... While each story seems to pertain to a particular issue, it is important to notice that they all address the same problem. They all show that Orientalists always believe that they are superior even though they may be of the same race (African American missionaries) and/or gender (White British Feminists) as their "subordinates". Orientalists always feel responsible for the 'education' and 'civilization' of others that do not share their ideals on life.
Each story demostrates how impossible it is for one to live in the Western World and not harbor orientalist ideas about the Orient (anywhere that isn't considered a Western Industrialized Nation). These beliefs are passed on from one generation to another through academic works learned in school and academic works created by other orientalists before them. So the problem is perpetuated through education and through every day life.
It is only through experience and true appreciation of and respect for another's culture can one even begin to "challenge" the Orientalist views embedded in him/her. With the challenge of those beliefs will come a broadened perspective that will allow an "Orientalist" to see more than just their notion of superiority.
ANY THOUGHTS BLOGGERS???
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