ABSTRACT
Politics and history are closely integrated in Constantino's writings, in the service of demystification and cultural decolonization: the dual task which he consciously and passionately pursues. The emancipation of the oppressed is inconceivable without breaking and melting down the chains of this reified historical consciousness and without its positive counterpart: the reconstitution of the power of consciousness as a liberating force. "The examination of our colonial consciousness and our eventual liberation from its control must be attended by the evolution and dissemination of a counter-consciousness".— writes Constantino. The thoughts and ideas that impede the proper development of society have to be countered by a system of thought that can guide the process of change. The constitution of this "counter-consciousness" is a complex task, involving the building of many bridges. Constantino is fully aware that such a radically critical consciousness must arise out of the soil of existing consciousness—which is very far from being critical.
