ABSTRACT
There is no such thing as a kind colonialism. The narrative of political and economic control of a weaker community underlies all colonial endeavours. But the oppression and injustices this often entails are sometimes softened by public discourses and civic performances such as education and hygiene programmes, promoted as improving ‘the native's’ quality of life. This narrative oftentimes befuddles or creates ambivalence in the reading of colonial and postcolonial enterprises.
