Video review on Orientalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Video review on Orientalism - Essay Example It is the assumption that some places that are perceived to be magical are also timeless and unevolving. Napoleon’s conquest of Egypt in 1798 came about in a different way which basically shows a different way in which a conquest can be made. One can invade a country in search of treasure and petroleum, but in this case, Egypt was invaded and studied for the purpose of what can France to for Egypt. Edward Said shows the difference between Europe and America. He shows how Europe had its colonies in India, Algeria and Indochina for non political reasons which gave both parties a long standing relationship. America on the other hand is interested in countries for political reasons. Edward Said’s view of America’s Orientalism in the east is â€Å"that the American Orientalism is very politicized by the presence of Israel for which America is the main ally.† (Media Education transcript pg.6, www.mediaed.org) [CNN News: Vice President Al Gore] President Clinton and I are proud, as are all Americans that the United States was the first nation to recognize the State of Israel, eleven minutes after you proclaimed your independence. (Media Education transcript pg.6, www.mediaed.org) This breaks down the stereotypes and the ideas that pop into non oriental people when the Orient is talked about. Ideas such as extremists, fanatics, and kamikaze are all words and images that come to mind when the Middle East is talked about. â€Å"So the impression you got of Islam was that it was a frightening mysterious, above all threatening, as if the main business of Muslims was to threaten and try to kill Americans†, says Edward Said (Media Education transcript pg.7-8, www.mediaed.org)in the video. Edward Said was in Canada during the Oklahoma city bombing in April 1995, and just after it happened he was called off the hook by journalists simply because