UJM1 Task 2

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Western Governors University *

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D198

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History

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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UJM1 Task 2 Léopold Senghor & To the Senegalese Riflemen Who Died for France Nicholas Vogel A1. Historical Context Leopold was a member of the Senegalese tirailleurs, a colonial unit in the French army during the colonial era. The French drafted battalions of Senegalese soldiers to serve them in the war against Germany. These soldiers played a crucial role in France's defense and reconquest during World War II. (History of the Senegalese tirailleurs, 2020). During the early stages of the war, the Senegalese people were victims of war crimes committed by the Germans (Wormhoudt, May 1940, 2024). But Germany wasn’t the only perpetrator of violence against them; after the war, Senegalese sought back pay and to return home. Instead, France committed a massacre and buried them in unmarked mass graves. (arslan, 2023) A2. Innovative Thought The poem praises the tirailleurs and gives voice to the forgotten black African troops despite their sacrifices, service, and hardship during WW2 and service for France. Senghor praises the tirailleurs to correct the record and ensure their contributions are remembered and honored. In doing so, he also raises broader questions about the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality faced by people of African descent. His poem is a powerful testament to the resilience and dignity of the Senegalese Riflemen and a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honoring all those who have sacrificed in the service of others, regardless of their race or background. A3. Community Representation Senghor's poem provides a powerful representation of the identity of the Senegalese Tirailleurs. It acknowledges their African heritage and role as soldiers fighting for France during France's colonial rule; colonized peoples were often forced to participate in wars they did not choose to be a part of. Sengour remarked that wearing the uniform was just another form of "slave garb," acknowledging the loss of humanity that occurred during these conflicts (Ba, 1973) ."They put flowers on tombs and honor the Unknown Soldier... but you, my fellow brothers, no one speaks your names." This statement, taken from the poem, carries a strong message. Although the West may hold significant memorials and lay wreaths, France has not fully recognized the sacrifices made by the Senegalese. By recognizing their sacrifices, Senghor affirms the dignity and worth of the Senegalese Tirailleurs and acknowledges their contributions to the war effort. France has only recently come around and acknowledged the service. (DODMA, 2023) 4. Challenges to Culture Senghor's poem challenges the dominant colonial narratives that have often marginalized or erased the contributions of African soldiers to European wars. By giving voice to the Senegalese Riflemen and honoring their sacrifices, Senghor confronts the Eurocentric view of history that privileges the experiences of white Europeans while neglecting or downplaying the role of African soldiers. Also, it confronts racial prejudice and stereotypes that dehumanize Senegalese soldiers (Morel, 1920). Senghor's depiction of the Senegalese Riflemen as courageous and principled was a powerful challenge to the racist notion that portrays Africans as primitive or inferior. By painting a vivid picture of the bravery and honor of these soldiers, Senghor not only refuted the stereotypes but also provided a new perspective that celebrated the dignity and resilience of the African people.

References arslan, f. e. (2023, 3 2). AA . Retrieved from France's long-forgotten heroes: Senegalese rifleman: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/frances-long-forgotten-heroes-senegalese-riflemen/2804738 Ba, S. W. (1973). The Concept of Negritude in the Poetry of Leopold Sedar Senghor. DODMA, B. (2023, 6 1). ‘Tirailleurs’: France’s forgotten colonial soldiers step out of the shadows . Retrieved from france24: https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20230106-tirailleurs-france-s- forgotten-colonial-soldiers-step-out-of-the-shadows History of the Senegalese tirailleurs . (2020). Retrieved from cheminsdememoire: https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/history-senegalese-tirailleurs#:~:text=To%20the %20Senegalese%20soldiers%20who%20died%20for%20France&text=They%20put%20flowers %20on%20tombs,Die%20schwarze%20Schande! Morel, E. D. (1920, 10 2). black horror on the rhine . Retrieved from spectator achive: http://archive.spectator.co.uk/article/2nd-october-1920/12/the-horror-on-the-rhine Wormhoudt, May 1940 . (2024, 2 8). Retrieved from web.archive: http://www.ph012b2086.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/harry/wormhoudt.htm

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