Postcolonial theory

Wider reading on race and Old Town Road

Read this W Magazine deep dive on the Yeehaw agenda and answer the following questions: 

1) What are the visual cues the article lists as linked to the western genre? 
Cowboy hats, cow print, rhinestones and fringed jackets.

2) How did the Yeehaw agenda come about? 
The black community felt under-represented in modern Cowboy media even though in reality they made up at least 25% of Cowboys So, there was a push for more representation and to reclaim American media.

3) Why has it been suggested that the black cowboy has been 'erased from American culture'? 
Hollywood reinforced white centred stories and rarely represented more ethnicities.

4) How has the black cowboy aesthetic been reflected by the fashion industry?
Runway collections and luxury brands feature western themes with the influence of black culture.

5) Read the section on Lil Nas X and Old Town Road. What does it suggest about race and the country music community?
Old town road subverts stereotypes as country music has been dominated by white artists.

6) What elements of the song and music video are suggested to be authentically country and western?
The western imagery like the setting and costume. Also the banjo based instrumental.

7) What genres of music does the article suggest have been shaped by black influences? 
Country, hip-hop and rock.

8) In your opinion, what do you think has been the driving force behind the Yeehaw movement? 
I think the driving force has been social media as it allows for communities to come together and also educate people.

Applying postcolonial theory to Old Town Road

Revise the postcolonial theories we have studied and apply them to the Old Town Road music video: 

1) How does the Old Town Road music video both reinforce and challenge black stereotypes in the media?
Reinforce- Lil Nas X is an outlaw in the western scene, the town he visits is urban and lower class.
Challenge- Black music artist in a traditionally white role (cowboy), country genre

2) How could you argue that the Old Town Road video challenges Gilroy's theory of double consciousness?
It challenges his theory because Lil Nas X is proud of his multifaceted identity and suggests that he doesn't feel like he is an outsider.

3) How does Lil Nas X and Old Town Road provide an example of Hall's theory of race representations? Alternatively, you could argue against this if you prefer.  
Clown/entertainer- Chris rock is a comedian and provides humour in this video.

4) Are there any examples of Alvarado's theory of black stereotypes in the Old Town Road video? Why/why not?
Dangerous - outlaws, guns
Exotic - costumes with jewels on.

5) How does Lil Nas X provide a compelling case study for bell hooks's theory of intersectionality?
Intersectionality in terms of Lil Nas x would be his gender(male), race(black), class (low class whilst growing up but now upper class with his fame) and sexuality (gay).

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