Based on what I said in my first reflection, my opinions about Said’s Orientalism have not changed.
It is an important text to read because it highlights the impact and effect of Orientalism and colonialism on today’s society and how they view Eastern culture. Said continues to analyze different pieces throughout history and proves how detrimental these teachings from the texts can be. He references Balfour, Cromer, and their writings to back up his claims, and I thought that was very interesting because he’s using specific examples known throughout history and other countries to support and fortify what he is trying to tell the readers. As I observed, he gets more specific going further into chapter one.
I think my understanding has stayed the same, but it has become stronger and more clearer. Said is great at analyzing and finding evidence to prove that the West paints the East as inferior through their fake portrayals and blatant racism.
His language is still and continues to be a tougher piece to read; however, I am getting a grasp of the way he uses his words, and I think it is important that we read these difficult texts. It will help in the future to understand complex ideas and situations.
