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Postcolonial theory deals with the application of common themes that were found during colonization times. These themes showed up in the literature that was authored during and after this time period. These themes are important because they were often used to promote the idea of colonialism. Themes such as imperialism, oppression, suppression, language, civility versus incivility, and identity are postcolonial attributes that were often used to show how the colonizers were better than the colonized.

In later years, the colonized started to speak back to the colonizers through writing their own stories and poems. When analyzed, these personal reflections allow the reader to see that the colonized people were not thoughtless drones but had feelings and responses to their plights. These examples include times when a colonized person may feel that the colonizer was actually barbaric for their way of life such as drinking alcohol or being money hungry. These literary pieces also show that not all colonized people were happy and felt that they fared better as a result of colonization. In fact, there is a lot of bitterness at the loss of culture and heritage felt by colonized people.

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See below for an example of the ways that colonizers applied postcolonial themes in literature.

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See below for an example of how the colonized found their voice and wrote back to the colonizers.

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I don't think that anyone could learn about postcolonial theory and not go through some sort of change. In fact, when I first learned that I had to take a reading course I was very upset. The community college that I attended in Arizona allowed me to test out of reading when I was a Freshman so I never expected to have to take the course. Universities in Arizona accept this method but UIW did not so here I am, and very grateful for it.

I think that theme that resonated with me the most is hybridity even though I never used it in any assignments. Without realizing it I have seen and even discussed the effects of hybridity. Since we are a country of immigrants we do not have to go very far to experience this phenomenon. The concept made me pause and reflect on a friend of mine from elementary school whose family was from Iran. She was very intelligent, I mean above a 4.0 level intelligent and wanted to go to college but the plan was to send her back to Iran to marry a person that she had been promised to.

The issue is that from living in America this friend had already decided that she did not want this path. Throughout the remainder of elementary school and our time in high school I unknowingly watched the effects of hybridity play out in the emotional power struggle that she endured. I also see a direct link to the concept of hybridity when I think about my spouse's coworker who is from Nigeria. This coworker did a presentation on themselves and basically stated that since coming to the U.S. they feel that their culture is inferior and they do everything they can to assimilate here. This is sad to me because they must have so much conflict going on and there is really no way to tell if this is how they really feel or if they are just scared of not being accepted.

The most profound part of this course came recently though when we learned that the colonized people have taken the time to write their own versions of stories. This made me take a step back and realize that I need to look for these stories and hear the voice of people who have fought to be heard. I look at literature in a very different light now and actually think about when it was written, who wrote it, and what the deeper messages are. I try to see what the unintended messages are now. This is change for me.

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The Talk (Canned Bommercials, 2017) brings to mind the postcolonial theory of race. Set in the United States, the commercial depicts the different conversations that African American moms have had with their children over the years relating to their race. Reading between the lines of the conversations allows the listener to note hints of oppression and class themes as well.

Even though this commercial is created by a corporation, it can be seen as an opportunity for the colonized people to speak back to the colonizers. To force others to experience their side of the story. The central message that plays out in this commercial is that each individual will have to work harder, be smarter, and watch out more than other Americans. However, there is also a message that while this is not fair,  African American individuals are just as worthy as any other individual.

In this way, the colonized people are expressing their outrage over the treatment they have experienced at the hand of the dominant power. Feeling oppressed and fighting on regardless are powerful messages. This is an example of the after effects of colonization when a type of hybridity starts to occur where more than one culture combines as a result of forced diaspora. There are those who do not like the mix and will do all in their power to make it difficult for the colonized people. Think Jim Crow laws. This commercial attempts to bring these types of facts to light and create a platform for open discussion. In this way, this commercial seeks to promote a positive message and should be applauded.

Reference:
Canned Bommercials. (2017, July 25). The Talk [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovY6yjTe1LE

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Analysis of Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial

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Analysis of Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial

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Controversial at best and marginalization at its worst, the Kendall Jenner Pepsi Commercial( Kendall and Kylie, 2017) also approached the them of race only from a slightly different angle. This commercial is worthy of analysis because while it too is a corporate offered commercial, the central character that mends the broken ties between two groups could also be considered to be of a dominate race. This is important because postcolonial theory assumes marginilaztion of the colonized group and this commercial falls in line with that sentiment.

Some have said that this commercial attempts to profit on the Black Lives Matter movement and are upset about it. Especially because if that is so then this commercial seems to say that the whole issue can be put to rest with something as simple as a can of Pepsi and that a white looking person is the one to lead that cause.

While this is not believed to be the intent, this commercial and the debacle that it caused is proof as to why postcolonial theory should be considered when creating pieces of literature or art. Understanding the history of their audience could have prevented this issue. Also and some would argue more important to consider is the current social climate. People are very sensitive right now to any perceived slight to their race and this was just begging to be a blow up.

Reference:
Kendall and Kylie. ( 2017, April 4). Kendall Jenner for PEPSI Commercial. [Video file]. Retrieved from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA5Yq1DLSmQ