Paul Gilroy - blog tasks

Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet 170: Gilroy – Ethnicity and Postcolonial Theory. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets or you can access it online here using your Greenford Google login.

Read the Factsheet and complete the following questions/tasks:

Paul Gilroy - blog tasks

1) How does Gilroy suggest racial identities are constructed?

Racial identities are historically constructed – formed by colonisation, slavery, nationalist philosophies and consumer capitalism.

2) What does Gilroy suggest regarding the causes and history of racism?

Racism is not caused by the clash of two or more races – racism is not a natural phenomenon. Instead, Gilroy states that racial differences and racial identities are the product of racial oppression. Racial identities are caused by historical conflicts that have brought different groups into opposition. That is not to say that there were no human differences before the historical conflict between different groups; different human groups existed but their differences were not defined by ‘race’ lines. After the Renaissance, lines of race were established as a useful way to legitimise oppression (the slave trade reflected the European perspective that their ‘race’ was superior to those whom they enslaved, and as such it was acceptable for less intelligent, less moral races to be taken as slaves for Europeans).

3) What is ethnic absolutism and why is Gilroy opposed to it?

Ethnic absolutism is a perspective that sees humans as belonging to separate, fixed ethnic compartments, with race as the primary basis of human differentiation. Ethnic absolutists believe that compromising one's ethnic group would be against the natural order and could threaten the group's future existence. Gilroy opposes ethnic absolutism because it contradicts his argument that racism creates race. He believes that racial categories are not fixed but are the result of historical conflicts and oppression. Gilroy's view is that ethnic identities are not inherently fixed or absolute but are shaped by human interactions and can change over time.

4) How does Gilroy view diasporic identity?

Gilroy views diasporic identity as a complex and multifaceted concept. He extends the idea of diaspora beyond national boundaries and argues that it represents an "inside/outside" position for those in the African diaspora. He suggests that Black people in the modern world have a dual consciousness, simultaneously existing outside and inside modernity. They have contributed significantly to various aspects of culture, science, and society, despite not always receiving recognition for their contributions. Gilroy also emphasises the significance of slavery in shaping diasporic identity and how the experience of slavery irrevocably changed this identity.

5) What did Gilroy suggest was the dominant representation of Black Britons in the 1980s (when the Voice newspaper was first launched)?

In the 1980s, Gilroy suggested that the dominant representation of Black Britons was "external and estranged from the imagined community that is the nation." Black Britons were often seen as outsiders and not fully integrated into the national identity. This perception was reinforced by negative stereotypes and a lack of acknowledgement of the contributions of the Black community to British culture and society. Gilroy argued that accepting the role of slavery in British culture during this period would challenge these negative stereotypes and the perception of Black Britons as outsiders.

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

One of the negative effects of diaspora challenging national ideologies is the cultural tension that can arise between the diasporic identity and the national identity. Diasporic communities may experience exclusion, exposure to regressive ideologies, and marginalisation, which can lead to the creation of a distinct identity within the diasporic community. This tension can result from the clash between the values, practises, and beliefs of the diasporic identity and those of the national ideology.

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.

Social Media: 

Diasporic communities often create dedicated social media groups, pages, or profiles to share cultural content, celebrate traditions, and connect with members across the globe. For instance, Indian diaspora groups on Facebook may share recipes, cultural festivals, and news from their home country, fostering a sense of unity and cultural preservation.

Online Forums and Websites: 

Diaspora members may participate in online forums and websites dedicated to their specific cultural or ethnic group. These platforms allow discussions, information sharing, and networking among members who are geographically dispersed. For instance, the Chinese diaspora might use dedicated forums to discuss language, traditions, or local events.

Streaming Platforms: 

Many diaspora communities use streaming platforms like YouTube to share cultural events, performances, or educational content. This enables the preservation and promotion of traditional music, dance, and other cultural expressions. For example, the African diaspora may upload videos of traditional dance performances or music on YouTube.

Cultural Blogs: 

Some individuals within diaspora communities create blogs to document their experiences, share stories, and educate others about their culture. These blogs can serve as a bridge between generations, preserving cultural knowledge and fostering a sense of belonging.

News Websites: 

Diaspora members often visit news websites from their home countries or regions to stay updated on current events and cultural developments. For example, the Indian diaspora may follow Indian news websites to stay connected with their homeland.

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

Gilroy suggests that slavery is essential in understanding diasporic identity because it plays a significant role in shaping the experiences, cultural heritage, and consciousness of people in the African diaspora. Slavery contributed to the dispersion of African people to various parts of the world, and this forced migration created a unique diasporic identity.

Moreover, Gilroy argues that the experience of slavery had a profound impact on the development of modernity and capitalism. Slavery was intimately linked to the concept of property rights and capitalist production. The rationalisation and eventual rejection of slavery were central to the Enlightenment period's ideals, where concepts of freedom and equality were explored.

Slavery, as a historical institution, provided insight into property rights, consciousness, and art for enlightened thinkers. The experience of slavery influenced cultural and social contributions made by the African diaspora, and this, in turn, affected the development of modernity. Understanding the role of slavery is crucial to comprehending the complexities of diasporic identity and its relationship with modernity.

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

Representations in the media can reinforce the idea of 'double consciousness' for Black people in the UK or the US by perpetuating stereotypical images and narratives that frame them in ways consistent with how they are viewed by others. This reinforcement of stereotypes can create a psychological tension and duality of identity, as described by W. E. B. Du Bois.

For example, in the US, media representations of Black individuals as primarily criminals, gang members, or athletes can reinforce the notion that they are seen through a particular lens by society. This reinforces the "outside" perspective, where they are perceived as second-class citizens or even as threats.

In the UK, similar issues may arise. The media may portray Black Britons as outsiders, foreign to the imagined national community, which perpetuates the notion of being estranged from the nation. This portrayal can make Black individuals feel as though they are constantly looking at themselves through the eyes of others, as described by Du Bois in the concept of double consciousness.

These negative representations can contribute to a lack of recognition of the broader contributions of Black individuals to society and culture and can further entrench the idea of a dual identity where they exist both inside and outside of the mainstream national identity.

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 is based on the true story of three brilliant African-American women working at NASA during the 1960s. By portraying their achievements in the face of discrimination, it challenges the stereotype of Black women as lacking in intelligence or capability. The film highlights the professional competence of these women in their roles as mathematicians and engineers. This counters the stereotype that positions Black women as only suitable for menial or domestic work.