such as the imposition of European languages and the suppression of African cultural traditions. The article emphasises the need to critically examine the enduring impact of colonialism on contemporary African societies by examining the role of imitation in this regard. It highlights the complex ways in which the practice of imitation perpetuates colonial legacies and reinforces systems of inequality and domination. The article advocates for a nuanced understanding of how imitation intersects with other aspects of colonialism, such as language and cultural erasure, to perpetuate the lingering effects of colonialism. By examining the use of imitation in The Blinkards, the article aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the legacies of colonialism in Africa and how they continue to shape contemporary African societies.

Keywords: Imitation, The Blinkards, “Other,” Colonial Legacies

DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/70-02

Publication date:June 30^th 2023