Key Theorist: Edward Said

Edward Said was a Palestinian-American literary scholar, cultural critic, and political activist. He is best known for his influential book, "Orientalism," which challenged the ways in which the West constructed and represented the East. Here are some of the key arguments of Edward Said:

1. Orientalism: Said argued that the Western study of the East, known as Orientalism, was not simply a scholarly pursuit, but a deeply political one. He claimed that Orientalism was rooted in the West's imperialist ambitions, and that it served to justify and reinforce Western dominance over the East.

2. Othering: Said emphasized the ways in which Orientalism "othered" the East, depicting it as exotic, primitive, and irrational. He argued that this dehumanizing portrayal of the East served to reinforce Western self-perceptions of superiority, and to justify Western domination over the East.

3. Representation: Said argued that Orientalism was not just a matter of academic study, but a deeply ingrained cultural practice that shaped the way the West represented and understood the East. He claimed that Orientalism was evident in literature, art, media, and popular culture, and that it had a profound impact on how the West perceived the East.

4. Humanism: Said advocated for a more humanistic and compassionate approach to understanding different cultures and societies. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the shared humanity of all people, and of engaging in cross-cultural dialogue and exchange in order to bridge the gap between East and West.