Orientalism Flashcards
What is the enlightenment?
The rise of science and rationality in the 18th-19th century
Describe the occident
Rational, scientific, orderly, proper/Christian, civilised and human
Describe the orient
Irrational, superstitious, primitive, immoral, backwards and brutish
What places are described as the orient
Arabia, Africa and Asia
Describe Edward said’ definition of orientalism
Knowledge of orient constructed by assumption of European racial and cultural superiority
‘Orientals’ are a social construct by the west
The term ‘oriental’ homogenises the east
What are common colonial narratives?
White man ‘going native’
White man asserting superiority over ‘natives’
To know something is to have power over it and….
To have power is to know it in your own terms
The west represents the east with…
Misleading, Inaccurate and stereotyped cultural representations
Why did orientalism happen?
Biased perceptions hindered a true understanding of eastern culture
Western cultures didn’t understand the east so portrayed it as mysterious and enigmatic
How does orientalism link to colonialism?
Said argued that stereotyping became justification for colonisation of eastern countries
The west painted a picture of an Easter world that ‘needed civilising’
Invasion framed as ‘salvation’
Why does the west see itself as superior?
the west is blinded by its failings and doesn’t recognise it’s stereotyping
Or
The west believes its own culture is superior
Define orientalism
A patronising western attitude towards other eastern cultures
What are some orientalist stereotypes of Africans
Shown as corrupt leaders or starving victims
What are some orientalist stereotypes of Latin Americans
Shown as drug lords or dictators
What are some orientalist stereotypes of Arabs?
Shown as terrorists or misogynists
