OSP: Paul Gilroy - Postcolonial theory and diasporic identity

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 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 argument that racism causes race.

4) How does Gilroy view diasporic identity?

He considers a transatlantic diasporic identity, where groups across the Atlantic share cultural practices – a “single, complex unit” of black cultural practitioners as a result of a shared history of oppression and slavery. Gilroy sees black identities as a product of movement – the

African diasporic identity is based on ROUTES taken throughout

history, and not the ROOTS of origin. 

5) What did Gilroy suggest was the dominant representation of black Britons in the 1980s (when the Voice newspaper was first launched)?

At the time, the dominant representation of black Britons was as “external and estranged from the imagined community that is the nation.” As such, to accept the role of slavery into the cultural identities of Britain would be to challenge the negative stereotype of black Britons

at the time, and reverse the “external and estranged” relationship with the nation.

6) Gilroy argues diaspora challenges national ideologies. What are some of the negative effects of this?

Diaspora challenges national ideologies, through the commitment and loyalty to the origin nation or place. However, diasporic identities can also become trapped within a national ideology; diasporic cultural ideologies and practices exist within a national ideology based upon

its social, economic and cultural integrations and as such there is a cultural difference with the diasporic identities.

7) Complete the first activity on page 3: How might diasporic communities use the media to stay connected to their cultural identity? E.g. digital media - offer specific examples.

Share cultural events, food, music, and traditions.

Create diaspora-specific pages or groups.

Watch content from home countries.

Upload original content reflecting hybrid diaspora identities.

Used for constant communication with family and friends across borders.

Community group chats for events, announcements, support networks.

8) Why does Gilroy suggest slavery is important in diasporic identity?

Gilroy also argues the importance of slavery to modernity and capitalism. The modern world was built upon a normalised view of slavery, particularly plantation slavery. Slavery was only rejected

when it was revealed as incompatible with enlightened rationality and capitalist production. 

9) How might representations in the media reinforce the idea of ‘double consciousness’ for black people in the UK or US?

 Gilroy claims that the inside/outside position of black people enabled writers and thinkers to

question the liberty offered to white North Americans and Europeans. It ‘forced a special clarity of vision – a dreadful objectivity’ (Du Bois) as a result of being black and living in the modern world with a sense of double consciousness.

10) Finally, complete the second activity on page 3: Watch the trailer for Hidden Figures and discuss how the film attempts to challenge ‘double consciousness’ and the stereotypical representation of black American women.

The trailer and poster challenge the concepts of double consciousness and diasporic identity by presenting Black American women as intelligent, capable, and central to American progress. They reject the idea that these women must conform to white standards to succeed, instead celebrating their cultural identity and resilience. By placing them in positions of visibility and power, the media materials redefine how Black womanhood is seen in both history and contemporary society, showing that they belong at the forefront of national achievement.