Paul Gilroy - Postcolonial theory + diasporic identity
1) How does Gilroy suggest racial identities are constructed? He has consistently argued that racial identities are historically constructed – formed by colonialization, slavery, nationalist philosophies and consumer capitalism. 2) What does Gilroy suggest regarding the causes and history of racism? He argues race isn't the external cause of racism but its complex, unstable product. Racism isn't isn't caused by race, racism causes 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. Gilroy is opposed to ethnic absolutism as it is counter to his argument that racism causes race. 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...