Edward W. Said

Edward W. Said was a Palestinian-American scholar and literary critic best known for his influential work, "Orientalism," published in 1978. In this book, he argued that Western depictions of Eastern societies often reflect stereotypes and serve to justify colonialism and dominance. Said emphasized how culture and politics are intertwined, shaping perceptions of the "Other." His ideas have significantly impacted fields like postcolonial studies, literary theory, and cultural criticism, encouraging a critical examination of how power dynamics influence representations in literature and art. His work advocates for understanding and challenging these biases in cultural narratives.