On 25 September 2023, it will be the twentieth anniversary of the passing of the great scholar Edward Said, a Palestinian-Christian-American literary theorist who dedicated his scholarly endeavours to examining the phenomenon of marginalisation and the portrayal of the “other” in various contexts. In his seminal work published in 1978, entitled Orientalism, the author critically examined the manner in which the Western world constructs and perpetuates sneering portrayals of Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Said posited that scholars from the Western world have constructed an imaginary portrayal of “the Orient”, which functions as a means to rationalise and legitimise the practices of colonialism and imperial hegemony. The Western perspective has historically employed Orientalist discourse to depict the East as possessing qualities of irrationality, backwardness, lack of civilisation, and inferiority. This standpoint presents the West as being superior, characterised by rationality and civilisation, in comparison to these “others”.
In addition to offering critiques of Orientalist representations, Said advocated for the adoption of novel approaches to cultural study and comprehension. He advocated for the practice of critical self-reflection as a means to prevent the oversimplification or generalisation of cultural identities. Said additionally advocated for the acknowledgment of human experiences transcending national and territorial divisions. The concepts he introduced provided an opportunity for marginalised populations to express their own perspectives and influence the production of their own stories.
Said’s examination of Orientalism and the process of “othering” continues to hold significance in the analysis of contemporary issues such as extremism and terrorism that are often associated with certain countries with a Muslim-majority population. Propagandists and demagogues exploit enduring stereotypes of Arabs and Muslims, portraying them as individuals characterised by primitiveness, fanaticism, and a propensity for violence. The presence of distorted images has the potential to exert an influence on policies and shape public opinion. Said advocates for a more profound examination of the underlying causes of extremism. The phenomenon of radicalisation frequently originates from historical occurrences of imperialism, occupations, socio-economic inequality, and disempowerment. Organisations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS exploit genuine grievances due to constrained recruitment options. As a result, rather than considering individual actions to be a definitive representation of Islam or Arab culture, one should understand them as complex political actions.
While addressing the issue of violent extremism, it is important to implement suitable security measures. However, Said emphasises the significance of long-term solutions that encompass education, understanding, and empowerment. Extremism flourishes under conditions where individuals perceive themselves as marginalised, silenced, and devoid of alternative avenues to bring about meaningful transformations. The promotion of open discourse, critical thinking, and participatory politics has the potential to undermine radical messages. Respecting cultural exchange and addressing underlying injustices are fundamental aspects to consider. Said’s work offers a scholarly basis for challenging stereotypes and examining the multifaceted origins of extremism. The significance of his work persists in light of the enduring tensions between Eastern and Western nations, alongside the persistent menace of terrorism. Said’s enduring influence persists in motivating contemporary generations who are in pursuit of humanistic methodologies to address global challenges.
In contemporary times, there has been a discernible impact of Orientalist frameworks on the perception and treatment of Muslim minorities within Western nations. The perpetuation of stereotypes portraying Muslims as inherently violent, misogynistic, and resistant to Western values has contributed to the prevalence of Islamophobic sentiments. The aforementioned circumstances have resulted in the manifestation of discriminatory practices, antagonistic attitudes, and instances of hate crimes specifically targeting Muslim communities residing in Western societies. Said’s analysis provides insight into the process by which Muslims have been subjected to the phenomenon of “othering” and racial profiling within Western societies. The media frequently portrays Muslims as being a threat to the stability and ideals of liberal democracy. Policies such as the implementation of mosque surveillance and airport profiling adopt a broad approach by considering all individuals who identify as Muslims as potential radicals.
These strategies exacerbate intercultural conflicts and compromise civil liberties, with limited efficacy in effectively mitigating extremism. In actuality, a significant majority of Muslims residing in Western countries express their opposition to acts of violence and demonstrate a desire to actively assimilate into their respective societies. The oversimplification and generalisation of Muslim individuals in tabloid media perpetuate stereotypes and fail to acknowledge the diverse range of experiences and progressive perspectives within the Muslim community. Said advocates for the perception of Muslims as fellow members of society and holders of rights, rather than perceiving them as a homogeneous entity to be feared or subjected to oppressive measures. The establishment of robust communities necessitates the incorporation of nuanced perspectives, a commitment to openness, and the avoidance of sweeping generalisations. The author’s work remains relevant in offering insights on how to bridge orientalist divisions and promote the development of inclusive, multicultural societies in Western contexts.
The enduring relevance of Edward Said’s criticisms of Orientalism and the process of “Othering” can be observed in the current climate of tension between the Western world and the Muslim community. The analysis, which has been in existence for several decades, continues to offer valuable perspectives on the comprehension of representation, radicalisation, and racism that impact Muslim communities on a global scale. The realisation of Said’s vision for a more nuanced comprehension and inclusive societies poses significant challenges within the existing circumstances. Persistent challenges such as socioeconomic inequality, geopolitical conflicts, the rise of populist movements, and the prevalence of Islamophobia contribute to the perpetuation of divisions and the entrenchment of stereotypes across various societal factions. Advancement necessitates the resolution of these systemic challenges.
Said recognised these constraints, despite maintaining the significance of consistently reassessing rigid viewpoints and fostering a sense of compassionate understanding. In light of the increasing prevalence of polarisation and extremism, it is imperative that we continue our efforts to dismantle orientalist frameworks that foster fear and animosity. At the same time, the long-term solutions identified by Said, namely empowerment, justice, opportunity, and dialogue, appear to be progressively distant. But through persistent interrogation of simplistic justifications, steadfast refusal to engage in demonisation, and unwavering prioritisation of the inherent worth of every individual, it is conceivable that a state of more equitable and harmonious interactions may eventually materialise. Although the realisation of that day may be far in the future, the exertion required remains indispensable.