Homi K. Bhabha (Routledge Critical Thinkers) (Routledge Critical Thinkers

Routledge Critical Thinkers

by David Huddart

Homi K. Bhabha is one of the most highly renowned figures in contemporary post-colonial studies. This volume explores his writings and their influence on postcolonial theory, introducing in clear and accessible language the key concepts of his work, such as 'ambivalence', 'mimicry', 'hybridity' and 'translation'. David Huddart draws on a range of contexts, including art history, contemporary cinema and canonical texts in order to illustrate the practical application of Bhabha's theories. This introductory guidebook is ideal for all students working in the fields of literary, cultural and postcolonial theory.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Post Colonial

220 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Dena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bhabha's theory is very abstract and difficult to understand. David Huddart however summarizes his theories (the stereotype, mimicry, hybridity, the uncanny, the nation, cultural rights) in a very intelligible way.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It provides accessible explanation for Bhabha's complicated thoughts. It helped me understand some of his ideas.

[Aman]

Critical theorist, scholar of English literature, and philosopher Homi K. Bhabha uses the theoretical tools of post-structuralism and psychoanalysis to levy a post-colonial critique that attempts to "reinsert a temporal dimension into ongoing debates" (pg. 95) concerning identity, cultural formation, minority cultural rights, the nation, etc. Using the post-colonial position, Bhabha psychoanalyzes Western modernity and liberalism (pg. 74), presenting the inextricable links between the high values of the Enlightenment and the material realities of European imperialism and slavery.

By far, the most interesting aspect of Bhabha's thought is cultural difference, a concept explicated very clearly in "The Third Space" interview and in Pt. II of "The Commitment to Theory", where Bhabha contrasts it with "cultural diversity". I quote:

This revision of the history of critical theory rests, I have said, on the notion of cultural difference, not cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is an epistemological object – culture as an object of empirical knowledge – whereas cultural difference is the process of the enunciation of culture as ‘knowledgeable’ [...] cultural difference is a process of signification through which statements of culture or on culture differentiate, discriminate and authorize the production of fields of force, reference, applicability and capacity. Cultural diversity is the recognition of pre-given cultural contents and customs (pg. 49-50, The Location of Culture, 2004, bolded my emphasis).

This provides, I think, an incredibly forceful critique of liberal multiculturalism/cultural diversity, both theoretically and practically (pg. 84-5). It argues against the idea that cultures are pre-given objects which exist in the world independently, and rather details the process of enunciation in which cultural difference precedes the cultures which are differentiated. And there are significant practical consequences to these different ways of thinking: well-meaning liberals who believe in cultural diversity often effect cultural containment, meaning they close up cultures and prevent the interaction which, while often conflictual and antagonistic, results in proximity (pg. 207-8, "The Third Space", 1990). This conflictual interaction is constitutive of cultural difference. In comparison, cultural diversity, in an attempt to protect minority cultures, often causes their containment in a way which reproduces old Orientalist ideas of scientifically studying pure objects of foreign culture. Rejecting this, Bhabha's intervention into this discussion on culture introduces time. Therefore, cultural difference is a temporal concept, which outlines culture as the process of the enunciation and articulation of cultural differences.

Overall, a helpful overview of Bhabha's work. The first two chapters of this book ('1 Why Bhabha?' and '2 Reading') are very helpful on getting a feel of Bhabha's theoretical programme, but the third, fourth, and fifth chapter (on stereotype, mimicry, and the uncanny, respectively) can get highly technical. A good grasp of psychoanalysis is necessary to understand what's going on, as well as a familiarity with the general methodological conduct of post-structuralist thought (Huddart should have explained the technical uses of 'difference' and 'repetition'). Nevertheless, this book is a great resource to find out what you need to understand (how to understand) the work of Homi K. Bhabha.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've got a better grasp on Bhabha, but there's still some basic things I still just don't get.

[Messayu Syahayuniar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps us to understand Bhabha Concepts more easier than his original book. I love this book!!! And recommended book for you if you though Bhabha's book was so complex.