Orientalism in Action

According to Edward Said, orientalism creates a relationship between the West and the East. Because there is no actual connections made between the two areas of the world, the relationship is full of lies and false information. The West has more power over the East in this relationship. Simultaneously the West views the East as "sly and obsequious" in certain situations. This creates a relationship full of false views and opinions based on lies. This orientalism has created an opinion that many westerners have of easterners that they are untrustworthy, exotic and strange. Said also asks, "but where is this sly, devious, despotic, mystical Oriental? Has anyone ever met anyone who meets this description in all particulars?" Truly, there are very few who actually meet these standards, further proving the bias that has become so prevalent that it is difficult to look beyond.

Overall this orientialism is very well alive today. Take Donald Trump for example. Constantly in his arguments he talks about the "dangers" of Muslims This is a prejudice that it seems will never leave the United States ever since 9/11. Muslims or people that even just look Muslim are considered dangerous by many, when in fact the person is most likely just a regular citizen. It is hard to form an unbiased opinion of people of eastern descent, especially when people in the United States are constantly saying these people are bad and that they're terrorists. Reading The God of Small Things has helped for this idea to come full circle and for readers to view the other side of things rather than seeing the citizens of the United States's perspective. It is quite enlightening as to the effect westerners have over easterners through the eyes of people in the east. Overall, the west has this strong opinion of westerners that has been implemented by the government, ultimately, that will never fully disintegrate.