Chapter 5, Colonial War and Mental Disorders Summary and Analysis

In this final chapter, Fanon the psychiatrist presents his most incendiary evidence for revolution at any cost to overthrow colonialism. As a physician pledged to follow the Hippocratic oath, Fanon must think first, last and always of the welfare of his patients. In this instance, his patients are the mentally disabled of an Algerian psychiatric hospital. Fanon notes that the psychiatric casualties of warfare have been well studied in the wake of both world wars, but the difference between his work and previous studies reflects the nature of colonialism and rebellion. Whereas in both world wars, the French and Germans who killed and captured each other remained men with their human dignity intact, the victims of colonialism have already lost their humanity before being subjected to such arduous experiences as sadistic...