The Realities of Empire

The New Left Project interviews John Newsinger, the author of “The Blood Never Dried”:

There is no doubt that the ferocity of the repression unleashed against the rebellion in Kenya in the 1950s was made possible by the fact that the victims were black. It is inconceivable that the government would have got away with hanging white men for offences such as the administering of illegal oaths. This does seem to be a feature of British colonial repression. One should not, however, underestimate the ability of governments to demonise their enemies, whatever their colour or religion, although racism certainly makes it easier. Personally I still hope to see a Britain where a statue of the great Kenyan freedom fighter, Dedan Kimathi, will be put up, by popular demand, in Trafalgar Square, in place of the statue of the Victorian General, Sir Henry Havelock, or any of the many other Imperial butchers who are still honoured in the capital. We have a long way to go.

(via Instapaper)