The postcolonial theory is still a tool that is used today.  It is used to discuss classical literature like we are doing in class.  It is also used to discuss current literature, movies, video games, television and much more.  There are many complex characters today that have many different layers to them like Gilgamesh.  

            Today we utilize postcolonial themes such as identity, race, and class to discuss all topics.  An example would be Cassius Marcellus Clay, also known as Muhammad Ali.  He was arrested and found guilty of draft evasion charges, therefore I would  identify him as a selfish man who placed his own needs above his country.  Yet, I actually have a lot of friends who consider and identify Muhammad Ali, as an American Hero.  They identify him for the good he has done and have forgiven him for his transcriptions against America.  They have shown me literature where he is referred to as a Hero and an American Icon.  I haven’t forgiven Cassius for these wrong doings and If you were to ask me, “Who is Cassius Clay?”, I’d respond “He is a dodge drafter and felon.”  I would never refer to him as a hero.

This is one of the ways we use postcolonial theory today.  We use it to identify and discuss almost everything.  The example of Muhammad Ali demonstrates how individual’s opinions and perspectives can defer.  This leads to great discussions and friendly debate.   

For example, Jamie Lannister, a character from The Game of Thrones may be considered a murderer.  When I first started to watch this series I thought he was a horrible person and an evil man.  As the season progressed, I have realized that he has many good characteristics and is an honorable man.  The reason I bring him up in a postcolonial theory discussion is because I find myself discussing his identity, otherness and more postcolonial themes with my friends.  How can one of us think a man who pushed a kid from a window to his apparent death be considered good?  Shouldn’t that character be looked at as a bad man and uncivilized?  Yet, we have long discussions on why he is not.  That’s what makes the complexity of the characters and the use of postcolonial theory so interesting.   

In the movie, Bruce Wayne identifies himself as a servant and protector of the people while trying to protect justice. Some people may identify him as the dark knight or bat crusader.  The one thing he does not identify himself as is a criminal and that’s what makes this movie so great.  In order for the Batman to catch the Joker he must become the one thing he despises the most, a criminal.  He has to break the law in order to catch the Joker.  Batman takes on the mantle of a killer even though it subverts the very justice he seeks to uphold

The Joker’s identity is never provided during the movie.  In fact, he never truly discloses anything about himself and hides his identity from everyone including the very people who he commits crime with.  He loves to toy with his true identity which makes him the Joker.  Several times throughout the movie he tells different stories about what happened to his face, or his identity.  The ironic thing about the Joker in aspects of identity is the fact that he is trying to destroy the identities of Batman and Harvey Dent.” (Joyner, 2018 p. 6)

Jon Snows character is so interesting to discuss regarding identity because you never know who his parents really are and if he is a simple man.  He is referred to as the “bastard of the north” because his father had him out of wedlock.  They suggest several times throughout the show who his mother may be, but never do provide the details.  Jon Snow was also brought back to life by a witch.  This has led to many conversations about whether or not he is still a mortal man.

The Game of Thrones has another strong postcolonial theme known as otherness.  They love to label characters and groups of people.  There are seven kingdoms in the Game of Thrones with the highest kingdom known as the Capital. Those not from the capital were outsiders known as wildlings, giants, children of the forest, free folks, white walkers and others.  This not only represents the people but their otherness.   

 Roots, K. (2016).   Game of Thrones: Explore Westeros With New Video of the Series Open.    Retrieved December 3, 2018, from https://tvline.com/2016/04/13/game-of-thrones-video-title-sequence-fly-360/