More on Said's Orientalism

The preface of the 25th anniversary edition made for some interesting reading. I got the distinct impression Said is more than a little disgusted with our current involvement in Iraq. He certainly doesn't try to soften his opinion about American foreign policies as they apply to the Middle East (aka "The Orient").

I am actually looking forward to discussion on the topic of Orientalism tonight. Although I've read both the preface and the first chapter, I must admit I'm still trying to sort through everything Said had to say on the matter. I almost need to re-read the first chapter just in order to clarify.

I'll probably update this post later tonight. We'll see.

Updated (8:48 PM)

I think I've got a better grasp on Orientalism. I also think the old definition, the one Said created in the 1970s, is no longer 100% applicable. That or I'm still confused. Here are some of my observations/impressions:

• I don't see the men depicted as effeminate. This is a stereotype I can not easily identify in the travel writings we have read so far this semester. Although, while I don't see it, I suppose the few sentences here and there about homosexual practices could arguably emasculate the Oriental man.
• The image of Oriental women as exotic nymphs has been mostly replaced with the image of a suppressed gender-group who are at the mercy of their tyrannical menfolk.
• The emerging stereotype of Muslim men over the last few years has shifted to that of a religous zealot, a terrorist bent on destroying "The West".

I think perhaps the real definition of Orientalism can be found in the Us vs. Them argument. This psychological conditioning can be perpetrated by the media, the government, and our schools.

I think I'll leave it at that for now. Night!