Post-colonialism: Edward Said blog task

Yasmin (2004) 

- "Paki go home"

- Hijabi's second life - married

* Not a particularly positive or negative representation of British muslims, but definitely a shaken one - heavily influenced by prejudices invoked by British/Caucasian majority.

*Western demeanour is antagonised in the film whereas Eastern muslims are portrayed as the 'lamb' in this matter. 

* Focus is more on social influence - Yasmin lives her life as a 'British' (puts on a 'white mask') and a Muslim woman (stopped by police), which serves her with different consequences. 

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Said's theory of 'orientalism' explores the division between 'East' as the more decivilised counterparts to the Western domineered world which is a lot more advanced and superior. 

Alvarado's theory for the representation of black people casts them into 4 categories: humour, dangerous, exotic and pitied. 

Fanon's theory explores representation through 'putting on the white mask', if the 4 categories: decivilised, primitivised, infantilised, essentialised. 

- Alvarado 

Alvarado's theory for representing black people under the category of humour can be applied here as Ice Cube is sidelined as a comedian in the narrative.

The categorisation of black people as dangerous can be considered in this depiction of urban culture of young Afro-Caribbean Britons.

This advert demonstrates the idea of black people being pitied, in need of Western benefits to survive.

- Fanon

Fanon's theory can be extracted from its original context of application on black people, and considered on the representation of other ethnic minorities. The Chinese are arguably primitivised somewhat as they use means of violence in their daily demeanour. Whilst the art of karate is celebrated, it is also used as a stereotype associated with Chinese people.

The family of ethnic minority is primitivised here and presented in a decivilised manner which is clearly satirical as attempts of fitting in with Western culture are to avail as they operate in a socially absurd manner. 

Jesminder changes her name to 'Jess'. This is an evident example of how ethnic minorities feel an urge for 'putting on a white mask' due to the pressures of prejudice by a Western dominated society.

- Said 

A clear dichotomy of power is presented in this heartfelt socio-politically controversial narrative. The East is discriminated for its perceived uncivilised presence in contrast to the dominance of the West.

The African tribe leader is orientalised and the West intrude as 'benefactors' to this forested land. 

This Tarantino premiere depicts orientalism through a slave-trade era narrative. Power shift is evident between the 'White of the West and the Colour of the East'.