Capitalism Delusion in Ex-colonies: A Postcolonial Analysis of How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue

Abstract

Like other economic models, capitalism is a solid one that has demonstrated its resilience by overpowering political vagaries. From its inception in the 19th century to the present day, it has proven its worth as a development factor in various European societies and to competition. Over time, it has emerged as a foremost political weapon serving the cause of Western imperialism beyond its geographical borders. Development aid to Southern societies, as illustrated in Imbolo Mbue’s How Beautiful We Were (2021), is a perfect example. Ex-colonized areas such as Kosawa have fragile and poor economies; the West is committed to supporting them by establishing Pexton, a mining company whose purpose is to boost the domestic economy. Enthused by promises, local inhabitants show hospitality towards their benefactors. However, later, to their surprise, their hope gave way to despair, as Pexton’s activities caused enormous trouble and diminished the quality of life for the residents. Any nationalist denunciation that demands compensation risks retaliation. As the story unfolds, the environment is polluted, changing the inhabitants’ daily lives. Pexton’s inaction in the face of this ecological crisis raises suspicions about the reliability and viability of development projects piloted by American backers. The study of those discrepancies is crucial, and it is here that the postcolonial critique proves its undeniable relevance, as it contributes to unmasking Western assistance as a form of disguised imperialism, providing the conceptual framework to decipher the ideological continuities between past colonial practices and present-day neo-colonial realities. By focusing on the experiences and voices of marginalized individuals, this method remains a powerful tool for disclosing how the so-called development factor paradoxically impoverishes formerly colonized people. However, its nuanced application is essential, as its tendency to focus on external forces can sometimes obscure the complexities of internal community dynamics and risk presenting the subaltern experience as a monolithic narrative. In terms of structure, the current inquiry is composed of two lines of research: “Seduction of capitalist promises” and “Capitalist exploitation and post-exploitative paradigm.”