Identities: Post-colonial theory & blog tasks

Post-colonialism does not simply refer to the period after the colonial era. It can also be seen as a continuation of colonialism, albeit through different or new relationships concerning power and the control/production of knowledge.

We are interested in post-colonialism and identity in terms of the representation of non-white groups in British media.

 

Two key post-colonial theorists:

 

 

Alvarado (1987)

 

Four key themes in racial representations:

 

Often quoted in relation to the black community but can be applied to other non-white groups:

 

• Exotic (models; music artists; food)
• Dangerous (crime; gangs; socially dysfunctional)
• Humorous (comedians; sidekicks; quirky)
• Pitied (poverty)

 

 

Frantz Fanon: “Putting on the white mask”

 

 

Typically black stereotypes can:

 

• Infantilize - such as the 'cute' children of the Charity Poster or the 'simple-minded‘ 'Step ‘n’ fetch it‘ lazy comedian.
• Primitivize - The 'exotic & virile' tribal warriors or 'bare-breasted maidens' with a 'natural sense of rhythm‘. Sporting prowess.
• Decivilize - The 'Gangsta', 'Pimp' etc.
• Essentialize - Undifferentiated mass-'they all look the same to me'

Gone too Far Trailer

 

To what extent can we apply the theories of Alvarado & Fanon to Ekaragha's work?

Alvarado suggests that "Pitied" "Humorous" "Exotic" and "Dangerous" are the 4 main things displayed in a racial representation. Humorous can be seen in the trailer as the film is a comedy and one of the main characters has a brother who has been accepted to come to this country and he is presented in a humorous manner as he has a strong Nigerian accent and wears socks and sandals. Also, their mum is has an accent and acts in quite a funny which causes the audience to find her quite "fresh". Exotic can also be seen in the trailer has the main girl shown is presented as seductive. Also the culture is shown in the trailer displaying the exotic side of Nigeria or example when the brother sings the song about chicken. Dangerous can slightly be seen as the girl's boyfriend sends a threat to the main character which enhances the representation of black people, especially men, being dangerous.
 Fanon's theory that black women are 'putting on a white mask' can be seen in the trailer as the girl who is classed as exotic has straightened her hair and is wearing a fake hair piece.

Post-colonialism: blog task

1) Read the excellent article exploring the different representations of black people in British film and TV from Media Magazine 42 (MM42 from our Media Magazine archive - page 51)

 2) List FIVE films, FIVE TV programmes and FIVE online-only productions that are discussed in the article.

FILMS: Skank, Sket, Attack the block, Adulthood, Kidulthood
PROGRAMMES: Top boy, Luther,  Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Line of duty, The real mcoy
ONLINE-ONLY PRODUCTIONS: Brothers With No Game, Venus vs Mars, The Ryan Sisters, All About The McKenzies, Meet the Adebanjos