Orientalism (theory)

Orientalism is a term from academic and cultural theory that describes how Western societies have historically depicted and misunderstood Eastern regions—like the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. It suggests that Western portrayals often stereotype these cultures as exotic, backward, or mysterious, reflecting a sense of superiority and colonial attitudes rather than accurate representation. This way of thinking shaped literature, art, and policies, reinforcing power imbalances. Orientalism highlights the importance of critically examining how cultures are portrayed and the influence of such representations on perception and dominance.