Post-colonialism...

Colonialism normally refers to a period of history from the 15th to the 20th century when people from Europe built colonies on other continents. The reasons for the practice of colonialism as this time include:

- The profits to be made

- To expand the power of the colonising country

- To escape persecution by the colonising country 

- To convert the indigenous population to the colonists religion

Some colonist also felt they were helping the indigenous population by bringing them Christianity and civilisation. How the reality was often subjugation, displacement or death.

1. Political and legal domination over an alien society.

2. Relations of economics and political dependence.

3. Exploitation between imperial powers and the colony.

4. Racial and cultural inequality.

Britain's Colonial Past: India (Jewel in the crown), America (Native Americans), Parts of China, Parts of Africa (Nigera, Ghana, Caribbean etc), Australia and New Zealand.

Post- Colonialism does not simply refer to the period after the colonial era. It can also be seen as a continuation of colonialism albeit through different or new relationships concerning power and the control/production of knowledge. Post-Colonialism may seek to challenge or under mind the 'Western' discourse under an umbrella label such as 'The third world'. Post-Colonialism recognizes that there was and still is resistance to the West practised by subaltern, a group of socially, politically and geographically outside of the hegemonic power of structure.

Orientalism It is a perspective that suggests the East and the Orient are representations of both fear and fascination.

Diaspora identity is the result of forced or voluntary migration. People experience a sense of belonging to a culture which is 'other' to the dominant culture of the country of residence.

Key Theorists: Alvarado (1987), Frantz Fanon (1925-61) and Edward Said (1995)

- Alvarado's Themes in racial representations include: Exotic (Models, music artist, etc) , Dangerous (Crime, gangs, socially dysfunctional, etc), Humorous (Comedians, sidekicks, etc), and Pitied (Poverty, etc).

- Frantz Fanon was a Black psychoanalyst and philosopher, he believed in the Black skin, white mask theory (1952 - translation published). An example of this is that the 'universal' criteria for 'beauty' tends to be 'White'.

In many countries Black people straighten their hair and lighten their skin. There language to speak means to assume a culture. Have to wear a white mask to be successful.

- Edward Said introduced the East and the Orient are representations of both fear and fascination.

"Putting on the White Mask": Typically Black stereotype can be:

- Infantilize: such as the cute children in charity posters.

- Primitvize: The exotic and virile tribal warriors or bare-breasted maidens with a natural sense of rhythm.

- Decivilize: The gangsta, pimp etc.

- Essentilialize: Undifferentiated mass, 'they all look the same to us'.

Counter-type: A positive stereotype.