1. Theory/Critical Lens/Readings
Nothing “right” or “wrong” about different theories
Ways of looking at the world
Ways of reinterpreting the human experience
Lenses through which to view cultural artifacts
Theories borrow from each other
Rarely does a scholar use only one theory

2. Postcolonialism Main Concern Approaches
Study of cultures formerly (or currently) colonized
Power struggle between cultures
Intersection of cultures
Approaches
Study of colonizing process
…colonization fallout
…new colonizing efforts

3. Key Concepts in Postcolonialism
Appropriation
take (something) for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
ie. Dias de los muertes
Cultural colonization
subjugation of colonized culture in all respects
imposition of colonizer’s culture on colonized

4. Key Concepts in Postcolonialism
Othering: assumption those who are different from oneself are inferior
Demonic Other: view those who are different from oneself are backward, savage, even evil
Exoticized Other/exoticizing: view those who are different possess an inherent dignity and beauty, perhaps because of more undeveloped, natural state of being. Seen as object of desire, something to possess

5. Key Concepts in Postcolonialism
Double vision/double consciousness: sense of being part of both colonized and colonizing cultures
Eurocentrism: view that European (including American) ideals and experiences are the standard

6. Key Concepts in Postcolonialism
Mimicry: imitation of the dress, manners, and language of the dominant culture by the oppressed
Hybridity: quality of cultures that have characteristics of both the colonizers and the colonized. Colonizer anxiety/Colonized power