Professor Hardig’s post about orientalism was really eye
opening for me and frustrating at the same time. I decided to take this class
because I am interested in the Middle East and especially in human rights
violations there. I’m trying so hard to get out of the orientalist mindset and
better understand the MENA region, but with outside forces like the media,
etc., it is still difficult for me. I find myself making generalizations in my
reflections and structured responses, and even when I am doing research for my
country briefs. But even though it still happens, I think I am getting better
at recognizing when it happens and trying to stop it. Taking this class and
being at AU in general has really helped because there are so many open-minded people
here who are interested in the region also. It also really helps that one of my
best friends here is from Saudi Arabia. As ridiculous as it sounds, being
friends with her and talking to her about everyday things has helped to view
people from the MENA as just other people. Though my friend is religious, she
isn’t anything like the stereotypes I had in my head before I came here. I am
hoping that I will become even more open-minded and informed during my time at
AU – it has only been a few months (which is crazy because I feel like I’ve
been here forever!). I hope that eventually I can break from the orientalist
mindset AND help other people realize that that ideology is simply ridiculous
and backward.
I've been having the exact same problem. I think though sometimes instead of fighting against it we may just have to own up to it and say, "I believe this, but I'm aware my view is probably slanted from Orientalism". Even with that statement I'm aware what I just said sounds rather ignorant and kind of lazy in dealing with it. If anything, I'd say spending a long period of time in the MENA region is the only sure way of curing our Orientalism for good.
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