On the colonial lethargy: masculinity and social transformation in neocolonial senegal through sembene ousmane's films from 1960 to 1980

This study examines the representation of masculinity and its role in social transformation in post-independent Senegal, as seen through Sembene's works from 1960 to 1980. The research contextualizes Sembene's works within the socio-political and socio-historical landscape of Senegal, particularly during the autocratic rule of Leopold Sedar Senghor, the country's first president. It examines the relationship between neocolonialism, African ancestral heritage, and societal apathy, referred to as colonial lethargy. Drawing on postcolonialism and film studies, this study examines the evolution of Sembene's filmmaking career, his artistic project, and his relationship to (post)colonial power structures. Divided into six discussion chapters, the study assesses the connection between Sembene's narrative, characters, and visual language to illustrate the complex dynamics of postcolonial masculinity, highlighting its intersections with power, patriarchy, and resistance. I also analyze Sembene's critique of post-independence elites and their contribution to the production of discourse in the context of social change. I introduce the concept of colonial lethargy to highlight the importance of Sembene's work as a catalyst for critical reflection and socio-political discourse in Senegal and the wider Black African context.