ExaM PrAcTisE

Practise Exam Question 2

Evaluate The Relevance Of Gilroy's Ethnicity Theory To Long Form Television Drama

Gilroy's theory of ethnicity states that 'The African diaspora caused by the slave trade has now constructed a transatlantic culture that is simultaneously African, American, Caribbean and British - the 'Black Atlantic'. Britain has failed to mourn the loss of its empire, creating 'postcolonial melancholia', which expresses itself in criminalising immigrants and an 'us and them' approach to the world founded on the belief in the inherent superiority of white western civilisation. This can be applied to any media product, especially representations of ethnicity, race and the post-colonial world, whilst Gilroy also draws attention to the continuing role of colonial ideology - of the superiority of white western culture - across a range of representations i long form television dramas. 

However, the theory does not explain anything specific as it is a general theory. In prioritising race and the post-colonial experience the theory may not aid analysis of other forms of inequality in representation in long form television dramas. In stressing the influence of social conflict on representations the theory may underestimate the influence of social consensus on representations. 

This theory can be applied to Homelands. America was discovered and founded by British adventurers and explorers, and obviously the show displays scenes of the dismay and slating of immigrants and citizens of other countries/ethnicities. 

This can slightly be applied to Trapped. This long form television drama has an obvious lack in diversity, creating a nonfictional sense as Iceland is 93% Icelandic and 7% other, suggesting a lack of migration possibly due to the harsh conditions the country displays.  





How Can Gerber's Theory Be Applied To Homelands And Trapped