And It All Comes Back to Jessica Benjamin...

Edward Said uses the term Orientalism to describe the West's condescending attitude towards the East, or the Orient. I find his historical analysis of the rise of Orientalism to be accurate. Historically, Western powers dominated parts of the East. While admiring the East's exotic goods and cultures, these Western powers failed to recognize any political strength or the ability to be independent in the East. 

Enter our good friend Jessica Benjamin.

Orientalism arises from a WEST/east or, as Said points out, an US/them binary. The West's domination of Eastern countries and condescing view of Eastern cultures is evidence of a lack of mutual recognition in just about every SPERM (social, political, economic, religious, military) category.

Said focuses on the West when explaining Orientalism. Benjamin's theory, however, addresses to role of the depedent, submissive party in a binary relationship. I think the "Play" in The God of Small Things exemplifies this role. Estha and Rahel's Indian family members, who, as Anglophiles, look up to the West, marvel over Margaret and Sophie just for being from the West. Only Ammu, who calls out Margaret for her belittling comments about Indian culture, points out the condescending nature of Orientalism. In doing so, she messes up her role in the Play. The others, who act in accordance with the Play and marvel over Sophie Mol, seem to perpetuate the unequal relationship Orientalism establishes.