Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is a renowned and extensively taught literary masterpiece, often regarded as a classic. Nevertheless, the novel has sparked controversy, particularly with African writer Chinua Achebe, who contends that it should not be classified as art or a classic because of its racist nature. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that given the prevailing racism and its acceptance during the time of the book’s creation, the existence of racist elements can be comprehensible albeit not condonable.
The book inadvertently illustrates a larger issue that remains relevant today: the inclination of the “civilized” to assert their superiority over others whom they perceive as more primitive. While often mistaken for racism, the desire for superiority is actually a broader concept encompassing racism as one specific manifestation. Although they share similarities, the need for superiority is innate and universal to human nature, while racism is narrower in scope and acquired through education. In other words, no one becomes racist overnight, but everyone constantly strives to become their best selves. Pursuing excellence is generally seen as a commendable trait without any inherent wrongness.
Nevertheless, in this particular situation, nothing is more repugnant or unjust than individuals declaring themselves as “the best.” Their humanity is no different from yours…
Heart of Darkness presents the idea that “civilized” individuals perceive themselves as superior to Africans in all aspects. They see African society as an inferior and distorted version of their own, although this viewpoint should not be mistaken for racism because it is not based on skin color but rather on noticeable disparities in social structure. The belief in their superiority arises from the notion that their lifestyle surpasses that of Africa.
The text highlights that the feeling of superiority is not rooted in racism but rather stems from the human aspiration to be the greatest, employing Africa as a point of comparison. Unfortunately, this has had negative consequences for Africa. In Chinua Achebe’s essay, “An Image of Africa,” the main objective is to expose the racism present in Heart of Darkness and challenge its classification as a classic piece of literature. However, Achebe also brings attention to an important idea at the start – proposing that the western world and Europe should perceive Africa as a place that differs from their own state of spiritual grace.
The portrayal of African cultures as savage and ugly in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness allows people to view Africa as a place of darkness and savagery, which in turn helps them feel superior. The depiction of the African men as howling, leaping, spinning, and making horrid faces is seen as unearthly and inhuman, intensifying the perception of their savageness (Heart of Darkness 108).
This passage presents Africans not as they truly were, but as others desire and require them to be perceived. Without this portrayal, individuals lose their sense of superiority, which is why Africa’s history remains obscure even now. Our persistent need to feel superior prevents the unveiling of the truth, as it disrupts our perception of superiority, a reality that most find unacceptable. The yearning for superiority is the foundation for some of humanity’s worst atrocities and injustices that persist to this day. People rely on Africa being depicted as savage and horrific to bolster their optimistic view of progress, causing great suffering for the continent.
Although individuals consistently protest and combat racism, some may contend that the harmfulness of asserting superiority over others is even greater. It is crucial, consequently, that we confront this matter as a question of basic human respect and correct the injustices it has generated.
