Identities: Post-colonialism

1) Media Magazine 42 (page 51)

2) Films:

• Adulthood
• Shank
• Ill Manors
• Slum dog millionaire
• Attack the block

    TV Programmes:

• Citizen Khan
• The Kumars at No.42
• Goodness Gracious Me
• Luther
• Top boy

    Online-only productions:

• Venus vs Mars
• The Ryan sisters
• Brother with no game
• All about the McKenzies
• Meet the abdenanjos

3) To what extent can we apply Alvarado's and Fanon's theories to these films? Do they reinforce or subvert typical black stereotypes in British film and TV?

Destiny Ekaragha's short film 'Tight Jeans' reinforces typical black stereotypes to some extent. It can be seen as reinforcing stereotypes as the three black male characters are sitting on a wall having a conversation beside an estate of flats. The setting therefore can link to Alvarado's theory as the characters can be pitied by the audience as they may live in poverty. Moreover, as they are sitting on a wall it shows that they do not have much to do, which can mean that they are socially dysfunctional. Also, Tight Jeans presents the male characters as quite comedic as the audience find them funny, which fits in with Alvarado's theory as they are humorous. A way that Tight Jeans could subvert typical stereotypes is because the characters are quite knowledgeable about history. For example, they discuss the past of Italians and the fact that they used to have blonde hair and blue eyes and now have brown hair and brown eyes.

Moreover, 'Gone too far' reinforces typical stereotypes as the main character is presented as 'the gangsta' and relates to Frantz Fanon's theory-decivilize. He is also seen playing sprots which reinforces black stereotypes as they are seen as strong and sporty. This relates to Fanon's theory again but this time fits into primitivize. The film also presents one of the female characters as quite exotic as she is quite glamorous and pretty. This relates to Alvarado's theory. The film also relates to Alvarado's theory as the main character's brother who comes from abroad is presented as comedic as the audience find him funny, therefore humorous. Also, the main female character comes across as quite dangerous as she speaks with a lot of attitude as it also seen pushing the main male character. Furthermore, another way in which Gone too far reinforces stereotypes is because the trailer does not actually show that the black family have a father. Although a male is shown in the trailer, he is not introduced as the dad, whereas the mother is therefore the audience are unsure.

Overall, I believe Destiny Ekaragha's films reinforce black stereotypes to a certain extent, however she also tries to challenge 'traditional black stereotypes' as she does not include knife crime and too much violence in Gone too far.