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Orientalism summary
Western Conceptions of the Orient
19 mins
Brief summary
'Orientalism' by Edward W. Said is a critique of Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. It explores the discourse and practice of Orientalism in literature, academia, and politics, exposing its role in perpetuating colonialism and imperialism.
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Orientalism
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Key idea 1 of 8
Orientalism is a Western creation that deals with a fabricated concept: the Orient.
When you see a travel commercial for an Asian or Middle Eastern country, how is the country depicted? Perhaps the ad displays images and ideas of exoticism and seduction that exude a sense of geographical and historical distance. Despite there being an outdated feel to such images, they continue to be commonplace today, and these depictions can be linked to a body of Western knowledge called Orientalism.
Orientalism constructed a specific image of the East – known as the Orient – as a means to approach it. Modern Orientalism was conceived during Napoleon’s expedition to, and invasion of Egypt in 1798. In addition to his army, Napoleon had brought along civilian scholars, scientists and researchers who would produce a 23-volume encyclopedia on the country, entitled Description of Egypt.
This team of researchers was responsible for defining Orientalism, and the “experts” on the East were known as Orientalists.
This concept was fleshed out by other colonial powers, most notably Britain during the 19th century, and was the lens through which the West viewed the entire Orient, which was considered to include the Middle East, Asia and the Far East.
The resulting image of the East was an exotic, erotic and irrational one, while Eastern stereotypes found in travel journals, newspapers and scientific publications began to proliferate. These presented
the Orient as exotic and unfamiliar; as one equally strange and foreign entity, regardless of country, people or culture; and as the place where unseemly passions could run amok.
Eroticism was viewed as the emblem of the Orient, with harems viewed as places where the “lustful Oriental” could be found.
Finally, the people of the Orient were perceived as irrational and incapable of logic; the accompanying assumption was that the opposite of these traits were considered Western traits.
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What is Orientalism about?
Orientalism (1978) shines a light on the often unquestioned assumptions about Eastern civilizations that are persistently prevalent in the West. By unearthing and analyzing the West’s biases, Edward Said aims to undermine Orientalism’s influence on how the West perceives and interacts with the East.
Orientalism Review
Orientalism (1978) is a thought-provoking book that analyzes the complex relationship between the West and the Middle East. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It exposes the deep-rooted biases and misconceptions that have shaped Western understanding of the East, challenging common stereotypes and fostering critical thinking.
- By examining historical, cultural, and political factors, the book offers a nuanced perspective on Orientalism, shedding light on power dynamics and Eurocentrism.
- Engaging and thoroughly researched, it invites readers to reflect on their own assumptions and encourages empathy, making it a captivating and enlightening exploration of intercultural relations.
Best quote from Orientalism
Orientalism is the discipline by which the Orient was (and is) approached systematically, as a topic of learning, discovery and practice.
—Edward W. Said
Who should read Orientalism?
- Anyone fascinated by non-Western civilizations
- Anyone curious about the origins of modern international politics
- Anyone interested in the history of colonialism and its remaining traces today
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Orientalism FAQs
What is the main message of Orientalism?
The main message of Orientalism is to critically examine Western perceptions and representations of the East.
How long does it take to read Orientalism?
The reading time for Orientalism varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Orientalism a good book? Is it worth reading?
Orientalism is a thought-provoking read offering valuable insights on Western misconceptions of the East. Worth considering.
Who is the author of Orientalism?
The author of Orientalism is Edward W. Said.
What to read after Orientalism?
If you're wondering what to read next after Orientalism, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Empire by Niall Ferguson
- A Peace to End All Peace by David Fromkin
- The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud
- 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
- The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl R. Popper
- Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo