The victor writes the history; the loser is usually slaughtered and/or misrepresented

The victors are Prospero (as far as The Tempest goes) and the general white man (as far as American colonization goes). These winners are able to not only control history, but decide the manner in which each person will be represented.

Firstly, of course Shakespeare means Caliban to be a representation of "the Other." As for his description of "the other," I think he portrayed them quite well. Repressed, yearning for freedom, considered to be a savage. What more could you ask of "the Other?"

As previously discussed in class, there is evidence for both sides as to whether or not Shakespeare was against this type of colonization. For example, nearly every time Caliban is present, he's bound to complain about some aspect of his imprisonment to Prospero. After a while, it can almost convince you to agree with Caliban. On the other hand, Caliban did attempt to rape Miranda and upon meeting Stephano and being introduced to his "heavenly drink," Caliban readily vows: "I'll kiss thy foot. I'll swear myself thy subject." (Act 2, scene 2, lines 127 - 218), in addition to a myriad of other treasonous acts. Seen in this light, Caliban is more of a prick consumed with ideas of insubordination than a repressed...er, creature. As for my personal stance on said matter, I have yet to have one. Yeah, you can deal with it.

The video presented for blogging as well as the chapter: CULTURAL STUDIES: POST COLONIALISM, AFRICAN-AMERICAN CRITICISM, AND QUEER THEORY reason that the representation of such beaten minorities, such as Caliban and the Native Americans themselves, can be (and for the most part, are) horribly misrepresented. The chapter states that in many such cases the concept of "alternity" is used, where "'the Others' are excluded from positions of power and viewed as different and inferior." (236) In a nutshell, that is exactly what happened to both the Native Americans and Caliban. The chapter continues on to say that resisting such degradation can be difficult to achieve, since there seem to be such a wide variety of responses on the subject. However, as stated in "The Danger of a Single Story" this method of conquest can be turned on its head by challenging the conviction of the victor with the stories of the defeated.