representation and postcolonial theory in the context of Attitude

 

postcolonial theory applied to Attitude online

othering: is the process off treating people as different and categorising people as 'us' and 'them'.
  • the uk is suffering from the collapse of empire and the relinquishing colonies has left scars on the British psyche. Because of this, our country is still institutionally racist and incorporates racial hierarchies 
  • hyppereal simulacra: a simulacrum refers to a representation of something that existed in the first place
  • the representation of Gay men in attitude is complicated 

Paul Gilroy argues that power is maintained through strict hierarchies and that certain groups are marginalised through a system of othering. Evaluate this postcolonial representation theory. Make reference to Attitude Online to support your answer.

  • Gilroy’s theory is of exceptional usefulness, as it helps us to understand not only the history behind systemic othering, but also how it is used in media in order to manipulate audiences. However, I shall argue that in spite of using heavy stereotypes and often leading language, the representation of gay men in attitude online is highly complicated, and reflects the importance of stereotypes in gay subculture and the complexity of gay identity in the UK today. 

     
article analysis: 

‘Be careful with your heart – it must be cherished and protected at all costs’ 

In his latest column, broadcaster James Barr discusses prioritising himself and his heart over a 'whirlwind' romance

  • the article takes the form of an editorial or opinion piece and sees James Barr a broadcaster, discussing his take on gay subculture
  • lexis: a number of words or phrases in this article position the audience as a gay man 
  • the phrase 'heres the tea' is a gossip like and colloquial slang type, making reference to drag culture
  • the phrase 'the chems' refers to usage of substances and engaging in sexual relationships or 'chem sex' which presents a relatable ode of adress to those within the gay community, and positions the audience as a gay man. however this adress is highly stereotypical and even an example of othering, yet ultimately this article constructs a new heirarchy where knowledgeable gay men are made to feel included and are able to explore theses sub cultures.
  • main image:  An image of the journalist himself. His light makeup and sitinctitive hairstyle subtly connote queer coding, a fact which is reinforced through the the stereotypyically feminine yet confident pose of his hand on his hip. Directly addressing the camera, his facial expression is clearly practiced, and performatively encodes a sense of gay ideneity to the target queer audience. The MES of his costume, a tight fitting tie died shiort also hast connotations of queerness. the journalist is clearly othering himself and therefore reclaiming negative assumptions and widely held stereotypes targeted towards the gay community. once more this constructs a new hierarchy where James Barr is clearly in a dominant position
  • layout: the landing page takes the audience directly to Barr’s face, assuming his importance and position the audience as one who would be interested in him. Barr, a minor celebrity will be of particular interest to gay audiences, as they have built a personal relationship with him through his career, and by reading the article and learning more about his private life, will further reinforce this relationship. this reinforces the importance of queer identity in and otherwise heteronormative world 

  • layout:

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