Said's "Orientalism"

Edward Said's "Orientalism" is a critical concept that examines how Western cultures have historically depicted the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. He argues that these representations are often stereotypical and serve to reinforce Western dominance by portraying Eastern societies as exotic, backward, or irrational. This "othering" justifies colonialism and cultural superiority, shaping perceptions rather than reflecting the complex realities of these regions. In essence, "Orientalism" reveals how Western ideas about the East have been constructed, influencing both scholarship and western attitudes in ways that perpetuate unequal power dynamics.