How To Evaluate Theories

Example

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HOW USEFUL IS PAUL GILROY'S POST-COLONIAL THEORY IN ANALYSING LONG FORM TV DRAMAS

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Paul Gilroy’s post-colonial theory is useful in analysing long-form TV dramas such as Supacell, created, written and directed by British rapper, screenwriter and director Rapman (Andrew Onwubolu), as it provides a framework for understanding how race, identity and power are constructed through media representations. However, its usefulness is partial, as it does not fully account for the complexity of contemporary television, including diverse representations, audience interpretations and changing industry practices.

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WHAT: Gilroy’s theory is useful in analysing how Supacell constructs representations of racial identity and “otherness”. HOW: This is achieved through narrative and characterisation, as the series centres on Black British protagonists from South London who are frequently positioned within contexts of crime, surveillance and social marginalisation. For example, characters such as Michael and Rodney are shown navigating environments shaped by gang culture and systemic inequality, while also being monitored by a secret organisation, reinforcing a sense of control and scrutiny. WHY: This reflects broader social anxieties around race and institutional power, positioning Black characters as both powerful and yet still subject to structural oppression. LINK: This directly connects to Postcolonial Theory as developed by Paul Gilroy, who argues that media representations are shaped by historical power structures rooted in colonialism, where racialised groups are often constructed as “other”. In a contemporary UK context, Supacell reflects ongoing debates around race, policing and inequality, making Gilroy’s theory highly relevant.

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WHAT: Gilroy’s theory is also useful in exploring cultural hybridity within Supacell. HOW: This is constructed through the blending of genres and identities, as the series combines superhero conventions with social realism, while characters negotiate multiple aspects of identity including race, class and community. For instance, Michael is depicted as both an ordinary working-class man and a superpowered individual, balancing everyday responsibilities with extraordinary abilities, while still being rooted in his cultural and social environment. WHY: This challenges stereotypical representations of Black characters by presenting them as complex and multifaceted, rather than confined to one-dimensional roles. LINK: This reflects Gilroy’s concept of hybridity, which suggests that identities are fluid and shaped by multiple cultural influences, particularly in post-colonial societies. The show’s fusion of genres also reflects a contemporary media context where traditional boundaries are increasingly blurred, further supporting Gilroy’s relevance.

 

However, WHAT: Gilroy’s theory is limited in its ability to fully explain all aspects of Supacell. HOW: While the theory focuses on race and post-colonial power, the series also explores other forms of identity and inequality, such as gender and class, which are not fully addressed by Gilroy. For example, female characters such as Sabrina are portrayed as strong and independent, balancing family responsibilities with their powers, challenging traditional gender roles. WHY: This suggests that race is not the only factor shaping representation, and that multiple identities intersect to influence how characters are constructed. LINK: Therefore, Feminist Theory may offer a more effective framework for analysing gender representation, while Marxist Media Theory could be used to explore the impact of class and economic inequality depicted in the series. This highlights that Gilroy’s theory is useful but insufficient on its own.

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Furthermore, WHAT: Gilroy’s theory may be limited in accounting for audience responses to Supacell. HOW: The series has been widely praised for its authentic representation of Black British culture, but different audiences may interpret its themes in different ways; some may view it as a critique of systemic inequality, while others may focus primarily on its superhero narrative and entertainment value. WHY: This demonstrates that meaning is not fixed, and audiences actively engage with and interpret media texts in diverse ways. LINK: This can be explained through Reception Theory, which suggests that audiences create preferred, negotiated or oppositional readings. In a contemporary context of social media and online discussion, this further challenges Gilroy’s emphasis on media as a tool of ideological control.

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Additionally, WHAT: the production context of Supacell challenges some aspects of Gilroy’s theory. HOW: Created by a Black British writer and featuring a predominantly Black cast, the series offers perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. This results in more authentic and nuanced portrayals of Black British life, rather than reproducing simplistic or stereotypical representations. WHY: This suggests that media is not always controlled by dominant hegemonic groups, and that representation can be shaped by diverse voices within the industry. LINK: While Gilroy emphasises the role of media in maintaining post-colonial power structures, the contemporary television landscape, particularly with global streaming platforms, allows for greater diversity in production, which may limit the theory’s explanatory power.

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In conclusion, WHAT: Gilroy’s post-colonial theory is highly useful in analysing Supacell, particularly in understanding how race, identity and historical power structures influence representation. HOW: It effectively explains the construction of “otherness” and the exploration of hybrid identities within the series. WHY: This makes it valuable in revealing how the text reflects broader social and historical contexts, particularly within contemporary Britain. LINK: However, its usefulness is limited by its focus on race, its neglect of other social factors, and its inability to fully account for active audiences and evolving industry practices. Therefore, Gilroy’s theory is most effective when used alongside other theories to produce a more balanced and comprehensive analysis of long-form TV dramas.

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