Orientalism Is A Weapon
Orientalism didn't just appear out of thin air. It was born in the halls of European academia, a child of colonial ambition and intellectual curiosity.
European scholars, driven by a mix of genuine interest and imperial motives, turned their gaze eastward. They studied languages, pored over ancient texts and analyzed cultures. But this wasn't just an academic exercise.
This "knowledge" became a tool. A lens through which the West viewed, interpreted, and ultimately sought to control the East. It wasn't about understanding as equals, but about defining the "Other" in a way that justified dominance.
The tragedy is that many of these scholars believed they were doing important work. Many didn't see how their biases and the broader colonial context warped their perspective.
It's a reminder that knowledge and power are inextricably linked. The stories we tell about others shape how we treat them. And those with the power to define often use it to their advantage.