36.5 Class, Courtship, & Colonialism in Bridgerton (An Interview about British Imperialism)

What Would Danbury Do?

In this bonus episode Kate interviews Dr Javaria Farooqui, an assistant professor at COMSATS University, Lahore. She recently wrote an article about the nuanced reception of the television series Bridgerton. In this episode, we talk about what British Imperialism is, and how the history of Britain in South Asia affects the second season of Bridgerton.

Please note: this discussion contains discussions of colonisation practices, racism, and colonial violence.

Features:

• The East India Company

• All the British Feels

• Money, mannerisms and marrying down

• Shit-tolerance (on TV and in life)

• Representation vs accuracy

• A start (though not an end)

Books and other Media We Discuss:

• Bridgerton, the TV show

• For many Pakistani Bridgerton fans looking for an escape, a brown Kate Sharma isn't what they signed up for, an article by Dr Javaria Farooqui

• Minute on Indian Education, Lord Thomas Babington Macauley

Javaria’s list of popular South Asian romance series:

1. "Dobara" [trans. "Again"]

2. "Dil Lagi" [trans. "Delusion"]

3. "Mere Hamsafar" [trans. "My Companion]

4. "Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi" [trans. "Your Self-Love"] CW: Javaria notes that this series is ongoing and does not yet have a guarantee of a happy ending. Further, it features examples of harassment from the male lead character

5. "Koi Chaand Rakh" [trans. "Give Me Some Moon"]

6. "Prem Gali" [trans. "Love Alley"]

You can find Javaria on twitter @JavariaFarooqui, and a list of some of her academic articles here.

Don’t forget you can find us on twitter and facebook @bridgertonpod and instagram @wwddpod and join the conversation using the hashtag #WWDDpod. You can also leave us a rating or review on your preferred podcast provider. Leaving a review gives you a pep in your step!

This episode was recorded on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people and edited by Rudi Bremer on Gadigal country.

What Would Danbury Do is a proud member of Frolic Media. You can find great romance content and other fantastic podcasts by visiting the Frolic site.

FIND EP 36.5 CLASS, COURTSHIP & COLONIALISM IN BRIDGERTON

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