Subaltern gaze

Definition

The subaltern gaze refers to a perspective that highlights the viewing and representation of marginalized groups in media, particularly those whose voices and experiences have been historically silenced or overlooked. This concept connects to broader discussions about power dynamics in representation, questioning who has the authority to depict and interpret the stories of underrepresented communities and how those narratives are constructed and received by audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The subaltern gaze critiques the traditional gaze, which is often Eurocentric and male-dominated, by focusing on the perspectives of those who have been marginalized.
2. This concept emphasizes the importance of representation in media and how it influences societal perceptions of race, gender, class, and other identities.
3. The subaltern gaze is not only about visibility but also about agency, as it seeks to empower marginalized voices rather than allowing them to be passive subjects of representation.
4. Scholars often explore how different media forms, including film and literature, can either perpetuate or challenge stereotypes through the lens of the subaltern gaze.
5. Understanding the subaltern gaze involves recognizing the historical context of oppression faced by these groups and how that impacts their portrayal in media.

Review Questions

• How does the subaltern gaze challenge traditional notions of representation in film and media?
  • The subaltern gaze challenges traditional representation by shifting focus from dominant narratives to those of marginalized groups. It critiques how mainstream media often perpetuates stereotypes and fails to authentically depict the experiences of these communities. By emphasizing the need for authentic voices and perspectives, it calls for a reevaluation of who gets to tell stories and whose experiences are prioritized in visual culture.
• In what ways does the concept of hegemony relate to the idea of the subaltern gaze in terms of power dynamics within media representation?
  • Hegemony relates to the subaltern gaze by highlighting how dominant cultural narratives can suppress or misrepresent marginalized voices. The subaltern gaze critiques this power imbalance by emphasizing how hegemonic structures create a narrow view of reality that overlooks the diversity of experiences among underrepresented groups. This connection underscores the importance of dismantling hegemonic frameworks to allow for a more inclusive representation in media.
• Evaluate how counter-narratives produced through the subaltern gaze can influence audience perceptions and societal attitudes toward marginalized communities.
  • Counter-narratives that emerge from the subaltern gaze can significantly reshape audience perceptions by providing alternative views that challenge prevailing stereotypes. These narratives allow marginalized communities to assert their identities and share their stories on their own terms, fostering greater empathy and understanding among viewers. By disrupting dominant representations, counter-narratives encourage critical thinking about societal attitudes and can lead to positive changes in how these communities are viewed and treated in broader society.

Related terms

Orientalism:

A concept introduced by Edward Said that describes the West's often patronizing representations of the East, which reinforces colonial stereotypes and power imbalances.

Hegemony:

The dominance of one group over others, often reflected in cultural and ideological practices that shape perceptions and representations within media.

Counter-narrative: An alternative perspective or story that challenges dominant narratives, often representing the experiences and voices of marginalized groups.