Pastel Color Presentation

The Power Struggle Over Arrakis

Exploring Themes of Power, Resources, and Identity

Colonization & Decolonization

06/10/18

Colonization of Arrakis

01

Definition: Colonization refers to the practice of one country or group extending its control over another region, often leading to the subjugation and exploitation of the indigenous people and resources.Examples: British colonization of India, French in Algeria, and the Spanish in Latin America.Purpose of Colonization: Primarily for economic gain (resources, land, trade routes), political dominance, and cultural influence.

Colonization

The Fremen (The Colonized)

1) The native people of Arrakis who have learned to survive and thrive in the harsh desert environment. The Fremen are initially oppressed by the Harkonnens and are seen as little more than obstacles by the Atreides.2) Comparison to Indigenous People: Much like indigenous populations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the Fremen are exploited for their knowledge of the land and forced to suffer under foreign rule.

1) The noble house of Atreides, led by Duke Leto, is sent by the Emperor to replace the Harkonnens and take control of Arrakis. Though they aim to rule with more benevolence, they too seek to extract the spice and thus engage in a form of colonialism, even if with better intentions.2) Colonial Paradox: Even the "good" colonizers may perpetuate a system that benefits from the exploitation of native peoples and resources.

The Atreides (New Colonizers)

The Harkonnens (Colonizers)

1) A powerful family that previously controlled Arrakis with brutal force. The Harkonnens exploit the planet’s spice and enslave the Fremen, the indigenous people of Arrakis.2) Comparison to Historical Colonialists: The Harkonnens resemble European colonial powers, particularly in their ruthless extraction of resources and their oppression of indigenous people for economic gain.

Who is Involved in Dune's Colonization?

Resource Exploitation

02

Baron Harkonnen

“He who controls the spice controls the universe.”

The Spice: Spice is the most valuable item in the universe, essential for interstellar travel and granting psychic abilities As the universe’s most valuable resource, spice is central to political power. Whoever controls spice production on Arrakis controls immense wealth and influence.Example: The spice trade in Dune is similar to the way European colonial powers exploited resources in Africa for their own economic benefits.Economic Importance: Just as the British Empire sought control over India’s resources (tea, spices, cotton), the noble houses in Dune battle for control of Arrakis to gain power over the spice production.

• In Dune, the factions controlling spice wield immense influence over the galaxy, illustrating how resource control translates into political and economic power.
• Colonizers sought out areas with abundant resources, used exploitation to establish control, and put their own financial gain ahead of the welfare of the native population
• In Dune, the use of spice and the colonization of Arrakis is a metaphor for this real-world dynamic, highlighting how the drive for resources shapes power structures and often leads to cycles of oppression and resistance.

Connection

The Role of Spice in Dune

“What resource in the modern world best represents the ‘spice’ in Dune?”

Coal

Gas

Gold

Land

Diamonds

Oil

Impact on Native Populations

03

Stilgar

"We are the Fremen, and we do not take the desert lightly."

• The Fremen, are the indigenous people of Arrakis, who resist the exploitation and oppression by outsiders.
• The Fremen, face oppression and displacement as their land and culture are disregarded.
• They embody resilience, and cultural preservation, fighting against those who exploit their lands

The Freman

In Dune:The Fremen’s culture is central to their resistance. They rely on their traditions, language, and spiritual beliefs to unite and fight for their land. Their language is a source for preserving their way of life.In Real Life:Indigenous people resist cultural assimilation by preserving and revitalizing their languages, traditions, and ceremonies, ensuring their knowledge and identity are passed down through generations.In Dune:The Fremen’s belief in the prophecy of the "Mahdi," the prophesied leader, gives them spiritual strength and unity to resist imperial forces. Their belief system becomes a tool for mobilizing the masses and asserting their identity.In Real Life:Indigenous peoples often draw upon spiritual and prophetic traditions to unify communities in resistance. These beliefs help sustain their resistance and provide hope in the face of overwhelming odds.In Dune:The Fremen’s fight is not just about survival but about maintaining ecological balance on Arrakis. They understand the desert’s ecosystems and seek to preserve them, even as they fight for their freedom.In Real Life:Indigenous peoples have historically been stewards of the land, practicing sustainable agriculture, resource management, and ecological restoration. Their environmental practices are a form of resistance against the destructive practices of colonization and industrialization.

RESISTANCE

Understanding the Transition from Colonial Rule to Independence

Decolonization in India

04

Indigenous Knowledge: The film emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and connection to the land, reflective of India’s rich heritage and deep reliance on its cultural roots during the decolonization movement.Cultural Independence: Just as the Fremen reclaim their identity, the Indian independence movement sought to restore pride in local culture and traditions that colonial powers had sought to undermine.

Cltural Identity and Transformation

Colonial Rule: Overview of British colonialism in India, which lasted from 1600 to 1947.Key Figures: Introduction of influential leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, who led the struggle against British rule.Major Movements: Highlights of significant events, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, which embodied resistance against imperial power.

Historical Context of India’s Decolonization

Modern Exploitation: Current parallels in how natural resources are exploited in post-colonial nations, and the ongoing struggle for cultural identity and autonomy.Lessons from Dune: Dune serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of leadership and the risks of becoming the very oppressor that one seeks to overthrow

Discussion Questions

Contemporary Implications

Herbert, Frank. Dune. Penguin Books, 2021.Villeneuve, Denis, director. Dune. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2021.Miller, David. “Colonialism in the Context of Dune.” Science Fiction Studies, vol. 45, no. 3, 2018, pp. 295–310.Said, Edward W. Culture and Imperialism. Vintage Books, 1993.

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