Indigeneity and the Decolonizing Gaze: Transnational Imaginaries, Media Aesthetics, and Social Thought

Robert Stam's study explores how indigenous peoples represent themselves through various forms of media, arts, and social philosophy. It highlights the resistance and rebellion against colonialist and neoliberal capitalism through self-representation. Stam's work spans national and transnational media, engaging a dialogue between the Western mediated gaze and the indigenous gaze. It showcases how indigenous artists, intellectuals, and activists use arts-based activism to address global crises and protect their cultures and environments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Against the rich tapestry of history spanning 1492, the arrival of Columbus, and the subsequent conquest, Robert Stam delves into a profound exploration, tracing a captivating trajectory from the portrayal of indigenous peoples by others to their emergence as self-representatives, often serving as a powerful resistance and rebellion against colonialist or neoliberal capitalism. This comprehensive study encompasses a diverse array of media, arts, and social philosophies, spanning national and transnational boundaries across countries such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy. Through meticulous orchestration, Stam establishes a dialogue between the Western-mediated gaze on the "Indian" and the indigenous gaze itself, particularly manifesting in the burgeoning movement of "indigenous media," which involves the utilization of audio-visual-digital media for the social and cultural purposes of indigenous peoples themselves.

Drawing upon a rich tapestry of examples from cinema, literature, music, video, painting, and stand-up comedy, Stam vividly showcases how indigenous artists, intellectuals, and activists are responding to the myriad crises that plague our world, including climate change, economic inequality, political unrest, racial discrimination, and cultural erasure. A significant focus is placed on the role of arts-based activism in amplifying the struggle of indigenous artistic activism, particularly in the case of the Yanomami people, who are tirelessly fighting to safeguard the Amazon forest and our planet.

This captivating study not only sheds light on the historical and contemporary challenges faced by indigenous communities but also celebrates their resilience, creativity, and unwavering determination to preserve their heritage and protect the environment. Stam's work serves as a testament to the power of art and activism in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world, where the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities are heard and valued.

Weight: 860g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350282360