Identities: Post-colonial theory & blog tasks

Alvarado (1987)

Four key themes in racial representations; often quoted in relation to the black community but can be applied to other non-white groups:

Exotic (models; music artists; food)

Dangerous (crime; gangs; socially dysfunctional)

Humorous (comedians; sidekicks; quirky)

Pitied (poverty)

Frantz Fanon: “Putting on the white mask”

Typically black stereotypes can:

Infantilize - such as the 'cute' children of the Charity Poster or the 'simple-minded‘ 'Step ‘n’ fetch it‘ lazy comedian.

Primitivize - The 'exotic & virile' tribal warriors or 'bare-breasted maidens' with a 'natural sense of rhythm‘. Sporting prowess.

Decivilize - The 'Gangsta', 'Pimp' etc.

Essentialize - Undifferentiated mass-'they all look the same to me'

Post-colonialism: blog task

FILMS

1. Kidulthood
2. Anuvahood
3. Ill Manors
4. Attack the Block
5. White Teeth

TV PROGRAMMES

1. Top Boy
2. 55 Degrees North
3. Luther
4. Line of Duty
5. Citizen Khan

ONLINE ONLY PRODUCTIONS

1. Brothers with no Game
2. Venus vs. Mars
3. The Ryan sisters
4. All about the McKenzies
5. Meet the Adebanjos

Tight jeans demonstrates the concept of an impoverished area within London, this is represented through the settings of markets at the beginning of the short film and the estate. This can be linked to Alvardo’s theory, in particular the idea of the “pitied” as a sense of poverty is created. Furthermore, the 3 characters within the short film are seen loitering around on an estate, wearing hoodies which carries connotations of gang culture, which can also be linked to the idea of “dangerous” in Alvardos theory due to the theme of a socially dysfunctional society alongside with gang culture, similarly this can be linked to Fanons theory on the idea of “decivilised” youth. This reinforces the typical black stereotypes in British films and TV, while at the same time addressing issues in a “humourous” manner (Alvardo). Gone too far similarly reinforces black stereotypes rather than subverting them. In terms of characters, the mother and her son Ikudayisi both carry their Nigerian heritage through their bright colourful clothing, which carries connotations of exoticness which links to Alvardos theory. As a result, the audience immediately understand these characters are from another country, which can carry some form of appeal and intrigue or effectively “primitivize” the characters.This is addressed throughout the film, as the protagonist attempts to distance himself away from his heritage due to the negative ideas around them. Once again the setting of Gone too far is in an impoverished area of London, Peckham, similarly to Tight Jeans, and unsurprisingly there are also characters which represent the gang culture and crime of these areas, linking to the concept of “dangerous”. Overall, both films in essence explore the concepts around black heritage and issues that most of the young black british youth come across, as “fitting in” has often been an issue. Nevertheless, both films rather reinforce the stereotypes rather than subvert them, but this effectively lightens the mood of the films while also educating the audiences.