What Is Orientalism
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Said made a clear analogy between orientalism and colonialism. They are both set
with the same binary opposition.
white/ non white
occidental/ non occidental
In a very detailed and structured study of the orient (behavior, habit,
tradition ...) we document a large amount of fact and data. All compile in a
general study they produce the illusion of a well understood and objectively
constructed knowledge.
These are, in fact, mere observations and purely subjective entities (seen only
with the western eyes) which do not explain nor reflect the true nature of the
object.
We then generalize from theses singles observations, set up categories and
labels. We are now able to answer questions very simply creating this illusion
of knowledge.
We witness the realization of cliches; single sided beliefs
that fuels themselves upon their own ignorance...