Orientalism

Orientalism - Orientalist

 

Orientalism is a term that refers to the study, interpretation, and representation of the cultures, societies, and peoples of the East (primarily Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East) by scholars, artists, and writers from the West, particularly Europe. This academic and artistic movement began in the 18th and 19th centuries and often involved Westerners depicting Eastern cultures as exotic, mysterious, and often inferior to Western civilization. Orientalist works of art, literature, and scholarship have been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions about Eastern cultures and for reflecting the colonial and imperialist attitudes of the time. However, Orientalism also played a role in fostering cross-cultural exchange and understanding.