Edward Said describes Orientalism as promoting the difference between the East and the West. He explains how Orientalism developed only shortly after Europeans met people of the East. Orientalism is a way for the West to establish dominance and authority over the East. Orientalism is a way for Westerners to make negative generalizations or stereotypes about the East. In Said´s article he says Eastern people can be described as sly and mischievous. Because of Orientalism, people in the East are primarily viewed as inferior to Westerners.
I do believe Orientalism still manifests in Western, especially American culture today. Especially after September 11, 2001, the East is viewed by many Americans as a scary, foreign place where terrorists live. Donald Trump also carries out the theory of Orientalism by openly preaching about his hatred for Muslims, a religion practiced by many in the East, and making others in America also fear them. These are just a couple of the many examples of the Western world establishing dominance over the East.
I completely agree Maya. I also believe Orientalism still exists in today's Western culture. Great example of Orientalism using Donald Trump!
ReplyDeleteBasically the same example I used. But it totally makes sense. Trump has made himself a pretty easy target in this regard.
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