Post-colonialism - bonus reading and tasks

1) List three theorists discussed in the article and what they believe regarding black identity.

·         Henry Jenkins- believes that social media is an arena where participatory cultures can be seen.

·         Aisha Harris- believes that social media is the creation of presenting black community negatively.

·         Giddens- believes the opposite for what Harris is arguing; whereby black people can be presented positively with the use of social media. 

2) In your opinion, is social media a positive or negative force when it comes to issues of black identity? 

I personally believe that social media allows people to take control in the ways in which they want to present themselves, and don't need the negative stereotypes to invade their lives. It allows the control and power to be in the user’s hands, and therefore, showing a much more positive and accurate portrayal rather than the outside world, with all its stereotypes. 

3) How could you apply the post-colonial theories we have learned in class to the issue of social media and black identity?

I can  apply Fanon due to the belief 'putting on the white mask' This is because the user can change the way other viewer see themselves, and by presenting them as a white person, people may accept them more than what they were before.

I can apply Alvarado due to one of his factors ‘dangerous’. This is the case as social media can be responsible for presenting black people as 'criminals', as discussed with a case study above

A Hustle for Life: Refugees in the Media

1) What example of different representations of refugees in the media is offered in the article?

The many use of the word 'many', but used in different synonyms such as 'horde', or 'swarm' shows how its giving off a sense of invasion across the world; like an outbreak.

2) In your opinion, is the documentary genre more or less biased than the news media? What examples can you provide from the article to support your view?

In my opinion I believe that the documentary is less biased than traditional news media. This is the case due to news bulletins such as Fox News was they have no regulations in terms of being biased. This is because, a range of facts and research is presented before the viewer when viewing documentaries, keeping them informed always.

3) How could you apply the post-colonial theories we have learned in class to the representation of refugees in the media?

You could apply Alvarado theory of pitied. This is the case as linked to the refugees as we, the helpers, are there to feel sympathy for those who aren't in the same place as us, and to do something about it.