Orientalism

In Orientalism, Edward Said examines how the Western world historically viewed and represented the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. Said argues that “Orientalism” is a framework that casts these regions and their people as exotic, backward, and fundamentally different from the West. This perspective, according to Said, enabled Western colonial powers to dominate and control Eastern societies, justifying colonialism as a “civilizing” mission. Through analysis of literature, art, and academic studies, Said demonstrates how the West constructed stereotypes about Eastern societies, portraying them as irrational and inferior. This landmark work critiques the power dynamics and biases inherent in Western depictions of Eastern cultures, emphasizing the need for understanding and respect in intercultural relations.