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Was literature used as a means of propaganda during any historical event in Asia or Africa?

Shyheim Ricarde

Undoubtedly, literature has played a vital role as a means of propaganda throughout history, and Asia and Africa are no exceptions. Both continents have been the victims of propaganda, where literature has been the primary tool utilized to sway the masses towards a particular ideology or agenda.

Starting with Asia, China's propaganda efforts during the Cultural Revolution constitute one of the most significant instances of literature being used as a means of propaganda. During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Chairman Mao Zedong initiated a movement where he aimed to purge 'bourgeois elements' from Chinese society. To accomplish this, Mao relied on writers and poets to produce literature that would promote Maoism, the philosophy of Mao Zedong. Mao's Little Red Book, a collection of his speeches and quotes, became a mandatory read and was distributed across the country. It contained slogans such as "Serve the People" and "The Masses Are the Real Heroes," aimed at inculcating revolutionary values in the Chinese people.

Similarly, Pakistan's Islamization drive during the 1980s is another example of literature being used as a tool of propaganda. Zia Ul Haq, the then-president of Pakistan, promoted Islamization as a means of consolidating and legitimizing his regime. To achieve this, he commissioned writers and poets to produce literature that would reinforce the idea of Islamic statehood. Urdu literature largely served as a tool for this purpose, where literary works glorified Islam and its role in Pakistan's history.

When it comes to Africa, apartheid-era South Africa provides one of the most comprehensive examples of literature being used as a means of propaganda. The apartheid regime in South Africa relied heavily on literature to maintain white supremacy. The government censored all literary works that were critical of the regime and actively promoted those that promoted apartheid. Writers such as Nadine Gordimer emerged as leading voices against the apartheid regime, even though their works were censored or outright banned.

Similarly, during the Cold War, African countries such as Angola and Mozambique underwent a process of decolonization and liberation warfare. Literature became an essential tool for propaganda during these periods as writers used their works to promote revolutionary ideologies. The Angola writer Luandino Vieira was imprisoned by the country's colonial government for propagating communism through his works.

In conclusion, literature has been a vital tool for propaganda in Asia and Africa. Both continents have witnessed government censorship and the promotion of literature that reinforces the ruling regime's ideology. It is vital to recognize and challenge the role that literature plays in propagating inequality, violence, and oppression.