ABSTRACT
The theoretical frameworks which have been used have a gender perspective. While these theoretical frameworks are important, I would like make a mind-shift and look at situations from a decolonized perspective. What Sandew Hira said during his Masterclass in Suriname in 2011, has really made me think: 'What do you see in the information, what you actually do not see? Search more behind a situation'. However, before the method of reading against the grain can be applied, it is necessary to first look at the archives and information from along the grain method. In this way one can understand the thinking of the colonial officials. I agree with Margriet Fokken (2011: 3) and Anna Stoler (2009: 50) that it is important to have a top down (along the grain) and a bottom up (against the grain) perspective about situations if you want to have a complete understanding of them.
