1. September 29 – AP Lit Taking Perspective: Umuzungu Wambere
Taking a Perspective – 1st Look
Video Clip – Temple of Doom
Louis Vuitton
Orientalism
Background (Notes)
Orientalist Art
Edward Said
Taking a Perspective – 2nd Look
HW – Read “The Old Chief Mshlanga” answer the questions on another sheet of paper, and be prepared to discuss the ideas

7. Orientalism
“Orient” refers to the East (Asia, Middle East, Africa) as opposed to “Occident” or the West (USA, England, France)
Concept originated in the 19th century
Began when Western writers translated Eastern literature
Theory: knowledge = power
Colonialism fueled the Western image of “the Orient”

8. What is “the Orient”? “The Orient” is a conceptual construct
Created by, in relation to, and distinctly for the West
The concept merges a myriad of distinct and unique cultures, countries and continents into a single, observable whole
Promulgated by (Western) societies, governments, writers, artists and the general public
Developed into the common Western cultural understanding of anything that is not Western
Subsequently, Orientalism is the image of the 'Orient' expressed as an entire system of thought and scholarship

9. Orientalist Perceptions: Whereas the…
“Occident” is…
The “Orient” is…
Biologically superior
Civilized
Understandable
Dynamic
Powerful
Masculine
Reserved
Intelligent
Known
Inferior
Uncivilized
Peculiar
Static
Weak/Defenseless
Feminine
Savage (sexual)
Unintelligent
Unknown

10. In Lit and Art Orientalism became “the norm” in literature and art:
Often portrayed “Orientals” as sexual, savage, promiscuous, cunning or uncivilized
Used vulnerability of Western women to accentuate Orientalist viewpoints
“Turkish Bath” – Ingres, 1862 

11. “The Discussion” - Rosati

12. “The Slave and the Lion” - Rochegrosse

13. “A New Light in the Harem” - Godall

14. “Pilgrims Going to Mecca” - Belly

15. “Odalisque and Slave Girl” - Ingres

16. Orientalism – Edward Said
Palestinian-American author
Taught at Colombia University
Published Orientalism in 1978
Believed the concept to be a form of Western self-affirmation, passive racism, and a tool of imperialism
Argues that the Orientalist viewpoint is a lense through which much of the West continues to view the “Oriental” world

17. Reading and Questions
Read the clips from Said’s work and answer the questions

18. Taking a 2nd Look
Think back to the clip and pictures from the beginning of class
Keeping in mind what you now know about “Orientalism”, what is your second impression of them?
Critically analyze these pieces through this new lens

19. HW
Read “The Old Chief Mshlanga” answer the questions on another sheet of paper, and be prepared to discuss the ideas
Keep in mind your new understanding of Orientalism as you read