List two to three characteristics of Orientalism
We've had many questions about Orientalism in the last year, but many of us don't really know what it means. Please post a definition of Orientalism, and we'll try to help you find its characteristics.
These two sites will give you a definition and characteristics.
http://www.english.emory.edu/Bahri/Orientalism.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orientalism
One good way to find out if your question has been asked before is to put a key word into the search box at the top of the Jiskha page and click on Go. When I entered orientalism, these are the results I found:
http://www.jiskha.com/search/search.cgi?query=orientalism
You should read those posted on dates that are NOT today.
=)
Orientalism is a concept that refers to the way in which the Western world has historically viewed and represented the Eastern world, particularly the Middle East and Asia. It involves the perception of the East as exotic, backward, and inferior to the West. Orientalism is rooted in a complex web of cultural, political, and colonial power dynamics.
Characteristics of Orientalism can vary, but here are two to three commonly identified characteristics:
1. Exoticism and Romanticism: Orientalism often portrays the East as a mystical and sensual realm, filled with exotic landscapes, architecture, and people. This approach emphasizes the difference and allure of the East, contributing to an idealized and romanticized notion of Oriental cultures.
2. Stereotypes and Generalizations: Orientalism tends to rely on stereotypes and generalizations about the Eastern world. This includes portraying the East as exotic, mysterious, and dangerous, as well as using broad cultural, religious, or racial categorizations to define an entire region or group of people.
3. Power Imbalances: Orientalism is closely linked to colonialism and imperialism. It involves the Western gaze, where the West holds a position of power and authority in relation to the East. This unequal power dynamic leads to the dominance of Western perspectives, knowledge, and control over the representation and interpretation of the East.
To learn more about Orientalism, you can visit the websites mentioned in the previous response or conduct a search using academic sources to gain a more in-depth understanding of the concept.