2.5 Postcolonial theory and the representation of race and ethnicity in television
4 min read•august 16, 2024
in TV studies digs into how colonialism's effects show up on screen. It looks at power dynamics, representation, and how Western views of other cultures persist in shows and industry practices.
Race and ethnicity on TV are examined through character portrayals, storytelling, and linguistic choices. The field tracks how representation has changed over time and considers TV's role in shaping cultural identities and social norms.
Postcolonial Theory in Television Studies
Key Concepts and Applications
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Postcolonial theory examines cultural, political, and economic legacies of colonialism and imperialism focusing on power dynamics between colonizers and colonized
Theory applies key concepts to analyzing television content and production
explores Western representations of Eastern cultures
addresses cultural mixing and identity formation
focus on marginalized groups' experiences
examines power relations between dominant and subordinate cultures
Critiques Western-centric narratives and representations challenging Eurocentric perspectives in media
Explores how colonial discourses continue to shape contemporary cultural productions including television programs and industry practices
Cultural Imperialism and Television
concept central to understanding television as tool for spreading dominant cultural values across boundaries
Investigates representation and agency of marginalized voices in television content
Examines potential for counter-narratives and resistance through the medium
Analyzes how television can both reinforce and subvert colonial ideologies through:
Content (storylines, character portrayals)
Production (hiring practices, creative control)
Distribution (global streaming platforms, localization efforts)