Fanon: 'putting on the white mask'
Alvarado: humorous/exotic/pitied/dangerous
Said: Exotic East vs Superior West
Watch the opening of Yasmin (2004) again. Does it offer a positive or negative view of British Muslims? To what extent does it reinforce or challenge Edward Said's theory of Orientalism - that the west is superior to the exotic or uncivilised east?
The opening of Yasmin shows how british culture has pressured the roles of muslim women. This is because this Yasmin character switches between a very religious muslim women that is dressed in traditional clothing to a typical british "pakistani girl". This can suggest that todays society has questioned traditional religious values and that muslim women may not be able to live a normal life in todays world unless they change to fit in. In this opening there are elements that enforce Saids theory of the uncivilised east and that the west is more superior. Such as the graffiti on shutters saying "paki go home" and how police stopped Yasmin in her car when she was dressed in her islamic outfit. This suggests how the west believe that they have more control over the east.
Fanon:
This TV show links to Fanons theory of "Putting On The White Mask" and how it shows a black character challenging the black stereotypes and is seen with high white collar corporate people. The costume and prop symbolise the lead character to been seen as "trying to put on the white mask".
This TV show enforces the black stereotype of men being drug dealers and having rap careers and how one of the only ways black males can be seen successful is through sport, athletics, rap and drug dealing. We can also see the lead character putting on the white mask as he is seen trying to impress white higher class by wearing suits, buying yachts and etc.
Michael Jackson is a major icon when it comes to Fanons putting on the white mask theory, we can see how the way he has dressed and changed his whole appearance and skin colour shows how he is putting on the white mask.
Alvarado:
This movie links to Alvarado's theory of black males being dangerous and are seen as a threat to society as they are viewed to be drug dealers, criminals and making thug rap music. They are also slightly seen to be pitied as in the beginning they are trying they are committing terrible crimes in order to make money for a living.
In this movie, we can also see Alvarado's theory of Dangerous black males as throughout the film we can see them with guns,. anger and violence. We can also feel sympathetic for them as the movie questions racism in america and how police are racist to black males.
Said:
This film is about the attacks on 9/11, throughout the film there is a strong sense of hatred towards the east and the west are seen to be the subject in the film that the audience must feel sorry and sad for.
This film signifies that most areas in the east are seen to be terrorist areas and are filmed with dangerous activity, it is also very patriotic and shows how the west are capable of carrying out these dangerous and official tasks.
This film shows the exotic side of the east that are living in London and shows all the cultural aspects of the east. Although it also shows how the west is more superior.
