Paul Gilroy

 1) How does Gilroy suggest racial identities are constructed?

They are historically constructed, formed by colonisation, slavery, nationalist philosophy and consumer capitalism.

2) What does Gilroy suggest regarding the causes and history of racism?

That race doesn't cause racism, but it is the other way round. Racial difference and racial identities are the product of racial oppression, and that the racial identities were caused by historical conflicts. After the renaissance lines of race were used to legitimise that there was a superior race, e.g. slave trade. 

3) What is ethnic absolutism and why is Gilroy opposed to it?

Ethnic absolutism - 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 it as it is counter to his argument that racism causes race.

4) How does Gilroy view diasporic identity?

The country from which people have been forced to leave from, will always define their culture and ethnic identity. He suggests that the black diasporic identity is irreversible as slavery has changed the identity. Gilroy wanted to challenge those who had the view that black people all came from a single nation.

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

They were 'estranged from the community' seen as 'the other'. Black slavery in Britain would be used to create a negative stereotype of black Britons at the time.

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

Diasporic identity becomes trapped with national ideologies due to social, cultural and economical background. This causes cultural tension between different minorities. There will be exposure and exclusion to regressive ideologies and marginalisation will also create an identity which gets shared between the diasporic community and perhaps from the country of origin.

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.

People from specific backgrounds might follow and watch videos of other people on social media/YouTube who are from the same/similar backgrounds e.g. many people from the southern Asian community might watch Humza Productions due to have a connection through their background and what he offers. Also people who are from this background might watch Bollywood movies or listen to songs in their language. 

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

The world was built on a normalised view of slavery, and that it was only abolished when it was seen as incompatible with 'enlightened rationality and capitalist production. He suggests that black slaves provided enlightened thinkers and philosophers an insight into the concept of property rights, consciousness and art.

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

Black people would be represented as 'rapper', ' criminal or gang member' or an 'athlete'. This would reinforce the idea this is how black people are seen from other people and are marginalised from society and seen as 'the other'.

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.

Black people were seen as 'the other' and alienated from society, so were downgraded for being labelled as 'less abled' to do things white people. Especially if you were a women, you were expected to stay at home and look after children, do house chores and maybe do jobs which were 'less intellectual'. However, this movie shows the power and the strength that black American women were capable of, working for NASA helping get humans to the moon. This reinforces stereotypes of Black American women.