Decolonized Innovation
Written by Marie Reid
Technology, defined as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, extends far beyond the realm of digital gadgets and modern conveniences. In the Caribbean, technology emerges from a rich tapestry of resilience and resourcefulness, deeply embedded within our socio-historical and socio-cultural experience. This blog offers a compelling argument for ‘Decolonized Innovation,' spotlighting the singular example related to enslaved women of the time.
Decolonized Innovation
Decolonized Innovation in this context calls for a reevaluation of what constitutes technological advancement and what we consider innovation, urging the recognition and amplification of indigenous contributions to science and technology. Moreover, it is understood that the term "indigenous" extends beyond colonial interpretations to encompass all that is native to a specific place or culture, including the vast array of methodologies born from Caribbean history and wisdom as tools of survival and resistance, particularly from our women. For example:
Escape Routes: Enslaved women intricately wove maps into their hair, showcasing an understanding of geography, spatial awareness, and perhaps even elements of cryptography, as these maps needed to be concealed from their oppressors.
Communicate Messages: Their braids also served as a medium for discreet communication, utilizing the principles of semiotics (the study of signs and symbols) and social networking long before such concepts were formally recognized. This system of covert communication mirrors tactics used in military science, where secure and efficient transmission of information is critical to strategic success.
Store Grains: This practice, which involved selecting, preserving, and transporting seeds in the hair, underscores a deep understanding of plant biology and the principles of crop germination and cultivation. Far from being a simple survival tactic, it was a deliberate application of agricultural science—ensuring not only immediate sustenance but also providing for future generations.
Decolonization, Decolonized Knowledge, and Decolonized Systemic learning
Decolonization in this context, is the process of challenging the remnants of colonial influence in our societies, wherein we actively seek to dismantle narratives that may overshadow the true essence of technology as defined by its practical application, and in turn fail to recognize the notable ingenuity of Caribbean women, acknowledging their role as early tech innovators.
The journey of Decolonized Innovation necessitates a deep dive into the Decolonization of Knowledge, a process crucial for unearthing and challenging the hegemony of colonized knowledge systems. Over centuries, colonial narratives have shaped our understanding of what is considered "valid" knowledge, often sidelining, and delegitimizing the rich tapestry of non-Western wisdom and practices. This oversight is not merely an academic misstep but a pervasive danger that limits our global capacity for innovation and understanding by framing knowledge through a narrow, colonially influenced lens.
Decolonized Systemic Learning aims to address the gaps in our educational curricula that arise from colonized narratives. By incorporating a wider, more inclusive perspective on what constitutes knowledge and innovation, this reformative approach challenges traditional views. It recognizes that the aforementioned tactics employed by early Caribbean women—strategies that cleverly utilized scientific knowledge for practical purposes—represent significant technological and innovative achievements. This educational approach does more than just pay homage to the legacy of these early innovators; it actively engages learners in critical and creative thinking, encouraging them to explore how they can contribute towards an equitable future in technology.
Conclusion
Caribbean women, pioneers of early technological innovation, embody the essence of Decolonized Innovation. They inspire us to approach problem-solving with creativity, unbounded by the limitations of colonial narratives. This blog post advocates for a deepened understanding of technology and innovation, one that fully acknowledges the breadth of human creativity and ingenuity found within the Caribbean and beyond. By committing to this broader perspective, we set the foundation for a technological ecosystem that is not only groundbreaking and inclusive but also truly reflective of the global community's diverse contributions.
