Racism in a Postcolonial World – Exploring Swing Time by Zadie Smith

Name of Author : L. Sujitha, Dr. S. Sophia Christina

Abstract: Colonialism was fuelled by racism – the superiority complex of the whites and ideological teachings to prove and promote superiority had been the leading cause of widespread colonialism. However, with the end of colonialism, one might assume the end of racism as well which is sadly not true. It appears as if we are still living in a world regulated and impacted by colonial ideas of racial segregation. Swing Time by Zadie Smith shows how it feels to be a biracial in a post-colonial world, it points out the tension and identity conflict of the protagonist who is neither white nor black and thus fails to find acceptance from either race. The novel highlights that colonialism is not only present in the postcolonial world but its impacts have in fact strengthened racism in the society. It is not only the whites who abhor the blacks as it used to be in colonial times; the hatred is quite mutual now and therefore seems to be stronger than ever. In such circumstances, those who happen to be biracial like the narrator and protagonist of Swing Time have to suffer more hatred and anxiety than an ordinary person. The essay will explore the issue of racism using postcolonial literary theory and the way racism impacts the life of the narrator, it will also highlight the identity crisis of the narrator which is an outcome of racism in a post-colonial world.

Keywords : Racism, Bi-Racial, Identity Crisis, Colonialism, Post-Colonialism.

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