Post-colonialism: Edward Said blog task

1) Summarise the three theorists we have looked at: Alvarado, Fanon and Said.

Alvarado (1987)

Four key themes in racial representations:

Often quoted in relation to the black community but can be applied to other non-white groups:

• Exotic (models; music artists; food)
• Dangerous (crime; gangs; socially dysfunctional)
• Humorous (comedians; sidekicks; quirky)
• Pitied (poverty)

Frantz Fanon: “Putting on the white mask”

Typically black stereotypes can:

• Infantilize - such as the 'cute' children of the Charity Poster or the 'simple-minded‘ 'Step ‘n’ fetch it‘ lazy comedian.
• Primitivize - The 'exotic & virile' tribal warriors or 'bare-breasted maidens' with a 'natural sense of rhythm‘. Sporting prowess.
• Decivilize - The 'Gangsta', 'Pimp' etc.
• Essentialize - Undifferentiated mass-'they all look the same to me'

Edward Said 

Orientialism - the west are more superior to the exotic/dangerous east

2) 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?

There are both positive and negative stereotypes presented. The positive aspect comes from the prayers the young boy recites which shows his values. In the beginning the old man washing off graffiti which has racist words on it is shown in a positive way as the old man calmly washes it away. 

The negative aspect comes from the main protagonist Yasmin who goes against her own culture by undresses herself out of her traditional clothing into jeans and a jumper. This shows how Yasmin is hiding her culture. 
It is evident that Yasmin prefers western culture and values. Her job could impact the way she feels about her own culture as she feels much free at work compared to where she lives. This reinforces Said's theory as it shows that the west culture is superior.