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Assignment Question

What does it mean to study race as a “discourse”? How do “discourses” of race change over time? With reference to course materials, discuss some of the different ways that the idea of race has been understood across its history from the 16th century to the present day. How might understanding the past and present discourses of race and racism help in the study of popular culture?

Assignment Answer

Introduction

The study of race as a “discourse” is a multifaceted and dynamic exploration of how societies construct, interpret, and communicate the concept of race. This examination involves understanding race as a social construct, which has been continuously redefined and reshaped over time. Race is not a fixed or inherent characteristic but rather a product of societal narratives and ideologies. In this essay, we will delve into the meaning of studying race as a discourse and how these discourses have evolved over time, from the 16th century to the present day. We will also explore the significance of understanding past and present discourses of race and racism in the context of popular culture.

Studying Race as a “Discourse”

To study race as a “discourse” is to examine it as a narrative or a system of representation in which individuals and societies construct, communicate, and interpret the concept of race. This approach acknowledges that race is not an objective, scientific category but rather a social construct that is shaped by cultural, historical, and ideological factors (Hall, 2016). The idea of race as a discourse recognizes that it is a product of language, symbolism, and power dynamics. Discourses of race change over time due to various historical, cultural, and social factors. These changes are driven by shifts in power dynamics, scientific advancements, and evolving cultural norms. For instance, in the 16th century, during the era of European colonialism, the discourse of race was primarily rooted in the idea of racial superiority and inferiority. European powers used this discourse to justify the enslavement and subjugation of non-European peoples (Fields, 2014). However, as time progressed, the discourse of race began to evolve, influenced by factors such as the Enlightenment era and scientific advancements.

Evolution of Discourses of Race

The 16th Century: Racial Hierarchy

During the 16th century, the dominant discourse of race revolved around the concept of a racial hierarchy, with Europeans often seen as superior and non-Europeans as inferior (Fields, 2014). This discourse provided the ideological foundation for the transatlantic slave trade, as it justified the enslavement of African people based on their perceived racial inferiority.

The Enlightenment Era: Scientific Racialism

The Enlightenment era, in the 18th century, witnessed the emergence of scientific racialism. Scholars and scientists began to categorize and rank different racial groups based on physical characteristics and intellectual abilities (Omi & Winant, 2014). This discourse contributed to the development of racial stereotypes and pseudoscientific theories of racial differences.

19th Century: Racial Purity and Eugenics

In the 19th century, the discourse of race took a different turn with the rise of ideas related to racial purity and eugenics. This period saw the promotion of the idea that maintaining racial purity was essential for societal progress (Gould, 2016). This discourse led to policies and practices aimed at preventing interracial marriages and promoting the reproduction of “desirable” racial groups.

Civil Rights Movement and Post-WWII: A Shift in Discourse

The mid-20th century marked a significant shift in the discourse of race, largely due to the civil rights movement and the aftermath of World War II. The discourse began to focus on the promotion of racial equality, civil rights, and the acknowledgment of historical injustices (Omi & Winant, 2014). This era gave rise to a more inclusive and anti-discriminatory discourse.

Present Day: Intersectionality and Cultural Discourses

In the present day, the discourse of race has become more complex, embracing the concept of intersectionality, which recognizes that race intersects with other identities, such as gender and sexuality (Crenshaw, 2017). Additionally, the influence of media and popular culture has given rise to various cultural discourses on race, challenging stereotypes and promoting diverse perspectives.

Cultural Appropriation and Identity

In contemporary discourses of race, the concept of cultural appropriation has become a prominent issue in popular culture. Cultural appropriation involves the borrowing or imitation of elements from a culture different from one’s own, often by those in a position of privilege (Gott, 2020). This discourse highlights the power dynamics and inequalities embedded in cultural exchange. The debate over cultural appropriation in popular culture reflects an evolving understanding of race, identity, and respect for diverse cultures.

Social Media and Online Activism

The advent of social media has significantly impacted the discourse of race in popular culture. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter and #OscarsSoWhite have used online platforms to challenge the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of racial and ethnic groups in media and entertainment (Daniels, 2019). Social media has empowered individuals to have their voices heard and has accelerated the pace at which racial issues are addressed in popular culture.

Representation and Diversity

The discourse surrounding representation and diversity in popular culture has gained momentum in recent years. There is a growing awareness of the importance of representing a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds in media, not only for accurate storytelling but also for social inclusivity and equity (Breslauer, 2020). This discourse has led to more nuanced and inclusive narratives that reflect the complexity of contemporary societies.

Decolonization and Indigenous Perspectives

In many countries, there has been a resurgence of Indigenous voices and perspectives in popular culture, reflecting a shift in the discourse towards decolonization. Indigenous artists and creators are gaining recognition for their contributions to literature, film, music, and visual arts (Wolfe, 2019). This represents a broader societal acknowledgment of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and the importance of amplifying their voices.

Understanding the Past and Present Discourses of Race

Understanding the historical and current discourses of race is crucial for the study of popular culture. Popular culture reflects and shapes societal perceptions, and it often perpetuates or challenges existing racial discourses. By comprehending the historical roots of racial ideologies and their evolution, scholars and analysts can better interpret and critique the representations of race in popular culture. For example, the analysis of racial stereotypes in early Hollywood films reveals how popular culture has been historically complicit in perpetuating harmful racial narratives (Dines & Humez, 2016). These stereotypes reinforced the dominant racial discourses of their time, and their influence can still be seen in contemporary media. By examining such historical representations, scholars can raise awareness and encourage discussions about racial stereotypes in today’s popular culture. Additionally, understanding the present discourses of race is essential for dissecting the representations of race in modern popular culture. For instance, contemporary films and television series often engage with intersectionality, portraying characters who face multiple forms of discrimination based on their race, gender, and sexual orientation. Analyzing how these narratives challenge or reinforce prevailing racial discourses can help viewers and scholars critically engage with popular culture and its impact on societal perceptions of race.

Racial Discourse

Conclusion

The study of race as a “discourse” offers a dynamic and comprehensive approach to understanding how societies construct, communicate, and interpret the concept of race. Over time, discourses of race have evolved, influenced by historical, cultural, and social factors. The concept of race has transitioned from a belief in racial hierarchy to scientific racialism, racial purity, and eventually to a more inclusive discourse emphasizing civil rights and historical injustices.Understanding the past and present discourses of race is instrumental in the study of popular culture. It allows scholars to critically engage with how popular culture perpetuates or challenges existing racial narratives. By examining the historical roots of racial ideologies and their evolution, we can better interpret and critique the representations of race in popular culture. This awareness helps promote a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of race in society, contributing to the ongoing conversation about race and racism.