OSP: Paul Gilroy - Postcolonial theory and diasporic identity
Access it online here 1) How does Gilroy suggest racial identities are constructed? He has consistently argued that racial identities are historically constructed – formed by colonialization, slavery, nationalist philosophies and consumer capitalism. 2) What does Gilroy suggest regarding the causes and history of racism? Racism is not caused by the clash of two or more races – racism is not a natural phenomenon. Instead, Gilroy states that racial difference and racial identities are the product of racial oppression. Racial identities are caused by historical conflicts that have brought different groups into opposition. 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 argu...