Post-colonial theory

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). Pick three key points from the article and bullet point them here.

• The problem with much black representation is that it is continually anchored in ‘race’ or ‘issues’. Some explanation lies in media ownership and who is allowed to ‘tell the story’ inmainstream media.
• Many of the texts discussed so far have been victims of the inequalities of media ownership, another contentious field. Some nationalities are forging their own means of production, distribution and exhibition: Indian cinema and Bollywood is a long-standing and prime example.
• In the wake of inner- city riots and the perceived marginalisation of ethnic minorities, the 1980s saw a great flowering of ‘alternative’, political and avant-garde documentaries, shorts and feature films funded by Channel 4 and other creative agencies, and made by African Caribbeans for African Caribbeans.

2) List FIVE films, FIVE TV programmes and FIVE online-only productions that are discussed in the article. These are great examples you could use in the MEST1 or MEST3 unseen exams.

Films- Kidulthood, Adulthood, Bullet Boy, Attack the Block, Shank

TV- 55 Degrees North, Luther, Line of Duty, The Kumars at No. 42, Citizen Khan

Online only- Brothers with No Game, Venus vs Mars, The Ryan Sisters, All about the Mckenzies, Meet the Adebanjos

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.

In the short film “Tight Jeans” we see three young, black characters waiting for their friend outside an estate setting. While they are arguing, they spot a young white character walking by with tight jeans. The character in the red hoodie then asks, “How can a man wear jeans that tight?”, to which the others respond by discussing how “black people got bigger dicks…”. We can apply Alvarado’s theory of representation amongst the black community, as the characters in the clip are portrayed as “humorous” as they make fun of those around them. In terms of Fanon’s theory of typical black stereotypes, the characters are intentionally portrayed as “decivilised” as they embody the role of immature youths. You coyuld also argue that they are “essentialised” as they all look quite similar (they are all wearing hoodies and jeans)

 In the trailer for “Gone Too Far”, some black characters are portrayed as “exotic”, as she is dressed in traditional Nigerian clothing. This therefore reinforces typical black stereotypes in British film ad Tv , as black characters are often portrayed as “exotic” to clearly portray their characters ethnicity and country of origin. In terms of Fanon’s theory of typical black stereotypes, the Nigerian character is “essentialised” as one of the female characters comments “He can be called Kunta Kinte for all I care…” when her friend talks to her about him. This therefore implies that all black people are the same, especially when it comes to ethnic names.