The hidden agenda of postmodernism and the search for a development paradigm in contemporary Africa

Abstract

This paper presents a note of caution as African nations search for frameworks or paradigms that can be the reference point for growth and development. This note of caution has become necessary having considered the projections from non-African cultures (especially, the West) of certain frameworks of ideas, precepts and values that sound9attractive in some positive sense, but actually representing another level of imperialism. One such framework is the now rather popular framework of cultural framework 'of postmodernism. D.J. (49) suggests that the philosophy that should guide our efforts be informed by the postmodernist notions of the respect for the 'otherness of the other', or the negotiation of difference, and of eternal vigilance or perpetual revolution. I argue here that the general form and character of the ideals of Postmodernism placed side by side those of decolonisation may seem to promote a position that is favourable to the African condition, but these ideals do not enhance the decolonisation of the African mind in reality. The ideals, to say the least, would only enhance underdevelopment It is in this understanding that I attempt to examine the hidden agenda of postmodernism. Since the prefix, 'post' combines with 'modernism' to produce 'against modernism' or 'after modernism' it will be useful to begin this discussion with the analysis of the idea of modernism.