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Race, Migration, and Space Aliens: Exploring the Intersections of Global Media and Race

Ted Simmons

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Published in The Latinx Files: Race Migration And Space Aliens (Global Media And Race)

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Race, migration, and space aliens. These are seemingly disparate topics that, at first glance, may not appear to have much in common. However, as Professor Avery Gordon argues in her groundbreaking work, "Race Migration And Space Aliens Global Media And Race," these themes are deeply interconnected, revealing the complex ways in which race and migration are represented and consumed in global media.

In this article, we will delve into the key arguments presented by Gordon, exploring the interplay between race, migration, and extraterrestrial life in global media. We will examine how these representations shape our understanding of race and migration, and how they reflect the anxieties and desires of contemporary society.

The Latinx Files: Race, Migration, and Space Aliens (Global Media and Race)

by Matthew David Goodwin

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Language	:	English
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Race and Migration in Global Media

Race and migration have been central themes in global media for centuries, with representations ranging from the overtly racist to the seemingly innocuous. Gordon argues that these representations are not simply neutral reflections of reality but rather active agents in shaping how we think about race and migration.

For example, she points to the long history of depicting black people as criminals or savages in popular culture, a trope that has been used to justify racial discrimination and violence. Similarly, representations of migrants as "aliens" or "invaders" have played a significant role in fueling anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobia.

However, Gordon also notes that media representations of race and migration can be more nuanced and complex. She discusses the emergence of "multicultural" media, which seeks to represent a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences. However, she argues that even these representations often fall short of fully challenging the dominant, white-centered narratives that shape our understanding of race and migration.

The Role of Space Aliens in Global Media

The figure of the space alien has a long and fascinating history in global media, often representing our fears and anxieties about the unknown. Gordon argues that space aliens are particularly useful as a metaphor for race and migration because they allow us to project our fears and desires onto an 'other' that is both familiar and unfamiliar.

For example, she points to the way that space aliens are often depicted as both technologically advanced and primitive, reflecting our own ambivalence towards the perceived threat and promise of migration. Similarly, she discusses how the trope of the "alien invasion" has been used to justify everything from anti-immigrant policies to military interventions.

The Interplay of Race, Migration, and Space Aliens

Gordon argues that the interplay between race, migration, and space aliens in global media is not simply a coincidence. Rather, it reflects the deep-seated anxieties and desires of contemporary society. She suggests that our fascination with space aliens speaks to our desire for both connection and control. We long to believe that there is intelligent life beyond our planet, but we also fear the unknown and the potential for invasion.

In this context, race and migration become stand-ins for the perceived threat of the unknown. By representing migrants as aliens, we can project our fears onto them, while simultaneously asserting our own superiority. This allows us to maintain a sense of control over our own identity and place in the world.

In "Race Migration And Space Aliens Global Media And Race," Professor Avery Gordon offers a compelling and thought-provoking analysis of the complex intersections between race, migration, and space aliens in global media. She argues that these representations are not simply neutral reflections of reality but rather active agents in shaping how we think about race and migration.

By examining the ways in which these themes are represented and consumed, we can gain a deeper understanding of the anxieties and desires that shape contemporary society. Ultimately, Gordon's work challenges us to question the ways in which we construct and maintain racial categories, and to work towards a more just and equitable world for all.