Post-colonialism: Edward Said blog task

1) Summarise the three theorists we have looked at: Alvarado, Fanon and Said.

Alverado: Black representations, dangerous,exotic, humerous,pitied

Fanon: white mask

Said: Orientalism - that the west is superior to the exotic
or uncivilised east

2) Watch the opening of Yasmin (2004) again. Does it offer a positive or negative view of British Muslims? To what extent does it reinforce or challenge Edward Said's theory of Orientalism - that the west is superior to the exotic or uncivilised east?

I thinks its a predominantly and heavily negative and full of misconceptions, however there may be some truth and connections to the stereotypes of the Pakistani cultural (aunt's preeing), nevertheless this does not apply to the religion of Islam. Too often in the film culture was mixed up with religion and misconceptions were reinforced. Frequently, the protagonist wore a white mask and tried to act like someone she was not. She took off her hijab to please those around her ad to fit into the society around her rather than exploring why she wears it. It reflects how weak minded she had become and the extent she would go to, to try and fit in. However, the viewers may feel sympathy for her because of how unfairly she was treated after the 9/11 attacks. Ultimately, this seemed like for her to be accepted into society, she had to wear a white mask portraying how the the orient or way to live is the western way and that the east is uncivilized, different and incompetent.

3) Finally, choose THREE clips for EACH of the theorists and explain how you could apply that theory to the clip.

~Alverado

• Kidulthood

Alverado suggested that there are four themes, in racial representations. The main one presented in this is the dangerous socially dysfunctional black youths. this clip shows the younger black generations out side a party fighting with guns and bats. presenting them as dangerous and criminals. 

• Bullet boy 

Out of the four main proposed by Alverado, the main one presented in this is also dangerous as he is presented as a criminal killing innocent people on his estate. But also pitted as his main drive to becoming a criminal was his lack of money and the poverty they are in.

• Rush hours 

Alverado's theory of the black individuals in films being presented as sidekicks is emphised in this clip. this shows the black character in the middle of the street dancing arounf. suggesting that he is put on the screen for a comedic sense  and to be laughed at.

~Fanon

• Empire

Fanon suggested that black individuals in films, put on the white mask inorder to be accepted they blend in. this is a good example as it shows the main character a black CEO of a recording company, but the way he dresses and talks being different to other black people in this series.  

• Suits 

Fanons theory can be applied here as the CEO of a law firm is a black women. She is surrounded by white people therefore blends in. 

• White House Down 

Fanaons theory can be applied here as it shows the black president, who doesn't know anything about black culture such as types of music or the aggressiveness associated with the black community. He doesn't know how to hold or fire a gun.

~Said

•  Mr Khan 

Saids theory, suggests that there is divide between the uncivil east and the superior west. This shows Mr khan a British Pakistani man acting uncivil about his Opinons on immigration. It shows really stereotypical things such as; the accent attire and the arrangement of his house.

• Bend it like Beckham

Saids theory can be applied here and it shows differences in the western culture and eastern culture although they live in the same country. It shows Eastern cultures "uncivil" ways eg there opinions on gay people and marriage. as a result showing a significant oppositions in cultures.  

• Bride and prejudice  

According to Saids theory there is this superior of western individuals. This is emphasised here as the war between an eastern man and western man on a love war. The western man won, supporting his theory of the superior whites.