This film created such a controversy against the Middle East and created stereotypes about the area as a whole. I am amazed that sue to this film, the story of Betty is still known today and most people sympathize with her due to the current fear in the US. Before I saw this movie a couple of years ago, my mother mentioned it anytime something about the Middle East came up. Her generation, I have noticed, based what they knew about the men and women of the Middle East through movies such as this one. For some time I have been asking my mother if I could visit countries such as Lebanon and Egypt but her response is always "NO". She fears the fact that I am American and I am a woman. My friend's mother would jokingly tell her that she can go to the Middle East as long as she keeps her passport safe away from any of "THEM". Clearly both got these ideas after they watched this movie.
This film is a woman's worst nightmare but how much of it is true? As we all know this is Betty's side of the story and she did not write the book. The author that took her perspective to write a story is known to have written one before degrading Turkish men. Also, after watching a documentary about the real Mahmoody a whole new side of the story is revealed. Even Betty's friend from Iran speaks about how she did not see anything of what Betty describes. She also mentions that during the month which Betty escaped, the climate was very cold and the terrain was dangerous especially when carrying a child. The documentary also shows that during the divorce, Mahmoody had no representation and was notified of the judgement some time later on when it was too late.
Both the movie and documentary give the viewer two completely different versions that leaves one questioning what is true. But one cannot deny that the film was full of the worst stereotypes of the Middle East such as the veil, the oppression of women, the violence of men, the constant war, bombs (which in the film occur right next to Betty- what luck), checkpoints, guns, poverty, religious obsession, and many more. True or not this film adds to the dislike and the portrayal of Arab men as villains.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Orientalism Paper 1
Karen Molina
Orientalism and Occidentalism
Professor Metcalf
Spring 2009
Through out history, as Europeans explored lands beyond their borders, labeling of these new areas occurred. Among these various labels, the Orient, developed in Western Asia to describe the region. Due to imperialist nations, this word has spread to describe the people of Eastern Asia and is currently used by the Western world to describe that area. Edward Said, the author of book Orientalism, discusses this topic and argues that the term divides the East from the West. The Orient was viewed as a mysterious region where people have certain way of life that is not common to the West.
As imperial powers conquered new lands and became exposed to the cultures of the East, the difference seen while in those lands began the separation between East and West. Imperial leaders, such as Napoleon of France, used scholarly writings of the Eastern world to understand about Egypt before conquering it. Having an understanding of the land prior entering it, served as an advantage to the military tactic while invading. The information he acquired, as most who wanted to learn about the East, was through a Western perspective. The question about whether or not the information was valid and a first hand account was skeptical. For example, Zachary Lockman states in his book that “the French saw themselves as bringing science and civilization to the benighted Orient, and so a team of scholars and scientists accompanied Napoleon’s forces to Egypt.” (Lockman 2004, 71) These scholars studied the land, the culture, and lifestyle of these foreign lands which was included in their writings. It was their perspective of the land and of the people which was then read by the people of the West. This spread of information added to the division of the cultures and reinforced the term Orient.
In his book, Said argues that the term Orient(alism) was developed during the imperialism era and was used to describe what the invading foreigners encountered in the East. He used the term Orientalism to describe a tradition, which was developed both through scholarly writings and artistic creations. These means of representation developed hostile and inferior views of the East by the West that have shaped our views in the present day. (Said 1978, 42) Said, also argues that this prejudice comes from and was developed by the West. Due to the differences a sense of inferiority towards the East has progressed over the centuries and can be seen in the stereotypes that we have today of the people of the East. If the term Orient did not exist, then perhaps the link between the East and West would not be what it is today.
To understand the beginning of the term Orient, the time when knowledge of the region spread must be examined. The Oriental renaissance described by Lockman is said to have begun in the 19th century due to imperialistic expansion and secured political dominion of various regions of the Orient. Prior to the 19th century, only a few scholars had been familiar with the history, cultures, and religions of the Orient, but due to the contact with the east this changed. Many scholars began incorporating aspects of the Orient into their writings, paintings, and knowledge by learning the different languages. An example is the German poet, Wolfgang von Goethe, who produced work that dealt mostly on Muslim imagery and themes. (Lockman 2004, 68-70) Lockman describes this time frame as an obsession of scholars with the Orient. Due to the different lifestyles and the unique qualities not seen in the west made the Orient a mysterious subject. It is human nature, especially as a scholar, to want to know about something that is not common in the norms of the society they live in.
The incorporation of the Orient in scholarly works led to increased knowledge of the region but also reinforced the stereotypes of Islamic society that had developed in previous years. When thinking of the East, the most controversial region, especially in our time is the Middle East. Since the encounter with this region stereotypes flourished due to the different lifestyle and religion. Examples include the view of Muslim men as “violent, lusty and sexually perverse” and women as “oppressed, subjugated, little more than slaves, constantly available for the erotic gratification of oversexed men.” (Lockman 2004, 69-70) These are from a Western view, without taking into account that the people who live by these norms do not have the same opinion. The West compares cultures and gives none a chance at being a normal lifestyle.
When thinking of the Middle East, one has to mention the obsession with and determination to understand the harem system that occurred within upper class society. The harem, according to Lockman, was a common fascination to many artists who assembled offensive paintings without any first hand contact with one. The mystery, the polygamous action within, and the seclusion of the harem made it a topic that was portrayed through imagination. Paintings of harems include Odalisque with a Slave by J.A.D. Ingres 1839-1840 and The Hhareem by John Frederick Lewis 1849. (Beaulieu & Roberts 2002) Ingres, in his painting, develops scenery of a slave whom is part of a harem living with wives and concubines. It is a revealing painting much like others that were developed during that time of women without clothes. No woman of high standing, who are prominent in harems, would have taken part in such act hence most painting were developed through the imagination or with the use of lower class women. Once photography emerged, a new era of Oriental exposure occurred as people could perform at the photographers request. The use of models gave photograph the life and further credibility to the harem system as well as the veiled woman.
The Colonial Harem is a collection of photographs that were printed on postcards and circulated by the French from 1900 to 1930. These photographs of Algerian women were exploited by the French and show an effect that European presence had on the women of the society. It also proves the European fascination with the harem system. These models, both covered and uncovered, were used to display a glimpse of a conservative eastern society. I find it disturbing how photographers could uncover women from a society that is strongly conservative. It also disturbs me how people could use these postcards and write to loved ones or acquaintances on them. Through these postcards the life of an Algerian woman is not only uncovered in all aspects but it is wrongfully displayed to the satisfaction of the photographer. Through these photographs the people of France saw a glimpse of what they thought was the culture of Algerian people.
The term Orientalism has developed through a vast time of history and no matter how against people may be, it has left its mark on the Western world. When describing the Eastern lands, we do not say “the East” but define it as the Orient. Created by the West and used by the West, this term left the East with no choice but to be known by it. Edward Said’s book discusses this term and how it has divided the areas of the world which makes the reader think whether or not it is appropriate. Every area in the world is labeled and through its constant use, they are hard to remove.
Orientalism and Occidentalism
Professor Metcalf
Spring 2009
Through out history, as Europeans explored lands beyond their borders, labeling of these new areas occurred. Among these various labels, the Orient, developed in Western Asia to describe the region. Due to imperialist nations, this word has spread to describe the people of Eastern Asia and is currently used by the Western world to describe that area. Edward Said, the author of book Orientalism, discusses this topic and argues that the term divides the East from the West. The Orient was viewed as a mysterious region where people have certain way of life that is not common to the West.
As imperial powers conquered new lands and became exposed to the cultures of the East, the difference seen while in those lands began the separation between East and West. Imperial leaders, such as Napoleon of France, used scholarly writings of the Eastern world to understand about Egypt before conquering it. Having an understanding of the land prior entering it, served as an advantage to the military tactic while invading. The information he acquired, as most who wanted to learn about the East, was through a Western perspective. The question about whether or not the information was valid and a first hand account was skeptical. For example, Zachary Lockman states in his book that “the French saw themselves as bringing science and civilization to the benighted Orient, and so a team of scholars and scientists accompanied Napoleon’s forces to Egypt.” (Lockman 2004, 71) These scholars studied the land, the culture, and lifestyle of these foreign lands which was included in their writings. It was their perspective of the land and of the people which was then read by the people of the West. This spread of information added to the division of the cultures and reinforced the term Orient.
In his book, Said argues that the term Orient(alism) was developed during the imperialism era and was used to describe what the invading foreigners encountered in the East. He used the term Orientalism to describe a tradition, which was developed both through scholarly writings and artistic creations. These means of representation developed hostile and inferior views of the East by the West that have shaped our views in the present day. (Said 1978, 42) Said, also argues that this prejudice comes from and was developed by the West. Due to the differences a sense of inferiority towards the East has progressed over the centuries and can be seen in the stereotypes that we have today of the people of the East. If the term Orient did not exist, then perhaps the link between the East and West would not be what it is today.
To understand the beginning of the term Orient, the time when knowledge of the region spread must be examined. The Oriental renaissance described by Lockman is said to have begun in the 19th century due to imperialistic expansion and secured political dominion of various regions of the Orient. Prior to the 19th century, only a few scholars had been familiar with the history, cultures, and religions of the Orient, but due to the contact with the east this changed. Many scholars began incorporating aspects of the Orient into their writings, paintings, and knowledge by learning the different languages. An example is the German poet, Wolfgang von Goethe, who produced work that dealt mostly on Muslim imagery and themes. (Lockman 2004, 68-70) Lockman describes this time frame as an obsession of scholars with the Orient. Due to the different lifestyles and the unique qualities not seen in the west made the Orient a mysterious subject. It is human nature, especially as a scholar, to want to know about something that is not common in the norms of the society they live in.
The incorporation of the Orient in scholarly works led to increased knowledge of the region but also reinforced the stereotypes of Islamic society that had developed in previous years. When thinking of the East, the most controversial region, especially in our time is the Middle East. Since the encounter with this region stereotypes flourished due to the different lifestyle and religion. Examples include the view of Muslim men as “violent, lusty and sexually perverse” and women as “oppressed, subjugated, little more than slaves, constantly available for the erotic gratification of oversexed men.” (Lockman 2004, 69-70) These are from a Western view, without taking into account that the people who live by these norms do not have the same opinion. The West compares cultures and gives none a chance at being a normal lifestyle.
When thinking of the Middle East, one has to mention the obsession with and determination to understand the harem system that occurred within upper class society. The harem, according to Lockman, was a common fascination to many artists who assembled offensive paintings without any first hand contact with one. The mystery, the polygamous action within, and the seclusion of the harem made it a topic that was portrayed through imagination. Paintings of harems include Odalisque with a Slave by J.A.D. Ingres 1839-1840 and The Hhareem by John Frederick Lewis 1849. (Beaulieu & Roberts 2002) Ingres, in his painting, develops scenery of a slave whom is part of a harem living with wives and concubines. It is a revealing painting much like others that were developed during that time of women without clothes. No woman of high standing, who are prominent in harems, would have taken part in such act hence most painting were developed through the imagination or with the use of lower class women. Once photography emerged, a new era of Oriental exposure occurred as people could perform at the photographers request. The use of models gave photograph the life and further credibility to the harem system as well as the veiled woman.
The Colonial Harem is a collection of photographs that were printed on postcards and circulated by the French from 1900 to 1930. These photographs of Algerian women were exploited by the French and show an effect that European presence had on the women of the society. It also proves the European fascination with the harem system. These models, both covered and uncovered, were used to display a glimpse of a conservative eastern society. I find it disturbing how photographers could uncover women from a society that is strongly conservative. It also disturbs me how people could use these postcards and write to loved ones or acquaintances on them. Through these postcards the life of an Algerian woman is not only uncovered in all aspects but it is wrongfully displayed to the satisfaction of the photographer. Through these photographs the people of France saw a glimpse of what they thought was the culture of Algerian people.
The term Orientalism has developed through a vast time of history and no matter how against people may be, it has left its mark on the Western world. When describing the Eastern lands, we do not say “the East” but define it as the Orient. Created by the West and used by the West, this term left the East with no choice but to be known by it. Edward Said’s book discusses this term and how it has divided the areas of the world which makes the reader think whether or not it is appropriate. Every area in the world is labeled and through its constant use, they are hard to remove.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Week 4- Colonialism, the Exotic, representation of the Other
The Oriental renaissance described by Lockman is said to have begun in the 19th century due to imperialistic expansion and secured political dominion of various regions of the Orient. Prior to the 19th century, only a few scholars had been familiar with the history, cultures, and religions of the Orient, but due to the contact with the east this changed. Many scholars began incorporating aspects of the Orient into their writings, paintings, and knowledge by learning the different languages. An example is the German poet, Wolfgang von Goethe, who produced work that dealt mostly on Muslim imagery and themes. Lockman describes this time frame as an obsession of scholars with the Orient. Due to the different lifestyles and the unique qualities not seen in the west made the Orient a mysterious subject. It is human nature, especially as a scholar, to want to know about something that is not common in the norms of the society they live in. The incorporation of the Orient in scholarly works led to increased knowledge of the region but also reinforced the stereotypes of Islamic society that had developed in previous years. Examples include the view of Muslim men as “violent, lusty and sexually perverse” and women as “oppressed, subjugated, little more than slaves, constantly available for the erotic gratification of oversexed men.” (Lockman 69-70)
The harem, according to Lockman, was a common fascination to many artists who assembled offensive paintings without any first hand contact with one. The mystery, the polygamous action within, and the seclusion of the harem made it a topic that was portrayed through imagination. Paintings of harems include Odalisque with a Slave by J.A.D. Ingres 1839-1840 and The Hhareem by John Frederick Lewis 1849. Ingres, in his painting, develops scenery of a slave whom is part of a harem living with wives and concubines. It is a revealing painting much like others that were developed during that time of women without clothes. No woman of high standing, who are prominent in harems, would have taken part in such act hence most painting were developed through the imagination or with the use of lower class women. Once photography emerged, a new era of Oriental exposure occurred as people could perform at the photographers request. The use of models gave photograph the life and further credibility to the harem system as well as the veiled woman. The Colonial Harem is a collection of photographs that were printed on postcards and circulated by the French from 1900 to 1930. These photographs of Algerian women were exploited by the French and show an effect that European presence had on the women of the society. It also proves the European fascination with the harem system. These models, both covered and uncovered, were used to display a glimpse of a conservative eastern society. I find it disturbing how photographers could uncover women from a society that is strongly conservative. It also disturbs me how people could use these postcards and write to loved ones or acquaintances on them. Through these postcards the life of an Algerian woman is not only uncovered in all aspects but it is wrongfully displayed to the satisfaction of the photographer.
The harem, according to Lockman, was a common fascination to many artists who assembled offensive paintings without any first hand contact with one. The mystery, the polygamous action within, and the seclusion of the harem made it a topic that was portrayed through imagination. Paintings of harems include Odalisque with a Slave by J.A.D. Ingres 1839-1840 and The Hhareem by John Frederick Lewis 1849. Ingres, in his painting, develops scenery of a slave whom is part of a harem living with wives and concubines. It is a revealing painting much like others that were developed during that time of women without clothes. No woman of high standing, who are prominent in harems, would have taken part in such act hence most painting were developed through the imagination or with the use of lower class women. Once photography emerged, a new era of Oriental exposure occurred as people could perform at the photographers request. The use of models gave photograph the life and further credibility to the harem system as well as the veiled woman. The Colonial Harem is a collection of photographs that were printed on postcards and circulated by the French from 1900 to 1930. These photographs of Algerian women were exploited by the French and show an effect that European presence had on the women of the society. It also proves the European fascination with the harem system. These models, both covered and uncovered, were used to display a glimpse of a conservative eastern society. I find it disturbing how photographers could uncover women from a society that is strongly conservative. It also disturbs me how people could use these postcards and write to loved ones or acquaintances on them. Through these postcards the life of an Algerian woman is not only uncovered in all aspects but it is wrongfully displayed to the satisfaction of the photographer.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Week 3- Clash of Civilizations or Conflict of Interest
It is striking to realize how society influences innocent people to do the unimaginable due to the lack of hope. In the film, to Die in Jerusalem the mothers of both an Israeli and Palestinian girl speak to the world. Ayat, a young Palestinian, decided to end her life through a suicide bombing. Her actions led to the death of two people including a young Israeli named Rachel and herself. Suicide bombings have become increasingly in number as the oppression of the Palestinian people by Israel continues. Children are exposed to this way of life and witness first hand acts of cruelty against their people.
The film was very touching as both girls were victims of a conflict that began many generations before. People argue that what Ayat did was wrong but it must be understood that such actions have become so common. I personally thought that Rachel’s mother was too bound up in what happened and was only looking for Ayat’s mother to say that what her daughter did was wrong. I felt that she was not open to what the other mother had to say and since the beginning never really gave Ayat’s mother a chance. She was skeptical of Ayat’s family without even knowing them.
Also her visit to the women’s prison was very disturbing to me as she tried to question and analyze women who were caught trying to accomplish a suicide bombing. I did not know what she was doing there and her preaching to the women was unbelievable.
As for the idea of clash of civilizations, Ayat and Rachel’s story does not encompass this idea. Religion is the difference that is mostly recognized. This conflict is not a clash of civilizations but rather a political derived problem. The people of both sides are very similar and live in practically the same region. Politics are the reason that one is oppressed and one is the oppressor. This oppression changes the way people go on with their lives other wise both would have similar lifestyles. All the people have a family that they care for, look after their property, and have hopes for the future.
The film was very touching as both girls were victims of a conflict that began many generations before. People argue that what Ayat did was wrong but it must be understood that such actions have become so common. I personally thought that Rachel’s mother was too bound up in what happened and was only looking for Ayat’s mother to say that what her daughter did was wrong. I felt that she was not open to what the other mother had to say and since the beginning never really gave Ayat’s mother a chance. She was skeptical of Ayat’s family without even knowing them.
Also her visit to the women’s prison was very disturbing to me as she tried to question and analyze women who were caught trying to accomplish a suicide bombing. I did not know what she was doing there and her preaching to the women was unbelievable.
As for the idea of clash of civilizations, Ayat and Rachel’s story does not encompass this idea. Religion is the difference that is mostly recognized. This conflict is not a clash of civilizations but rather a political derived problem. The people of both sides are very similar and live in practically the same region. Politics are the reason that one is oppressed and one is the oppressor. This oppression changes the way people go on with their lives other wise both would have similar lifestyles. All the people have a family that they care for, look after their property, and have hopes for the future.
Week 2- Orientalism
Orientalism is defined as the imitation of Eastern cultures by the West through art, writing, and in current times, film. Edward Said introduced a new idea of the word Orientalism and how it has affected the region it represents to the West. His book and the new ideas it encompasses had created controversy. Although the notion that the East was affected by the imperialism of Europe existed, no author had dedicated a book to the idea. On page 42 Said states that “if the essence of Orientalism is the ineradicable distinction between Western superiority and Oriental inferiority, then we must be prepared to note how in its development and subsequent history Orientalism deepened and even hardened the distinction.” In this book he argues that the development of the study of the orient distinctly the Middle East has created a gap between East and West. He also views Orientalism as a political doctrine that was imposed on the East due to the belief that it is inferior to the West. It is known that the term Orientalism was created by the West to categorize the people of the East. The different culture many encountered in the East was seen so different and not the level at which the European society functioned. The idea that other cultures are inferior due to their ways was seen everywhere the Europeans explored and conquered.
Said also mentions Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798 and how it helped to obtain “effective Western knowledge about the orient.” Egypt was a theater to model the Orient for the West. The developments of regions served the imperial European countries differentiate what they encounter. Labeling has to begin by someone and in most of the orient the conquering Europeans had the pleasure to do so.
Said also mentions Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt in 1798 and how it helped to obtain “effective Western knowledge about the orient.” Egypt was a theater to model the Orient for the West. The developments of regions served the imperial European countries differentiate what they encounter. Labeling has to begin by someone and in most of the orient the conquering Europeans had the pleasure to do so.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Week 1 Introduction
In viewing the topics that will be covered in this class, I hope I will obtain a better understanding about the historical and current issues that are occurring in the orient. The first class was very enlightening as we got to watch two films about an important part of the orient, the Middle East. Viewing the film Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land was, in my opinion, at a perfect time since the problems between Palestine and Israel were still occurring as we watched the film. Most people heard about the problems that were occurring in the area due to the Gaza trespass by Israel, but the historical background was vague to many. The media did not help the public as it was clear that Israel was the preferred side. Having the truth revealed through this film gives students an insight of the life of the oppressed people of Palestine. Peace is something that will not be obtained at any proximate time, there are just too many factors that will serve as impediments. Compromise in dividing Israel was the original plan but it was not followed.
The other film, Reel Bad Arabs, showed us the stereotypes of Arab people that have been displayed in various films. Most of the films that were shown I had seen many years ago but I never noticed the racism towards the people of the Middle East. They are seen as the bad guys, the ones with guns, with bombs, and who are simply looking to do harm to others. What surprised me the most was that the Disney film Aladdin, which is viewed by young children, also had such horrifying stereotypes of the Middle East. Personally, I have viewed this film many times over the years but I had never noticed the song in the beginning. I am glad that it has been changed since it is a children's film that should not contain such descriptions about the area. I think these films gave the class a good informing and thoughtful beginning.
The other film, Reel Bad Arabs, showed us the stereotypes of Arab people that have been displayed in various films. Most of the films that were shown I had seen many years ago but I never noticed the racism towards the people of the Middle East. They are seen as the bad guys, the ones with guns, with bombs, and who are simply looking to do harm to others. What surprised me the most was that the Disney film Aladdin, which is viewed by young children, also had such horrifying stereotypes of the Middle East. Personally, I have viewed this film many times over the years but I had never noticed the song in the beginning. I am glad that it has been changed since it is a children's film that should not contain such descriptions about the area. I think these films gave the class a good informing and thoughtful beginning.
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