Identities and the Media: Post-colonialism & Orientalism

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 clip of Yasmin portrays both positive and negative views on British Muslims. The protagonist Yasmin herself is seen to be an independent women with her own car and will to dress accordingly to how she perhaps wants to dress but could similarly, be argued to be a way for her to "fit in" society and hiding her true culture, working with predominantly white people. Additionally, we see how  she subverts from the expected stereotype and helps disadvantaged white people as a living. Nevertheless, there are also negative stereotypes of men. The man asleep on the floor reinforces the typical stereotype of Asian men as being indolent, with no job or contributing to society.With that being said, we also see the discrimination faced for being a British Muslim at the beginning of the clip where the owner or the shop is cleaning the abusive graffiti from the gate.

Edward Said's theory of Orientalsim is equally reinforced and challenged during the opening of Yasmin (2004). Orientalsim is reinforced through the conflict between old and younger generation where the older generation teaching the younger generation (Islamic studies) the norms and values of their culture possibility neglecting the British values that the younger generation have through having lived in a British society longer. The conventional stereotype of the older generation always listening and having a huge interest in the sport cricket is also reinforced through the conversation between the two friends/ colleagues. Additionally, we see how the older generation disapprove of the younger and modern approach in terms of values and priorities. Equally, the white men in the pub look disapprovingly at Yasmin perhaps due to her race, culture, her inter-racial relationship with her friend or even the fa t that she is in a pub all together without being able to buy alcohol. Therefore, there is perhaps an implication that we get a sense that both older generations of two different cultural societies which co-exist with one another share the view of the young female British Muslims.

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

3) Finally, choose ONE clip for EACH of the theorists and explain how you could apply that theory to the clip. Pick your clips from YouTube but feel free to use TV, film, music video or advertising - whatever you think is most powerful and relevant. Embed the clips in your blog before writing your analysis under each clip. Note: this means you need THREE clips in total on this blogpost.

Alvarado 

Four key themes in racial representations:

• Exotic
• Dangerous
• Humorous
• Pitied

Exotic: 

The Dangerous

Humorous

Pitied