Identities: Post-colonial theory & blog tasks

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'

 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 

- Ill Manors 

- Adulthood 

- Kidulthood

- Shank 

- Attack the Block 

Tv programmes

- Top Boy 

- Lines of Duty

- Luther 

- Dr Who 

- 55 Degrees North 

Online only Productions 

- Brothers with no game 

- Venus vs Mars 

- Meet the Adebanjos

- The Rayn Sisters 

- All about the Mckenzies

3) Watch Destiny Ekaragha's clips above (more of her work is available on her website, including the short film The Park). To what extent can we apply Alvarado's and Fanon's theories to these films? Do they reinforce or subvert typical black stereotypes in British film and TV? Refer to specific scenes and events in the clips in answering this question and aim for at least 350 words.

Alvarado's theory

• Pity - the fact that a Nigerian family were trying to fit in within the community within a small house.  
• Humorous - The brother coming from Nigeria - "the freshie" through the clothing and language gives away the comedy. Even the protagonist who seems to be born and bred here, is portrayed as humorous at times, because of the actions we see from him - like walking into poles or how is not able to talk to the girl he likes. 
• Exotic- The mothers traditional clothes are especially very different from 'normal' clothes that everyone is wearing due to the bright colours and detailed patterns that represents her culture. Also, the accents of the newcomer and the mother reinforce the difference and identity letting everyone becoming aware of it too. 
• Dangerous - "roadman" are shown through the movie and as one of the 'boyfriends' are being represented as one.  - white male trying to be black - clothing also represents as a 'roadman' or ' thug' 

Fanon's theory

• Infantilise - since this movie is a comedy, infantilise wouldn't be seen because the movie doesn't raise serious issues.
• Primitive - 
• Decivilise - All the youths are represented to be gangsters or chavs through clothing and the violence that the boys show whilst playing football. As also in 'tight jeans' the language and the way they are talking about themselves gives the effect of decivilise. 
• Essentialize - The girls assumed that the brother was not speaking English due to his accent, which then lead them to thinking that the brother isn't from London and is a foreigner.