Post-colonialism - bonus reading and tasks

1.  List three theorists discussed in the article and what they believe regarding black identity.

• Aisha Harris - believes that social media 
• Giddens
• Marxist 

2) In your opinion, is social media a positive or negative force when it comes to issues of black identity? 

Social media is becoming a positive when addressing issues in society. We have seen an increase in the amount of citizen journalism over the years because of the fact that most people obtain a phone so would be able to record anything significant like police brutality to show the World. Whereas usually without the use of social media, black people would be murdered by police without a reasonable explanation and evidence from the crime scene because they would be able to manipulate the evidence at the scene making the victim look like a criminal. So social media is definitely making people aware of these issues and is subverting the identity the news portrays of the ethnic group.


3) How could you apply the post-colonial theories we have learned in class to the issue of social media and black identity?

With Edward Said he discusses West versus the East and it wouldn't be appropriate to class black people as Eastern but the ways America (some white Americans) view ethnic minorities as a whole is as if they are inferior to them. So white Americans at the head of the media can manipulate the news and try to change the ways black identity is portrayed to the public reinforcing certain ideologies. With Fanon's theory it could be argued that with certain news reporters they have to 'put on a white mask' for audiences to view them as a neutral or against something controversial like black lives matter. For example, a black news presenter/reporter would have to speak as if they don't have an opinion on the story at times and question the acts of protesters even if they already know the answers.


A Hustle for Life: Refugees in the Media

Now turn to page 6 and read A Hustle for Life: Refugees in the Media. When you have read the article, complete the following tasks:

1) What examples of different representations of refugees in the media are offered in the article?

Refugees are represented as hostile and migrants which would suggest to UK audiences that these refugees are travelling by choice when in fact they are trying to leave their domestic countries.  



2) In your opinion, is the documentary genre more or less biased than the news media? What examples can you provide from the article to support your view?

A documentary is used to unravel the truth and facts that are right before our eyes. It puts all considerations together in order for the audience to get a better understanding of a group being represented relatively negative by the news. Refugees are then presented in negatives way as there aren't any positive facts about the   


3) How could you apply the post-colonial theories we have learned in class to the representation of refugees in the media?

Fanon's theory of ethnic minority groups being portrayed as pitied is reinforced because these refugees are in poverty which is shown through the news. This is done to make audiences feel sympathetic and the UK reputation is enhanced because they would be shown giving aid to the East (Edward Said's theory West vs East).