The main concerns in Edward Said's "Orientalism" include ¹:
- *Knowledge and Power*: Said's primary concern is the relationship between knowledge and power, demonstrating how European representations of the "Orient" have been used to dominate and control the region.
- *Cultural Dominance*: He argues that Orientalism is a product of European cultural dominance, which has been used to justify colonialism and imperialism.
- *Representation and Stereotypes*: Said critiques how the Orient has been represented and stereotyped in European literature and art, perpetuating inaccurate and dehumanizing portrayals of Eastern cultures.
- *Imperialism and Colonialism*: He examines the historical context of Orientalism, including the rise of imperialism and colonialism, and how these forces have shaped European attitudes towards the Orient.
- *Binary Oppositions*: Said highlights the binary oppositions created between the East and West, such as civilized versus uncivilized, rational versus emotional, and progressive versus backward.
- *Challenging Dominant Narratives*: Ultimately, Said's work aims to challenge dominant narratives and promote a more nuanced understanding of Eastern cultures and their experiences.
