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 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)?

At the time, the dominant representation of black Britons was as “external and estranged from the imagined community that is the nation.”

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

- exclusion

- exposure to regressive ideologies

- marginalisation

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 might use the media to stay connected to their cultural identities by interacting with their community via social media, such as Twitter, Snapchat and Discord.

They might also seek validation from other such sources, such as The Voice.

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

He argues about the importance of slavery to modernity and capitalism. He suggested that the modern world was built upon a normalised view of slavery, particularly plantation slavery.

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

The dominant representations of black males, primarily in the US, is either a rapper, criminal or gang member, or an athlete. These representations then serve to reinforce the double consciousness of the black male, that he is not anything more than what he sees in the media.

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 attempts to challenge "double consciousness" by showcasing the hidden talent within its main protagonist. The stereotypical representation of black American women at the time the film was set in, and by extension women in general, were that they weren't smart - something the film obviously challenges and showcases to its target audience.