List two to three characteristics of Orientalism
What do you mean by orientalism?
Orientalism is not a common term and connotes a general prejudice against everything Asian. Most sociologists and educators do not use this term.
Check this site for more information.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orientalism
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Here is a definition from the dictionary:
Main Entry: ori·en·tal·ism
Pronunciation: "Or-E-'en-t&l-"i-z&m
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Date: 1769
1 : a trait, custom, or habit of expression characteristic of oriental peoples
2 : scholarship or learning in oriental subjects
- ori·en·tal·ist /-t&l-ist/ noun, often cap
If you read Chapter 11 in Week 3's reading it helps a lot in answering this question.
Orientalism refers to a set of characteristics or attitudes that were prevalent in Western societies towards the East, particularly Asia and the Middle East, during the 18th and 19th centuries. These characteristics can vary based on the context and the specific time period, but here are two to three commonly mentioned characteristics of Orientalism:
1. Exoticism: Orientalism often portrays the East as exotic and mysterious, creating a sense of fascination and allure. This can manifest in the romanticized depictions of oriental landscapes, cultures, and traditions, emphasizing their differences from the Western norm.
2. Othering: Orientalism tends to create a sense of "otherness" and portrays the East as fundamentally different from the West. This can result in the construction of stereotypes and generalizations that reinforce the idea of Western superiority and hierarchies of power.
3. Simplification and Stereotyping: Orientalism often simplifies and stereotypes complex and diverse cultures, reducing them to a few essentialized characteristics. This can lead to the perpetuation of misconceptions and distorted representations of the East.
It is important to note that Orientalism has been highly criticized for its role in perpetuating cultural stereotypes, enabling colonialism, and marginalizing the voices and experiences of people from the East.
Orientalism is a term that was popularized by the scholar Edward Said in his book "Orientalism" published in 1978. It refers to a set of political, cultural, and academic practices that portray and represent the East (primarily the Middle East and Asia) in a stereotypical and exoticized manner. Here are two to three characteristics of Orientalism:
1. Othering: Orientalism often involves the process of "othering," where the East is portrayed as fundamentally different and inferior to the West. It reinforces a binary distinction between the Orient and the Occident, with the West being superior and the East being exotic, primitive, and backward.
2. Exoticization: Orientalism tends to romanticize and exoticize Eastern cultures, focusing on their supposed mysticism, sensuality, and exotic customs. It often leads to simplification and distortion of these cultures, reducing them to a monolithic and homogeneous entity.
3. Power dynamics: Orientalism is deeply intertwined with power dynamics, with the West assuming a position of authority and superiority over the East. This power dynamic influences not only academic and intellectual representations but also political and economic actions towards the East.
To find more information on Orientalism and get a better understanding, you can read Edward Said's book "Orientalism" or refer to reliable sources like academic journals, articles, or reputable books on cultural studies, postcolonial theory, or Middle Eastern studies.