Identities and the Media: Post-colonialism & Orientalism

Orientalism is another key post-colonial theory - exploring the differences in representation between the western world and the east. These representations have arguably changed significantly since the 9/11 attacks on America in September 2001. Think about the typical Muslim stereotypes in the British media post-9/11 - and the rise in Islamophobia.

Edward Said - Orientalism

Edward Said (1935-2003) was a Palestinian-American cultural theorist and academic best known for his 1978 book Orientalism. In it, he argued that the west – particularly colonising Europe – constructed a meaning of the east (e.g. The Middle East) that suggested it was different, dangerous and uncivilised. Said was writing in the 1970s but his work is arguably even more relevant in today’s post-9/11 world.

1) 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?
The opening of Yasmin initiates with a grimy estate setting where two Muslims, made clear from their clothing, appear and walk stoically towards the direction of the camera. One of them is wearing very weathered clothing, making him appear impoverished. They walk past degrading graffiti of racial slurs - making them evoke pity (Alvarado). Later, we see him cleaning this graffiti eliciting further sympathy for minority groups. They eventually reach their place of worship and can be seen doing their religious mantra/readings. This could be read in a peaceful way as Muslims practising their religion but could also be seen as intrusive by others. We cut to a woman dressing herself in Western clothing and out of her religious Muslim clothes. After stripping herself of her Muslim identity, she is represented as enjoying herself and being free. Another significant representation is of a Muslim man represented as 'uncivilised' as he has slept in, is untidy and unhygienic and cannot speak English. This reinforces Said's ideas. When Yasmin is at he job, her male, White co-worker is represented in contrast to the male prior. He is represented as helpful, kind, honest and humorous.


2) Summarise the three theorists we have looked at this week:
Alvarado - race can be represented in the media only 4 main ways
Fanon - 4 main stereotypes; the white mask
Said - orientalism; them and us

3) Choose one clip for each of the theorists and explain how you could apply that theory to the clip. 

Fanon - putting on "the white mask" to fit in with fellow football peers.

Said- Black people are seen as uncivilised and needing to be civilised by Westerners.

Alvarado - Indian culture is 'exotic' to foreigners.