Adorno and Post-Colonial Critique

Abstract After a brief discussion of the seemingly rival concepts of post-colonial and decolonial critique, this chapter first engages with approaches that make Adorno productive for post-colonial as well as decolonial critique. In the next section, the chapter discusses immanent critiques of Adorno (i.e., forms of critique) that acknowledge Adorno’s fine sensorium for some kinds of racism but, nevertheless, appears to be deaf to colonial variants of racism, nationalism, and imperialism. Moreover, the theorists that are discussed in the second part claim that Adorno’s neglect of colonialism also affects the rather convincing elements of his theory. Based on such critique, the chapter will then focus on Adorno’s questionably racist account of autonomy in art and beyond. It will do so, however, in conversations with theorists who work with Adorno to devise lines of flight that lead beyond the impasses of Adornian autonomy. In conclusion, the chapter contends that it is only in some respects that Adorno can become an ally of decolonial thinking. Regarding other respects, however, he refused to listen and learn and, therefore, he remained deaf to decolonial alternatives to his seemingly relentless critique of Enlightenment (autonomy).