Said's "Culture and Imperialism"

Edward Said's "Culture and Imperialism" argues that imperial powers used culture—literature, art, and ideas—to justify and maintain domination over colonized peoples. He explains that Western narratives often portrayed non-Western societies as inferior or exotic, helping to legitimize imperialist actions. The book highlights how cultural productions both reflected and reinforced these power dynamics, shaping perceptions and policies. Ultimately, Said emphasizes that understanding this cultural influence is crucial to recognizing how imperialism operated beyond just political and economic control, revealing its deep roots in the stories and representations that societies tell about themselves and others.