What are the three aspects of Orientalism
This site has a good article about Orientalism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orientalism
Thank you Ms. Sue, but I was told Wiki was not a reliable source. Is this true?
The three aspects of Orientalism, as presented by Edward Said in his book "Orientalism," are:
1. Academic Orientalism: This refers to the way in which Western scholars, intellectuals, and academics have constructed knowledge about the Orient (referring to the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia). Academic Orientalism involves the study, interpretation, and representation of the Oriental world through a Western lens. It often leads to a distorted and biased understanding of the Orient, influenced by preconceived notions, stereotypes, and cultural biases.
To understand this aspect, you can start by researching the history of Western scholarship on the Orient, the development of Oriental studies as an academic discipline, and the works of influential Orientalists.
2. Imaginative Orientalism: This aspect focuses on the way in which the Orient has been portrayed and depicted in literature, art, media, and popular culture. Imaginative Orientalism involves the creation of exotic, mystical, and often stereotypical images of the Orient, perpetuating cultural stereotypes, and reinforcing the power dynamics between the West and the East.
To understand this aspect, you can explore literary works, paintings, films, and other forms of media that depict the Orient, identify common tropes and stereotypes, and critically analyze how these representations shape public perception.
3. Political Orientalism: This aspect pertains to the political and socio-economic context in which the West has exercised dominance and control over the Orient, particularly during the colonial era. Political Orientalism involves the imposition of Western political, economic, and cultural systems on the Orient, as well as the perpetuation of power hierarchies, racism, and imperialism.
To understand this aspect, you can study the history of Western colonialism and imperialism, examine the impact of colonial rule on the Orient's social and political structures, and analyze the ways in which power dynamics continue to shape the relationship between the West and the Orient today.