'Swartsmeer' : 'n studie oor die stereotipering van Afrika en Afrikane in die populere media

[摘要] This thesis consists of a study that identifies and analyses the origins, nature, and spectrum ofdifferent stereotypes of Africans in popular texts.The past can only be explored through texts, which are unavoidably mediated, re-interpreted,fictional and temporary. No text can be read in isolation – it is imperative to gain knowledgeabout the social and ideological context in the analysis of any historical text.History shows that racism is a constructed concept, and the roots of stereotypical perceptions ofthe 'Other' can be found in antiquity – in Ancient Egypt, Classical Greece and the Jewish Torah,as well as during the Middle Ages. A historical synopsis is given of the conception anddevelopment of racial stereotyping through the ages until the present. The study demonstrateshow stereotypes gradually adapt with history, politics, and ideology. Stereotypes are in myopinion not necessarily constructed on purpose. Stereotypes are developed and based onhistorical events, but are transformed in time to fulfil new purposes. My conclusion is that raciststereotypes of Africans are created in the West, by the West, for the West.In many ways, the adaptation of the stereotypes of Africans act as a timeline for Westerninvolvement on the continent. The stereotypical portrayal of Africa as the Dark Continent, 'WhiteMan's Burden and Godforsaken Continent will firstly be studied. Secondly, the depiction ofAfrican-Americans, especially in American popular culture, is discussed through stereotypes likeMammy, Uncle Tom, Jezebel, and Buck. The theme of my practical component, a two partseries about the Cape Carnival, discusses the stereotype of the 'Jolly Hotnot or 'Coon andexamines the portrayal of Africans as comical.The study shows the important role popular media plays in spreading and reaffirmingstereotypes. Stereotypes are often used as a survival method to make the multiplicity of realitymanageable, recognisable, and understandable. Stereotyping becomes problematic if thestereotypes are used as generalisations to marginalise a group in terms of features such as skincolour. A type of 'cultural decolonisation would be necessary to counteract this marginalisation,through popular culture created by in Africa, by Africans, for Africans and international popularculture.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University