Decolonizing Existential Narratives: Southeast Asian Perspectives

Amidst ongoing discussions on decolonizing the existential canon, this presentation underscores the importance of Southeast Asian engagement in this discourse. By delving into Southeast Asian different colonial experiences, it aims to provide context for contemporary socio-political landscapes and foster cross-cultural dialogue. Examining colonial legacies' enduring impacts on identity and power dynamics in the region, it sheds light on persisting coloniality post-decolonization.

This understanding holds significance for both Southeast Asia and non-Southeast Asian participants. For Southeast Asian communities, grappling with colonial pasts empowers them to reclaim agency and challenge entrenched narratives, while for non-Southeast Asian individuals, acknowledging Southeast Asia's different colonial experiences facilitates respectful engagement and genuine dialogue.

This presentation extends a invitation for Southeast Asians to start coming together, fostering a space for dialogue and collaboration, while simultaneously encouraging non Southeast Asians to engage more deeply and sensitively with Southeast Asia's colonial legacies. The hopes for this presentation is for Southeast Asian voices to be heard, acknowledged, and integrated into the broader dialogue on decolonizing existential philosophy.

By integrating Southeast Asian voices into the broader discourse on decolonialing existential philosophy, it aims to foster empathy, bridge divides, and cultivate solidarity across diverse backgrounds. Additionally, it invites participants to reflect on their responsibility in these ongoing dialogues on decolonialing the existential canon.