excellent analysis of the true nature of imperialism and the de-colonization process - Rated 
Fanon was born in Martinique in 1925 and trained as a doctor (specializing in psychiatry) in France. He was assigned to a hospital in Algeria during the uprising against the French. He chose to throw in his lot with the "rebels" and became one of their most articulate spokesmen. He did not live to see the French leave Algeria as he died of leukaemia at the age of thirty-six.
In this book, Fanon provides an insight into the true nature of imperialism. He details the mental, economic and physical degradations that characterize the relationship between "the settler" and "the native" and how violence is a central feature of this relationship. Fanon explains how violence is central to the de-colonization process and the forging of a unifying consciousness amongst the colonized populace. He provides further insights into the organization of colonial struggle, the different roles played by town "elites" and rural people and also, very interestingly, the impact of the violence that characterized the colonial order on the mental health of everyone involved.
I found this a fascinating read. The evils of imperialism are often glossed over in many accounts and Fanon majors on destroying this myth. These are the considered opinions of a man not afraid to call it as he sees it. Colonial struggles are a thing of the past now. However, Fanon's analysis of the relationship between the "First" and the "Third" World is still quite relevant.
The Clanging of the Chains - Rated
It was said that fanon was the voice of rebellion, which echoed upon Europe. This book gives you an insight into the power of hate that erupts because of racial prejudice. Throughout this book you will feel the clanging of the chains of slavery, you will feel the subdued screams of centuries of absolute misery. You will feel in awe of the calamity brought upon humanity by Europe's colonialist mindset. But most of all you will hear within it the sounds of a dawning freedom. For those of you, who are bearing the demons of the new kind of slavery called Capitalism, this book will give you an insight into the mindset that is behind global Capitalism. It will give you the hints of the rot and demise within the newly freed society and the covert form of repression that follows such emancipations. This book is a journey not for the weak hearted. An evocative, book with one of the best preface, by Sartre.
Excellent book for understanding anti-colonial struggle - Rated
...Sarte's introduction had me hooked and I couldn't wait to begin reading Fanon's comments. I was a bit disappointed at first, but as I got into the text I began to realize that I couldn't put it down. Fanon is very insightful as to what happens during an anti-colonial struggle. He explains how the anti-colonial struggle is divided between the rural areas and the towns, whereas most Westerners see the movement as a coherent body. In Fanon's opinion, violence is the way forward. Many are quick to criticize this opinion, citing Gandhi as an example of how a non-violent movement can work. However, violent and non-violent movements must be examined on a case by case basis and Fanon shows how violence is important to the nation to establish itself as a truly independent nation that will not endure Neo-Colonialism. It is also essential towards building a national solidatory, something difficult when the area is usually composed of different tribal groups that have different cultures and who have been encouraged to fight each other by the colonial authorities. In conclusion, you should read this book if you want to gain an insight into the philosophy of the anti-colonial struggle. This book has truths that are still relevant to this day and which will continue to be relevant for some time to come.
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