PAUL Gilroy

Question 1

Who is Paul Gilroy?

Answer 1

A British academic and cultural studies theorist known for his work on black British identity and colonialism’s effects on race and ethnicity.

Question 2

Name two influential books written by Paul Gilroy.

Answer 2

• The Black Atlantic (1993)
• There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack (1987)

Question 3

What does Gilroy argue regarding Western media and race?

Answer 3

It promotes and maintains colonial attitudes towards race.

Question 4

Define the term ‘civilisationism’ as coined by Gilroy.

Answer 4

A prejudiced ideology that establishes binary opposites between ‘civilised’ and ‘uncivilised’ societies.

Question 5

What is colonialism?

Answer 5

The practice of European states invading foreign territories, displacing native populations, and profiting from their resources.

Question 6

What marked the beginning and end of the European colonisation period?

Answer 6

Began with the exploration of North America and ended with World War I.

Question 7

What was the peak of the British Empire?

Answer 7

It was the largest colonial empire, including dominions such as India, Canada, and Australia.

Question 8

What is a diaspora?

Answer 8

A mass group or population that is involuntarily dispersed or displaced from their homeland.

Question 9

Give an example of a diaspora.

Answer 9

• People of African ancestry in North America due to the transatlantic slave trade
• The Windrush Caribbean diaspora in Britain
• Jewish people fleeing Nazi Europe

Question 10

How has the concept of ‘civilised’ been historically justified?

Answer 10

By European/Western standards as a moral justification for colonialism.

Question 11

What is the portrayal of black culture in Western media?

Answer 11

It is often depicted as ‘niche’ or secondary, while Western culture is the norm.

Question 12

What is ‘double consciousness’?

Answer 12

The internal conflict experienced by black people living in a prejudiced society, seeing themselves through the eyes of an oppressive society.
- Paul gilroy also adds that he forced enslavemnet of black people throughout the colonial era has led to thousands of families to grow up in countries where the idenitites aren’t respected

Question 13

Who originally coined the term ‘double consciousness’?

Answer 13

W.E.B. Du Bois in 1903.

Question 14

What does Gilroy suggest about transatlantic black culture?

Answer 14

There is a shared cultural heritage between British and American black people due to similar oppression and has resulted in a similar set of cultural traits like music literature and cinema

Question 15

List some genres of music associated with Black British culture.

Answer 15

• Grime
• Jungle
• Garage

Question 16

Name a book that explores black experiences in British society.

Answer 16

Small Island

Question 17

What themes do music genres like R&B and hip-hop explore?

Answer 17

Racial identity, police brutality, and perceptions of black subcultures.

Question 18

What is a common feature of literature by black authors?

Answer 18

Exploration of experiences of racism, discrimination, and societal disadvantages.

Question 19

What types of films explore the experiences of young black people in disadvantaged areas?

Answer 19

Cinema that belongs to subgenres addressing issues like crime and neglect.