Orientalism

One of the foundational texts of postcolonial studies, Edward W. Said’s Orientalism was published in 1978. Up until this point, the term “Orientalism” was used to describe Western scholarship, thinking, and art about “the Orient,” generally Asia and the Middle East. In his book, Said interrogates both the term and ideology of Orientalism. He asserts that the West paints these cultures as exotic and “Other,” using essentialism and stereotypes to situate the West as superior and Asian and Middle Eastern cultures as simultaneously dangerous and alluring. A Palestinian scholar, Said was particularly concerned with ideas about Palestine in the Western imagination.

Orientalism’s impact was widespread; since its publication, the term “orientalist” has fallen out of favor with scholars in favor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. It cemented Said’s reputation as a scholar, and he went on to publish dozens of books, including Culture and Imperialism in 1993. He taught English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University and other universities. Said passed away in 2003 of leukemia.

This study guide references the paperback edition of Orientalism published by Knopf Doubleday in 2014.

Content Warning: The source text uses terms that are considered offensive such as “the Orient,” “Orientalism,” and “oriental.