Post-Colonialism Flashcards
What is Post-Colonialism?
The cultural, political and economic consequences of colonialism and imperialism, focusing on the impact of human control and exploitation of colonized people and their lands
What were colonial empires built on?
The profits of slavery and the exploitation of natural resources such as gold, diamonds and oil. The populations of colonised countries and of colonising countries, some of whom experienced voluntary or forced migration, have been influenced by colonisation.
Why are we in a ‘post-colonialist’ era now?
Theoretically, there are no more colonial empires in existence
Why is the term ‘post-colonialist’ problematic?
It suggests that the influence of colonialism is a thing of the past, whereas in economic and diplomatic terms, this is not the case.
What does post-colonial theory challenge?
The ideas of globalisation, interconnectivity of countries across the world and cultural imperialism.
What is Orientalism?
Who came up with it?
Edward Said - Suggested that Western culture is constructed against an assumed ‘other’ and that a sense of the Oriental ‘other’ is embedded in European culture. He argued that for the West, the Orient held both a fascination and a fear.
What is a Diaspora identity?
A result of forced or voluntary migration where people feel a sense of belonging to a cultural group that is ‘other’ to the dominant culture of their country of residence.
What 4 representations did Alvorado suggest exist surrounding members of the black community?
- The humorous
- The exotic
- The pitied
- The dangerous
What is the ‘humorous’ representation of members of the black community?
Comedians or comedic relief in films/tv shows.
What is the ‘exotic’ representation of members of the black community?
Models such as Naomi Campbell
What is the ‘pitied’ representation of members of the black community?
Representations of needy black communities through charity advertising
What is the ‘dangerous’ representation of members of the black community?
Portrayed in news and documentary reports of black inner city gangs of gun crime
What is the narrative function that black and Asian characters have in media texts?
Overly represented in negative roles, such as the villain, or take subservient or ‘helper’ roles rather than being constructed as the hero.
How are representations and stereotypes of race and gender often constructed?
Binary oppositions - Such representations exaggerate differences and minimise the similarities between people in different goals, which can legitimise often negative attitudes and values that emphasise the boundaries and difference between groups.
