An Analysis of Orientalism by Edward Said
Critical Thought Paper 1: Orientalism
In Orientalism, Edward Said discusses the many aspects of the term “Orientalism,” including its origins, the primary ideas and arguments behind Orientalism, and the impact that Orientalism has had on the relationship between the West and the East. He quotes Joseph Conrad for the proposition that conquering people who are different from us is “not a pretty thing.” It needs an “idea” to “redeem” it. Said’s concept of Orientalism helps define the “idea” that provides a political, economic, moral, and socio-cultural justifications for imperialist actions by more dominant countries such as the United States. In Iraq, this “idea” is that the United States is a more advanced, civilized, and productive nation that is trying to assist a less civilized country with inferior citizens that is being torn apart by civil war. We are seeking to bring Iraqis the “gift” of democracy.
Said’s concept of Orientalism asks us to consider whether the United States is motivated by more selfish and imperialistic notions that motivate foreign intervention and our self-affirming “idea.” Orientalism in his view is primarily about power and a feeling of superiority. Because the Occident has superior people with a superior culture, we deserve to be in control. We justify our forceful intervention in other countries and protection of our own interests on the ground that it is “good” for the inferior Oriental people. Said asks us to consider whether intervention by force is the most effective way to positively change a nation, or whether there might be more peaceful and effective ways to help countries in the Orient achieve their own self-determination in their own ways. Many reasons explain the need for conquest of the Orient. These reasons essentially fall under four categories: political, economic, moral, and socio-cultural. Politically, the English Empire was highly important to the Queen. She wanted to expand her powers and
In Orientalism, Edward Said discusses the many aspects of the term “Orientalism,” including its origins, the primary ideas and arguments behind Orientalism, and the impact that Orientalism has had on the relationship between the West and the East. He quotes Joseph Conrad for the proposition that conquering people who are different from us is “not a pretty thing.” It needs an “idea” to “redeem” it. Said’s concept of Orientalism helps define the “idea” that provides a political, economic, moral, and socio-cultural justifications for imperialist actions by more dominant countries such as the United States. In Iraq, this “idea” is that the United States is a more advanced, civilized, and productive nation that is trying to assist a less civilized country with inferior citizens that is being torn apart by civil war. We are seeking to bring Iraqis the “gift” of democracy.
Said’s concept of Orientalism asks us to consider whether the United States is motivated by more selfish and imperialistic notions that motivate foreign intervention and our self-affirming “idea.” Orientalism in his view is primarily about power and a feeling of superiority. Because the Occident has superior people with a superior culture, we deserve to be in control. We justify our forceful intervention in other countries and protection of our own interests on the ground that it is “good” for the inferior Oriental people. Said asks us to consider whether intervention by force is the most effective way to positively change a nation, or whether there might be more peaceful and effective ways to help countries in the Orient achieve their own self-determination in their own ways. Many reasons explain the need for conquest of the Orient. These reasons essentially fall under four categories: political, economic, moral, and socio-cultural. Politically, the English Empire was highly important to the Queen. She wanted to expand her powers and