Social Science

Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire

Name: Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire
Author: Akala

Akala

21 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•How British imperialism shaped race and class relations in the UK and globally.
•The lived experience of black British identity and the complexities of whiteness and blackness.
•The systemic nature of racism in British education and its impact on black students.
•The cultural significance and contradictions of black excellence in sport and music.
•The global dimensions of race politics, including anti-apartheid and the rise of Asia.
•How historical narratives about empire and race are selectively remembered and taught.
•The challenges and possibilities for future racial and class justice in Britain and beyond.

Who should read this

✓Students and scholars of race and class studies
✓Readers interested in British history and postcolonial studies
✓Activists and policymakers addressing racial inequality
✓Fans of memoirs exploring identity and social justice

About this book

An incisive memoir and analysis of race, class, and empire in Britain, exploring systemic racism and black British identity.

Did You Know?

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Akala is a British rapper, journalist, and activist known for blending music with social commentary.

Audio Summary

Section 1

The Roots of Race and Class in Britain’s Empire

3:45

7 Sections

Preview: The Roots of Race and Class in Britain’s Empire

As we begin this journey, it is essential to understand that the fabric of race and class in modern Britain is woven deeply with threads of empire and slavery. The British Empire’s vast wealth and influence were not accidental but built on the backs of enslaved Africans and colonial subjects whose labor fueled industries and enriched the mother country. This economic foundation underpinned the industrial revolution and the welfare state, yet it remains a silent shadow in many histories. The story of abolition is often told as a heroic narrative of a few great men, but the reality is far more complex. Countless enslaved people resisted their bondage through rebellions and revolts, shaping the course of history. Their courage and defiance challenge the sanitized versions of history we are often presented with.

Following the Second World War, the Windrush generation arrived from the Caribbean, invited to help rebuild Britain. They were welcomed with open arms in official rhetoric but met with segregation, discrimination, and hostility in practice. Living in council estates, working menial jobs, and facing systemic barriers, these migrants laid the groundwork for the multicultural Britain we see today. Yet, their presence exposed the contradictions of a nation proud of its liberal values yet deeply entrenched in racial hierarchies.

Understanding these roots is crucial because they explain why race and class remain intertwined in British society. The legacy of empire is not confined to history books; it lives in the structures and attitudes that shape everyday life. As we move forward, we will explore how these historical forces manifest in identity, education, culture, and politics, revealing the ongoing struggle for equity and recognition.

From the economic underpinnings of empire to the lived realities of migration, this section sets the stage for a deeper dive into the complexities of race and class. Let us now turn to how these forces shape identity and belonging in Britain.