Paul Gilroy - blog tasks

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet 170: Gilroy – Ethnicity and Postcolonial Theory. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets or you can access it online here using your Greenford Google login.

Read the Factsheet and complete the following questions/tasks:

1) How does Gilroy suggest racial identities are constructed?

They are historically constructed, formed by colonization, slavery, nationalist philosophies and consumer capitalism. 

2) What does Gilroy suggest regarding the causes and history of racism?

Racism isn't caused by race, racism creates race.

3) What is ethnic absolutism and why is Gilroy opposed to it?

"Ethnic absolutism is a line of thinking which sees humans are part of different ethnic compartments, with race as the basis of human differentiation."

4) How does Gilroy view diasporic identity?

"He considers a transatlantic diasporic identity, where groups across the Atlantic share cultural practices – a “single, complex unit” of black cultural practitioners as a result of a shared history of oppression and slavery."

5) What did Gilroy suggest was the dominant representation of black Britons in the 1980s (when the Voice newspaper was first launched)?

Either a rapper, gang member, a criminal or an athlete.

6) Gilroy argues diaspora challenges national ideologies. What are some of the negative effects of this?

"This difference becomes associated with minority groups and a cultural tension occurs."

7) Complete the first activity on page 3: How might diasporic communities use the media to stay connected to their cultural identity? E.g. digital media - offer specific examples.

They can listen to their people's music and might learn about their culture even more.

8) Why does Gilroy suggest slavery is important in diasporic identity?

"The modern world was built upon a normalised view of slavery, particularly plantation slavery. Slavery was only rejected when it was revealed as incompatible with enlightened rationality and capitalist production. Gilroy argues that the figure of the black slave of ‘the Negro’ provided enlightened thinkers and philosophers an insight into concepts of property rights, consciousness and art."

9) How might representations in the media reinforce the idea of ‘double consciousness’ for black people in the UK or US?

Average black man is presented in a negative way. Their dominate view is that of gang members or rappers. 

10) Finally, complete the second activity on page 3: Watch the trailer for Hidden Figures and discuss how the film attempts to challenge ‘double consciousness’ and the stereotypical representation of black American women.

The film focuses on the achievements of three African American women who are scientists that faces racism, sexism and tension from their white male peers.