The Exotic Other and the White Savior in the French telefilms Aïcha

This paper conducts a multi-modal critical discourse analysis of the French telefilm series Aïcha, directed by Yamina Benguigui, to explore the themes of exoticism and White saviorism in representations of French-Maghrebi individuals. Set in the Parisian suburbs, the series chronicles the life of Aïcha, a young woman navigating the complexities of her dual identity amidst societal challenges. This study analyzes linguistic and visual elements that reinforce stereotypes, underscoring the persistence of power imbalances in media representations. The findings reveal that despite the fact that the telefilms provide an insider perspective on the French-Maghrebi community, they simultaneously perpetuate old colonialist ideologies by exoticizing the ‘Other’ and presenting White characters as saviors. This paper contributes to the discourse on postcolonial representation in contemporary French cinema and TV series, highlighting the need for critical engagement with media portrayals that shape societal perceptions and reinforce existing hierarchies. By examining the intersection of race, gender, and power, this study highpoints the need to consider the complexities inherent in media narratives surrounding marginalized communities.