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 fromour Media Magazine archive - page 51)
2) List FIVE films, FIVE TV programmes and FIVE online-only productions that are discussed in the article.
Films
Programmes
Online-only
3) Watch Destiny Ekaragha's clips above (more of her work is available onher 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.
Skinny Jeans.
Applying Alvarado(1987) theory to Skinny Jeans we can see that some of the key themes of racial representation are used and some aren't. One of the major concepts used predominantly in the clip is humorous. All the characters are presented as rather humorous due to different characteristics however it is done in such a way that it helps to subvert the more negative stereotype of 'dangerous'. At first glance the audience would see the group sitting and hanging around in the 'dangerous' estate environment they would initially see them as 'threatful' or 'up to no good' due to previously made predominant representations however once you hear their humorous conversation you understand they are just funny but not dangerous. This humor is also linked to the 'exotic' concept due to what they are talking about suggesting that black people are in a way more 'sexual' than others. This however may cause slight amounts of 'infanilized' humour (Frantz Fanon) as it doesn't sound too legitimate of a claim and almost belittles it, they are even questioning eachother therefore also creating a fair amount of pity as they are waiting for their friend, who is presented as probably having sex(again exotic and infantilized) This concept therefore slightly, not too much, hints at a primitive and decivilized concept and idea. Overall, some of these stereotypes are used to almost only subvert the 'dangerous' representation only which suggests that is the dominant and most negative representation of black people in mainstream society.
Gone too Far
Similarly in gone too far this is the main stereotype trying to be subverted. Despite violent characters being present it is suggested that only some people are violent but that doesn't necessarily mean the are dangerous. The comedy would obviously rely on the aspect of humor but there are less references to the exotic aspect or at all to the pitied aspect. The message of the movie becomes to embrace and be confident in who you are so there is little/no room left to pity the characters at the end, however for mixed race individuals that is slightly left due to their potential confusion of identity. In terms of Frantz Fanon's theory some of the characters are presented as wearing a mask, not completely white but of other blacks/ british borns, in order to fit in. There are a few characters presented as infantilized but are soon taught their lessons thus subverting it at the end, a few characters are presented as decivilized due to their racial identity implying they wouldn't be decivilzed without the stimgma they face.
Frantz Fanon
black swan white mask
infantilize- cute/simple minded
primitivized
decivilized
essentialize - the same
Gone too Far-
2) List FIVE films, FIVE TV programmes and FIVE online-only productions that are discussed in the article.
Films
- ill mannors
- Adulthood (2008)
- Kidulthood (2006)
- Star Trek (2013)
- Anuvahood (2011)
Programmes
- Dr Who
- Top Boy
- The Kumars at No. 42
- Goodness Gracious Me (1998)
- Citizen Khan
Online-only
- Brothers With No Game
- Venus vs Mars
- All About The McKenzies
- The Ryan Sisters
- Meet the Adebanjos,
3) Watch Destiny Ekaragha's clips above (more of her work is available onher 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.
Skinny Jeans.
Applying Alvarado(1987) theory to Skinny Jeans we can see that some of the key themes of racial representation are used and some aren't. One of the major concepts used predominantly in the clip is humorous. All the characters are presented as rather humorous due to different characteristics however it is done in such a way that it helps to subvert the more negative stereotype of 'dangerous'. At first glance the audience would see the group sitting and hanging around in the 'dangerous' estate environment they would initially see them as 'threatful' or 'up to no good' due to previously made predominant representations however once you hear their humorous conversation you understand they are just funny but not dangerous. This humor is also linked to the 'exotic' concept due to what they are talking about suggesting that black people are in a way more 'sexual' than others. This however may cause slight amounts of 'infanilized' humour (Frantz Fanon) as it doesn't sound too legitimate of a claim and almost belittles it, they are even questioning eachother therefore also creating a fair amount of pity as they are waiting for their friend, who is presented as probably having sex(again exotic and infantilized) This concept therefore slightly, not too much, hints at a primitive and decivilized concept and idea. Overall, some of these stereotypes are used to almost only subvert the 'dangerous' representation only which suggests that is the dominant and most negative representation of black people in mainstream society.
Gone too Far
Similarly in gone too far this is the main stereotype trying to be subverted. Despite violent characters being present it is suggested that only some people are violent but that doesn't necessarily mean the are dangerous. The comedy would obviously rely on the aspect of humor but there are less references to the exotic aspect or at all to the pitied aspect. The message of the movie becomes to embrace and be confident in who you are so there is little/no room left to pity the characters at the end, however for mixed race individuals that is slightly left due to their potential confusion of identity. In terms of Frantz Fanon's theory some of the characters are presented as wearing a mask, not completely white but of other blacks/ british borns, in order to fit in. There are a few characters presented as infantilized but are soon taught their lessons thus subverting it at the end, a few characters are presented as decivilized due to their racial identity implying they wouldn't be decivilzed without the stimgma they face.
Frantz Fanon
black swan white mask
infantilize- cute/simple minded
primitivized
decivilized
essentialize - the same
Gone too Far-
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