Understanding Paul Gilroy's Post-Colonialist Theory

Introduction to Colonialism

• Period of Colonization: 1500s to 1900s
• Definition: Countries, especially European ones like Britain, taking over other regions, claiming, and running them.
  • Examples: Britain colonized regions in India, the Caribbean, and Africa.
  • Method: British military and government installed within these regions, acting as rulers over the local population.
  • Motivation: Expanding the British Empire, increasing Britain's power.

Paul Gilroy's Post-Colonialist Theory

• Impact of Colonization: Gilroy posits that colonization has lasting impacts visible in modern media.
• Media Representation:
  • Ethnic Minorities: Often depicted as dehumanized, marginalized, and 'othered' (a term used by Gilroy).
    • 'Othered': Seen as abnormal, exotic, not equal in status or success to white British communities.

Example Analysis: Water Aid Advert

• Initial Scenes: Depict Britain with a British radio accent, rainy weather suggesting abundance and middle-class lifestyle.
• Contrast: Switch to an African setting, highlighting drought and scarcity of water.
• Narrative: British people depicted as saviors needing to aid 'powerless' African people.
• Post-Colonialist Critique: Suggests portrayal of Britain as powerful and successful, reinforcing historical colonial power dynamics.

Key Concepts

• Status and Power Dynamics: Importance of analyzing media products for representations of power and status in line with post-colonialist ideas.
• Dehumanization and Marginalization: How ongoing influences of colonial perspectives can marginalize ethnic minority communities in media representation.