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Originally Posted by Thasaidon
I said about racism "If you look hard enough you will find it whether it exists or not." and that goes for many other things as well.
Re Haggard a quote from Wikipedia
"His novels portray many of the stereotypes associated with colonialism, yet they are unusual for the degree of sympathy with which the native populations are portrayed. Africans often play heroic roles in the novels, although the protagonists are typically European (though not invariably). Notable examples are the heroic Zulu warrior Umslopogaas and Ignosi, the rightful king of Kukuanaland, in King Solomon's Mines."
If you read about his life I think you will find he was quite enlightened for his time, which is supported by how he writes about non Europeans (see wikipedia quote above).
I think he has been unfairly criticised because he is famous, closely associated with the British Empire, and dead. This makes him an easy target as he cannot argue his case with said critics.
Have you tried reading any of his non African books like "Eric Brighteyes" (vikings)?
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Many people, including academics, still regard Heart of Darkness as thoroughly racist.