OSP: Paul Gilroy- Postcolonial theory and diasporic identity

1) How does Gilroy suggest racial identities are constructed?

Gilroy suggests that racial identities are constructed by historical conflicts that have brought different groups into opposition. 

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

Gilroy suggests that is not to say that there were no human differences before 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. 

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?

‘Race’ [is not] the eternal cause of racism [but is] its complex, unstable product. I should probably emphasise at this point that neither race nor racism are the exclusive historical property of the minorities who are their primary victims. (Gilroy, 2004)

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

Gilroy argues that we need to take British slavery into account & consider the influence on history, culture and identity. However, in acknowledging the British slave trade as an essential component to British culture caused political issues in the 1980s.

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

Diaspora challenges national ideologies, through the commitment and loyalty to the origin nation or place. However, diasporic identities can also become trapped within a national ideology; diasporic cultural ideologies and practices exist within a national ideology based upon its social, economic and cultural integrations and as such there is a cultural difference with the diasporic identities.

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.

People from certain cultural backgrounds may watch/follow certain people from the same cultural background on social media platforms as they are able to relate to them and stay connected to their cultural identity. 

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

For Gilroy, the Black Atlantic diaspora is irreversible because the experience of slavery irrevocably changed the diasporic identity. It cannot be ‘rewound’ to a state of cultural purity and cannot return to Africa as the place of origin has changed – the place of origin doesn’t exist as it did before diaspora. Africa has changed socially and politically.

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

Black people are usually represented negatively in the media and are presented with common stereotypes such as being seen as 'dangerous, comedic, criminals or athletes.' 

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.

Black people are usually represented as 'the other' in many different shows and films however in this film we can see the producers trying to subvert stereotypes of black American women as independent, working intellectual jobs that require you to have a degree in order to pursue a career like this and still be able to keep up with their at-home life of being a mother therefore still reinforcing female stereotypes of being a stay at home mum.