Latest news with #French-trained
The Hindu
a day ago
- General
- The Hindu
Frantz Fanon at 100: the teachings of the 20th century thinker and psychiatrist remain chillingly contemporary
As we mark the centenary of his birth, Frantz Fanon's voice resonates with a more urgent clarity than ever before — within universities, on streets, and within the innermost consciousness of those compelled to defy the enduring legacies of empire. A French-trained psychiatrist of Martinican origin, Fanon [1925-1961] later became an Algerian revolutionary, standing as one of the most influential and contested intellectuals of the post-World War era. While he was often caricatured, as a mere 'apostle of violence', in the words of Edward Said, a closer reading of his work reveals a rigorous and nuanced humanist, deeply committed to confronting injustice. Traumas of colonisation For me, Fanon has never been simply an author to teach; he is a thinker whose work unremittingly demands engagement, offering a framework through which to confront the complexities of our world. My introduction to the spirit behind his book, The Wretched of the Earth (1963), came not from a formal academic curriculum, but from the profound moral unrest and social upheavals that surrounded me. In those moments, traditional classrooms seemed to perpetuate silence and complicity, failing to provide a language to effectively address the structural violence and systemic discriminations that existed beyond their walls. It was Fanon, the intransigent revolutionary idealist, who gave me and my generation a vocabulary for that dissonance. Later, as I began teaching postcolonial cultural theory, The Wretched and his earlier book, Black Skins, White Masks,transcended their role as mere texts, instead serving as a catalyst to unsettle the sterile academic environment and confront the harsh realities of colonial distress, while simultaneously igniting deep undying hope. His work in Algeria powerfully exposed the psychological and political violence of French colonial rule, a dual perspective of a psychiatrist tending to the psychic traumas inflicted by colonisation, and a revolutionary theorist unflinchingly diagnosing the structural afflictions of empire and 'the systematic negation of the other'. Challenging power structures For students in India, Palestine, Africa, and beyond, his ideas, therefore, do not remain mere abstractions. In recent years, many across the world see in his writings a mirror to their own condition of militarised occupation, psychic ordeal, and a yearning for self-expression. In classroom conversations about Gaza, Fanon's examination of the coloniser's violence and the colonised's rage feels chillingly contemporary, when confronted by the vexing question: why, if people of Gaza are dying in such horrific numbers, does Israel persist in its relentless bombardment? As Fanon would have answered, colonial violence is rarely about territorial control; it is theatrical, a grotesque display of supremacy, a ritualised annihilation feeding on breaking the human spirit. Similarly, the immigrant detention system in the United States is precisely based on Fanon's view of colonialism as a system of compartmentalisation, of dividing, isolating, and controlling bodies based on race, geography, and power. This is why Fanon cannot be treated as a mere historical figure, frozen in 1961, the year he died. His centenary is not a commemoration but a confrontation at a time when the right-wing assault on universities intensifies, as dissent stands criminalised and academic freedom widely curtailed. Fanon offers not comfort but clarity, with a reminder that the university itself is a site of contestation where knowledge and power intersect and where dominant narratives reinforce existing power structures. However, universities also offer a platform for resistance, critique and transformation. His famous dictum that 'Each generation must discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it' is a challenge that we must pass on to our students. The questions remain Understandably, Fanon's insistence on agency resonates powerfully with Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed (1968), another formative text in the intellectual journey of many radical activists. Like Fanon, Freire had emphasised that liberation is not a gift bestowed from above but a mutual process of becoming, through what he called conscientização, the practice of dialogue, critical consciousness, and praxis. Under their influence, the classroom ceased to be a sterile, apolitical space and revealed itself as a site of struggle where dominant ideologies nudge each other and where students do not remain passive recipients but turn into insurgent co-authors of knowledge and their own histories. Fanon, as we all know, wrote in a time of war, exile, and revolutionary ferment. We, too, live in a time of mass displacement, resurgent fascism, and intellectual repression. His questions remain ours, challenging us to think critically about power, identity and freedom, encouraging us to strive for a world where individuals and communities can flourish without the shackles of oppression. His contemporary relevance is both clear and compelling. The writer taught postcolonial cultural theory at Panjab University.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Goliath to miss £1.5m King George defence with major US race targeted instead
The French-trained gelding's owner John Stewart has the Arlington Million in his sights instead of a second tilt at Ascot's showpiece Top middle-distance horse Goliath is set to shun another tilt at the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The five-year-old gelding pulled off a huge upset in the Ascot showpiece in 2024 by defeating subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking as well as the likes of Rebel's Romance and Auguste Rodin at odds of 25-1. Ambitious US owner John Stewart subsequently bought a controlling stake in the Francis Graffard-trained horse for his Resolute Racing team with a view to campaigning him internationally. He has won twice since but was heavily beaten by stablemate Calandagan when they met in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud last month in which Goliath finished last of five. Graffard later revealed,'His blood test results were not very good after the race so I have an excuse and I know why he didn't perform, he was not right that day. 'Plans are still up in the air but John has the idea to go to Colonial Downs (for the Arlington Million), which is not a bad idea at all, and I will consider it and discuss it with John. The horse will tell us, but it is definitely an option we will consider.' The Arlington Million was the first race in the US to offer $1 million and became a major attraction for European runners with Luca Cumani winning the third edition in 1983 with the Pat Eddery-ridden Tolomeo. Last year it was won by the Charlie Appleby-trained Nations Price. Since the closure of Arlington Park in Chicago, the race has moved to Colonial Downs where it is staged on August 9 as the centrepiece of the Colonial Downs Festival. It still offers $1m in prize-money. Stewart, who registered his first European Group 1 victory with Woodshauna in Sunday's Prix Jean Prat, sees other benefits in targeting the Arlington Million over the King George. 'We don't think he will be ready for the King George and the Arlington Million has bonus points for the Japan Cup and is a 'Win & You're In' for the Breeders' Cup.' he told Mirror Racing. 'So we are going that direction.'
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Bond backing Maranoa Charlie to go the distance at Deauville
Monsieur Bond and Ladies Are Forever both famously flourished in the black and yellow spots of the late Reg Bond, who enjoyed Group One success in France as part-owner of 2014 Prix de l'Abbaye winner Move In Time. Now with son Charlie now at the helm, the Bond Thoroughbreds operation has a growing broodmare band at Yapham Mill Stud near Pocklington and have added a touch of quality to the ranks by swooping for Christopher Head's crack French-trained three-year-old Maranoa Charlie, who is blessed with both a glowing pedigree and impressive on-track CV. Monsieur Bond is one of the most famous names to represent the Yorkshire-based team (John Giles/PA) 'The reason we bought him was his form, but to have a colt with the speed in the pedigree from Tiggy Wiggy and by Wootton Bassett was so exciting to add to the ranks with what Bond Thoroughbreds is trying to achieve in racing,' said Charlie Bond. 'Wootton Bassett is flying at the minute and he looks to have great stallion potential for a long way down the line. We have a big broodmare band now, so we do need to be looking towards the future as well. 'We saw his last win and the time of the race compared to the other racing that day and he won a bit cosily carrying a penalty. The previous owners were fantastic to deal with and will be joining us on Sunday at Deauville.' Maranoa Charlie was subject to plenty of hype as a two-year-old when effortlessly winning his first three starts before seeing his momentum checked when upped to Group One level at Saint-Cloud in the final outing of his juvenile campaign. Maranoa Charlie leads them all the way in the Prix Paul de Moussac! 🇫🇷 The high-class Lazzat took the Group Three contest last year, what next for @CHeadRacing's talented colt? — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 8, 2025 However, he has left that minor blip in the past since returning this season, winning two Group Three contests to tee-up a return to the highest level at Deauville – which in turn could lead to a raiding mission to York for the upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23. 'The main race for him will probably be the City of York which Christopher identified and it is our home track, which I think will really suit him,' added Bond. 'Obviously we will see how he gets on stepping back into to Group One company on Sunday, Christopher is looking forward to running him and we'll get to see what level he is at. Cosmic Year is a possible opponent of Maranoa Charlie (David Davies/PA) 'It's the best of the best in the Jean Prat and we're straight in there in a really hot race. 'But his stature, when you look at the videos we've been sent of him, has been impressive and we're really looking forward to seeing him in person. 'I'm also really looking forward to seeing him as a four-year-old. He's a great looking horse now, but the potential improvement at four looks to be there.' Maranoa Charlie is one of eight standing their ground for the Deauville feature, with Harry Charlton's Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cosmic Year and Charlie Appleby's dual Group One-winning two-year-old Shadow Of Light providing further British interest.
Leader Live
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Bond backing Maranoa Charlie to go the distance at Deauville
Monsieur Bond and Ladies Are Forever both famously flourished in the black and yellow spots of the late Reg Bond, who enjoyed Group One success in France as part-owner of 2014 Prix de l'Abbaye winner Move In Time. Now with son Charlie now at the helm, the Bond Thoroughbreds operation has a growing broodmare band at Yapham Mill Stud near Pocklington and have added a touch of quality to the ranks by swooping for Christopher Head's crack French-trained three-year-old Maranoa Charlie, who is blessed with both a glowing pedigree and impressive on-track CV. 'The reason we bought him was his form, but to have a colt with the speed in the pedigree from Tiggy Wiggy and by Wootton Bassett was so exciting to add to the ranks with what Bond Thoroughbreds is trying to achieve in racing,' said Charlie Bond. 'Wootton Bassett is flying at the minute and he looks to have great stallion potential for a long way down the line. We have a big broodmare band now, so we do need to be looking towards the future as well. 'We saw his last win and the time of the race compared to the other racing that day and he won a bit cosily carrying a penalty. The previous owners were fantastic to deal with and will be joining us on Sunday at Deauville.' Maranoa Charlie was subject to plenty of hype as a two-year-old when effortlessly winning his first three starts before seeing his momentum checked when upped to Group One level at Saint-Cloud in the final outing of his juvenile campaign. Maranoa Charlie leads them all the way in the Prix Paul de Moussac! 🇫🇷 The high-class Lazzat took the Group Three contest last year, what next for @CHeadRacing's talented colt? — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 8, 2025 However, he has left that minor blip in the past since returning this season, winning two Group Three contests to tee-up a return to the highest level at Deauville – which in turn could lead to a raiding mission to York for the upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23. 'The main race for him will probably be the City of York which Christopher identified and it is our home track, which I think will really suit him,' added Bond. 'Obviously we will see how he gets on stepping back into to Group One company on Sunday, Christopher is looking forward to running him and we'll get to see what level he is at. 'It's the best of the best in the Jean Prat and we're straight in there in a really hot race. 'But his stature, when you look at the videos we've been sent of him, has been impressive and we're really looking forward to seeing him in person. 'I'm also really looking forward to seeing him as a four-year-old. He's a great looking horse now, but the potential improvement at four looks to be there.' Maranoa Charlie is one of eight standing their ground for the Deauville feature, with Harry Charlton's Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cosmic Year and Charlie Appleby's dual Group One-winning two-year-old Shadow Of Light providing further British interest.
North Wales Chronicle
02-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Bond backing Maranoa Charlie to go the distance at Deauville
Monsieur Bond and Ladies Are Forever both famously flourished in the black and yellow spots of the late Reg Bond, who enjoyed Group One success in France as part-owner of 2014 Prix de l'Abbaye winner Move In Time. Now with son Charlie now at the helm, the Bond Thoroughbreds operation has a growing broodmare band at Yapham Mill Stud near Pocklington and have added a touch of quality to the ranks by swooping for Christopher Head's crack French-trained three-year-old Maranoa Charlie, who is blessed with both a glowing pedigree and impressive on-track CV. 'The reason we bought him was his form, but to have a colt with the speed in the pedigree from Tiggy Wiggy and by Wootton Bassett was so exciting to add to the ranks with what Bond Thoroughbreds is trying to achieve in racing,' said Charlie Bond. 'Wootton Bassett is flying at the minute and he looks to have great stallion potential for a long way down the line. We have a big broodmare band now, so we do need to be looking towards the future as well. 'We saw his last win and the time of the race compared to the other racing that day and he won a bit cosily carrying a penalty. The previous owners were fantastic to deal with and will be joining us on Sunday at Deauville.' Maranoa Charlie was subject to plenty of hype as a two-year-old when effortlessly winning his first three starts before seeing his momentum checked when upped to Group One level at Saint-Cloud in the final outing of his juvenile campaign. Maranoa Charlie leads them all the way in the Prix Paul de Moussac! 🇫🇷 The high-class Lazzat took the Group Three contest last year, what next for @CHeadRacing's talented colt? — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 8, 2025 However, he has left that minor blip in the past since returning this season, winning two Group Three contests to tee-up a return to the highest level at Deauville – which in turn could lead to a raiding mission to York for the upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23. 'The main race for him will probably be the City of York which Christopher identified and it is our home track, which I think will really suit him,' added Bond. 'Obviously we will see how he gets on stepping back into to Group One company on Sunday, Christopher is looking forward to running him and we'll get to see what level he is at. 'It's the best of the best in the Jean Prat and we're straight in there in a really hot race. 'But his stature, when you look at the videos we've been sent of him, has been impressive and we're really looking forward to seeing him in person. 'I'm also really looking forward to seeing him as a four-year-old. He's a great looking horse now, but the potential improvement at four looks to be there.' Maranoa Charlie is one of eight standing their ground for the Deauville feature, with Harry Charlton's Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Cosmic Year and Charlie Appleby's dual Group One-winning two-year-old Shadow Of Light providing further British interest.
