Afrofuturistism: A Study of Black Diaspora in Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Abstract

This research delves into the historical plight of the Black community, focusing on their oppression in a racialized world as depicted in the novel Wide Sargasso Sea. The study explores the impact of colonizers’ oppressive ideology on the Black population, resulting in alienation and chaos, while also highlighting the struggle of the community to establish its identity in a futuristic world.  The theoretical framework used for the study is Afrofuturism, a genre that envisions alternative futures and re-contextualizes past experiences through an Afrocentric lens. The focus is on Yatasha Womack’s concept of Afrofuturism. The research explores how characters challenge and dismantle internalized oppressive ideologies, transforming them into advocates for justice and empowerment. Furthermore, Afrofuturism reimagines the themes of alienation from the novel in a future where historical and present-day issues of oppression are addressed, and Black communities are empowered and celebrated. This vision emphasizes affirming Black identities, celebrating cultural heritage, and transforming historical traumas. Afrofuturism provides a powerful lens for understanding identity struggles within a Triple Colonized scenario, offering hope for a future where diverse identities are embraced and empowerment leads to collective healing and transformation.