Introduction to Postcolonialism

 

1) Look at the first page. What is colonialism - also known as cultural imperialism? 

when a more powerful country goes over to a less powerful country and controls , civilises them 

2) Now look at the second page. What is postcolonialism? 

The process of decolonisation gathered speed in the 20th Century and with it, many of the attitudes

associated with colonialism began to be challenged.

3) How does Paul Gilroy suggest postcolonialism influences British culture?

suggested that Britain had not quite faced up to its colonial past, that the national psyche had not quite come to terms with no longer being a global superpower,

4) What is 'othering'?

Othering is the phenomenon whereby we identify something as being different from, or alien to our social identity. If

something is ‘other’ it is different to ‘us’;

5) What examples of 'othering' are provided by the article?

Nigel Farage, who rode to victory in the 2016 referendum by harnessing a sense of discontent in British society

and aiming it at immigrants, famously standing in front of a poster with a long line of mostly non-white migrants

and the slogan ‘breaking point’.

6) What is 'double consciousness'? 

This confusion is referred to as a ‘double consciousness’ whereby people struggle to reconcile two nationalities or identities.

7) What are 'racial hierarchies'?

the idea that some races are superior to other ones. In Western culture, people who promote these ideas are usually advocating for white supremacy. However, perceptions of different ethnic groups can change over time.

8) What examples from recent media products challenge the idea of racial hierarchies? 

Brooklyn Nine- Nine’s ‘Moo Moo’ episode from its fourth season, where Lt. Terry Jeffords is racially profiled by another cop. Some shows choose to largely ignore the character’s ethnicity and its impact on their role,