The article discusses the long-standing view of Black children as cognitively inferior as seen in Robert Maistriaux's 1955 reflections, which supported colonial ideologies. This perception persisted, with current discussions on children's brain development, notably in The Economist's July 2024 issue, spotlighting the need for improvements in the Global South. These connections illustrate a troubling lineage from past colonial views to modern depictions, framing issues of malnutrition and cognitive stimulation within a narrow, Eurocentric perspective that often overlooks the complexities of these communities.
The portrayal of African children's cognitive limitations by 1950s scholars reinforces colonial ideologies, suggesting that cognitive deficiency justified colonial interventions under the guise of scientific legitimacy.
The Economist's 2024 issue highlights a modern obsession with improving children's brains in the Global South, examining how nutrition and mental stimulation can enhance cognitive development.
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