DIGITAL COLONIALISM AND IDENTITY: A POSTCOLONIAL ANALYSIS OF MOHSIN HAMID'S THE LAST WHITE MAN

Abstract

This study investigates the themes of digital colonialism, cultural corrosion, and identity crisis through a postcolonial analysis of Mohsin Hamid’s The Last White Man. Employing Edward Said’s concept of "Other" and Couldry and Mejias’s framework of digital colonialism, this research examines how Anders’s transformation serves as a metaphor for the exploitative nature of digital colonialism. The novel illustrates the effects of digital colonialism, such as cultural homogenization and identity loss, which are perpetuated through data extraction and constant surveillance via digital platforms such as Facebook and Google. By drawing parallels between Anders's emotional and psychological turmoil and the challenges individuals face in today's globalized, digitally dominated world, the study reveals the profound impact of surveillance and data commodification on personal and cultural identity. The findings underscore the role of literature in addressing pressing societal issues and call for further exploration of the intersection between literature and digital technology in understanding contemporary human experiences.

Keywords: Digital Colonialism, Identity Crisis, Postcolonial Analysis, Surveillance, Mohsin Hamid, The Last White Man, Data Commodification.