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Fanon and Cabral: a Contrast in Theories of Revolution for Africa
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 November 2008
Extract
Lenin set the tone for most successful revolutions in the twentieth century when he altered traditional Marxism to suit the conditions of Russia. Mao Tse-tung followed Lenin's example when he too adjusted Marxism (and Leninism) to a Chinese environment. It seems to follow, therefore, that attempts at revolution everywhere should not be mere imitations of previously successful upheavals but should, instead, be tailored to fit specific circumstances. Thus, African revolutions should be made on the basis of African conditions. But such conditions are not, in general, always easy to discern, nor are separate analyses of those conditions certain to be similar. This is especially true of the theories of revolution of two of the most important and influential figures in recent African history: Frantz Fanon (1925–61) and Amilcar Cabral (1925–73).
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References
Page 191 note 1 Fanon's life and thought may be surveyed in the following: Grohs, G. K., ‘Frantz Fanon and the African Revolution’, in The Journal of Modem African Studies (Cambridge), VI, 4, 12 1968, pp. 543–56;Google ScholarCaute, David, Frantz Fanon (New York, 1970);Google ScholarZahar, Renate, L'Oeuvre de Frantz Fanon (Paris, 1970);Google ScholarGeismar, Peter, Fanon (New York, 1971);Google ScholarBouvier, Pierre, Fanon (Paris, 1971);Google ScholarLucas, Philippe, Sociologic de Frantz Fanon (Algiers, 1971);Google ScholarBeckett, Paul A., ‘Frantz Fanon and Sub-Saharan Africa: notes on the contemporary significance of his thought’, in Africa Today (Denver), XIX, 2, Spring 1972, pp. 59–72;Google ScholarObiechina, Emmanuel, ‘Frantz Fanon’, in Ufahamu (Los Angeles), III, 2, Fall 1972, pp. 97–116;Google ScholarGendzier, Irene L., Frantz Fanon: a critical study (New York, 1973);Google Scholar and Jinadu, L. Adele, ‘Some Aspects of the Political Philosophy of Frantz Fanon’, in African Studies Review (East Lansing), XVI, 2, 09 1973, pp. 255–89.Google Scholar
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