Edward Said on Orientalism - Term Paper Example

 Edward said on Orientalism On Orientalism is a short movie which is based on Edward Said’s discussion of main themes in his critically acclaimed scholarly work “Orientalism”. Orientalism refers to a set of preconceived notions which west and European nations hold about Middle Eastern and Muslim people. Said explains that Orientalism is the way Middle East is perceived in western society by authors, painters, media, and artists and gradually this perception assimilates in masses. It talks about Middle Eastern beliefs, and lifestyles without even knowing the facts about them. Said considers that this attitude reflects specific interests of western society. For him, Orientalism is a lens through which westerners look and establish Middle Eastern identity which is foreign, strange and threatening. This study briefly explores the major themes of Said’s Orientalism and gives my personal opinion about Orientalism today, and Palestinian question. It also recommends every responsible citizen of this global village to watch and learn the message of coexistence from this movie. One of the reasons Said conceived Orientalism is following the media discussion and imagery of 1973 Arab Israel war .The biased coverage portrayed entirely opposite of what in Said’s experience of Arab identity was. And the major push proved to be his personal experience of living among the Arabs for long time. The Repertory of Orientalism According to Said, during 1950-60s, it was far more difficult for a learner to get the right picture of India or Syria, because the whole body of knowledge about these regions was organized in a particular way which was Orientalist. This knowledge represented sensual women used by men, marvels, monsters, and secrets of Orient which make it some kind of fantasy land which had nothing to do with the real people living there. The idea extended even further in books and descriptions without modifying a little. Orientalism and Empire Besides the description, Said gives the concrete background of Orientalism by linking it back to imperialism. With their spread, imperial powers wished to conquer them not only politically but ideologically as well. For serving this purpose and understanding natives better, they categorized people in abstract categories. This formal practice became objective knowledge which transferred. American Orientalism According to Said, Orientalism is different when it comes to different experiences in different times. We cannot equate British or French Orientalism with American Orientalism. It is because British and French experience with native people was direct while American is indirect and based on abstractions. In addition, the presence of Israel in the Middle Eastern region has politicized the American Orientalism. Being the major ally of America, Israel’s anti-Islamic intentions are merged into American oil interest in the region that gave birth to a more powerful form of Orientalism. Therefore, we rarely observe that Israel is held responsible for any unrest in the region. All we know is that Hamas is the main reason of chaos and violence. Israeli occupation and violence against Palestinian and Palestinian struggle for their independence is usually ignored or colored differently. The unfortunate scenario makes it virtually impossible for an American to observe anything other than distorted image of violent and conflicting face of Middle Eastern and Muslim people. Orientalism Today: The domination of Islam in the news and popular culture Professor Sut Jhally explains in the movie that there is no doubt that despite of antiracist official sanctions; you can make generalizations and racist statement about Arabs that can’t be tolerated for any other group. American Orientalism works for threatening and demonizing the figure of the Islamic terrorist that is further promoted by journalists and Hollywood. Said does not deny the existence of terrorist forces in the region, but he challenges the judgment of thousands and millions of people on the basis of some violent and extreme forces which are present in every society. For Said, representation of Middle Eastern or Muslims in just negative way is unjust and distorts the real image of these people. Media never portrays the humane side of these people. Said highlights the fact that we rarely come across the humane side of Arab or Muslim societies. There is only cliché and some handy images in media and films, for example, Aladdin and Arabian Nights which serve as material for Hollywood. In popular media, Muslims are represented either as villain or as fanatic. Movies depict Hollywood heroes bravely piling the bodies of Muslim terrorists. In this way Islam is positioned to be something that should be staged out. History of Orientalism reveals that Orientals and Muslims are represented as a lesser breed who understands the language of force only. Said argues that this level of exploitation is possible only when the victim is not powerful. Same is the case with Middle Eastern and Muslims. Due to the dictatorship in most of the countries, they don’t encounter America because they risk losing the patronage. On the other hand, America needs to justify her huge military budget by proving the presence of some foreign threat. Orientalism in Action: The media and the Oklahoma City bomb While discussing Oklahoma City bombings, Said recalls in awe about the strange persistence of media over an uninvestigated and preposterous conclusion. Within no time of bombings, media was repeating the message that Middle Eastern people are involved because some “Middle Eastern people” were seen at the site. However, this assumption immediately died as the culprit was identified to be genuinely American. Said attributes Oklahoma City bombings as the idea of Orientalism in action in recent times and everyone can observe the severity of it. Orientalism and the Palestinian question Said being the resident of the Palestinian territory understands the region and believe in finding a peaceful solution. For him, the case of Palestine is the most challenging one in twentieth century as it will decide whether we will live in a peaceful manner together with the difference we hold or we live in separation hating and killing each other. For exploring out way out of this long held racist and conflict prone legacy, Said refers to the interpretation of Antonio Gramsci which inspires us to think in a more productive and humane way. He says our family, nation and tradition leave us with numerous traces; the crucial task of present day nation is to interpret them and make an inventory in an organized way. The purpose of such inventory should understand oneself in terms of the relationship with others which is away from generalizations. Palestinian question has the only answer of peace by understanding others. The region is sacred for major religions of the world. Therefore, none of them should occupy or deserve it as inherited. Said suggests the vision of peaceful coexistence in a very apt manner. The emerging situation in the region calls for a peaceful and humane solution to the conflicts if we want to save our future from violence and discord. Opinion-Orientalism Today In today’s media, we can clearly observe the domination of American Orientalism that is working towards a distorted rather threatening imagery of Muslims and Islam. In almost every terrorist activity, Muslims are held responsible without even investigating the obvious facts. An average media consumer never realizes what exactly is behind an array of constant images of violent Muslims with arms and claims to destroy America. We just perceive Muslims as threat for peace, therefore, we transfer this thought further in society. What happens is the unrest and confusion among the exploited nation which may motivate them to take wrong steps. Said somehow ignored the chaotic situation in the world that is associated with Muslims and Middle Eastern. No doubt, media needs focus on positive aspects of Middle Eastern societies. Terrorism and terrorist activities should be reported in a responsible manner and anyone should be held responsible only after investigation. Media should not try to be the court and give judgment without trial. In addition, media consumers need to be more literate about media tricks and strategies in order to identify the biased reporting. Otherwise, it is very easy to fall prey to media prejudice and become part of some gigantic conspiracy against innocent. Opinion-Palestinian question American and Israeli Orientalism is quite evident in Palestine. Whether we consider that Israeli occupation is unjust and Palestinians are fighting for their right of self-determination or otherwise, the fact is, it is not going to change the conflict and violence in the region. Emerging situation is constant threat to a peaceful future. It is high time for mediating parties to set their personal interests aside and work for peace and mutual understanding. The region is holy for Muslims, Christian and Jews alike, why can’t they come together for the sake of it. Orientalist efforts of distorting and manipulating the events in specific direction should be deciphered by responsible journalism. Only mutual understanding at every level can ensure the future which is free from generalizations, violence and hatred. Said argues that the beliefs of west and Europe about Middle East are not based on objective knowledge rather they are highly motivated. It is more of a distortion of the real Middle Eastern identity which is appears to be unfamiliar and threatening. The movie helps in understanding the stereotyping in today’s environment and process of such generalization, particularly in media. I highly recommend this movie for everyone irrespective of their age, nationality and beliefs. I completely support that the golden idea of peaceful co-existence holds our future without conflict and violence. This approach is humane, simple and practical. The idea of Orientalism may not apply to all kinds of oppressions in this world, but it is first stone in a stagnant pond that make waves. Read More