Hotel Babylon

In this clip, the white people seem to be predominantly more powerful than those of other backgrounds. In the beginning, the first three characters we see are white men from professional backgrounds. When the first man is by himself, there is no non-digenic music until the two policemen are shown. This suggests that immigrants are usually worry free until immigration services come into the picture, showing how cruel white people can be. The receptionist at the beginning is also of higher power than the black man she ordered. This all suggests that those of other races are of a lower social status in this workplace.
While the immigration officer is speaking to the receptionist, there is use of an over-the-shoulder shot. This suggests equality between them as they are both of the same race. This is used often, when white people are speaking to each other in this clip, their eyelines usually meet, showing they are both equal. However, when the woman gives an order to Ben, he is sitting down, showing a high angle shot of him. This reinforces the idea that other races have no power in this environment.
When the man rushes down to inform Jackie of the immigration officers, the non-digenic music implies a hectic situation. This is also suggested by the handheld camera (shaky) as this implies confusion and fast pace. The music is also changed from the previous scene where the receptionist is speaking to the immigration officer, reinforcing the idea that the staff have to react quickly when the immigration service arrives.
It is significant that the man named Ben (who is told to "deliver forms" to another compartment of the hotel) is the only African American in the reception area, and he does not seem quite as calm as the receptionist, stuttering when asked to deliver forms. This suggests that other races feel out of place in comparison to white people. It is also worth noting that he goes instead of any of the white people in the room, which gives the idea that he is on the side of the immigrants despite his presence in the reception area with no other immigrants. This suggests he is seen as an immigrant just because of his race. This shows how unfair some of the other races are treated in the world. Rarely do we see any other race than caucasian in a position of power in this clip.
As Ben rushes down the corridor to find Jackie, there is a long take of him running. This suggests that this is routine and the hotel often comes under investigation. There are many short takes when Jackie runs around trying to round up the immigrant workers, which gives the narrative more pace as well as reinforcing the confusion and hecticness of the situation.
As Jackie is in the kitchen she speaks several different languages to communicate with the immigrants. This suggests that those of other races are more open and accepting of other cultures. All of these different languages are only spoken by those of non-caucasian race, and the only language that the white people speak is English. This suggests that white people are less tolerant of other cultures and are elitist in attitude compared to the others.
The use of parallel editing while they are in the room to when Ibrahim is cleaning outside is significant. This shows that they are all in the same danger, even though Ibrahim's is going to come sooner. It is also significant that Jackie locks herself in with the immigrants to support them through the difficult situation when she had the option of leaving them to fend for themselves, since she is in no danger from the immigration offices. This suggests that there is more closeness between other races which is caused by the overwhelming danger of immigration officers, they must join together to keep themselves safe. It could also be that she sympathises with them more than other white members of staff as she is of Asian descent. It is also worth noting that while she has locked herself in with the immigrants, other white members of staff are outside of the room. This may suggest that she is isolated from other white members of staff.
When they are locked in the room, a diabetic woman faints, showing a high angle shot. This suggests those of other ethnicities are weak and vulnerable when faced with the danger of Immigration officers. This is all contributing to the idea that white people are asserting their dominance over other races unfairly, and it is difficult for members of those races to retaliate.
It is worth noting the lighting in the room where they are locked as opposed to the hallway where Ibrahim is cleaning. The hallway is well lit, as Ibrahim believes there is no danger and everything is fine. Where it is darker in the area where they are all hiding as they all know there is an investigation. This shows that those who pay no attention to the immigration service are much happier, until they are caught. Where those who are knowledgeable about the trouble they're in lead much darker lives.
After the woman faints, a black man shows medical knowledge to try and help her wake up. This suggests that Black men can often be more educated than white men but are still forced to take a lower quality of work simply because of their race. This is an example of how unfair white employers can be.
When Ibrahim is seen by the Immigration officers, he tries to run and falls, and there is a low angle shot as he is being dragged away. This suggests the men are forceful and in a position of power over the immigrants, even dominating their lives. The use of parallel editing as this happens alongside the diabetic woman being treated is significant, as well as the fact the non-digenic music reaches it's peak as Ibrahim is caught, then lowers in volume once the woman has recovered. This shows that while some can be safe from the immigration service, they are quick to forget those that are not so lucky.
In conclusion I think that this clip is an excellent example of white extremism in the world. They take advantage of their social backgrounds to dominate and instill fear in members of other races. They cause constant fear and strife for the people that must run from them. However, is it worth it? The white people seem to live amongst themselves, but those of other races are open to each others cultures, especially in this clip, where different languages are spoken among them, and they are all united against one threat. We can even speculate that the white race may turn towards aggressive and domineering behaviour because they simply don't blend in among other cultures.