Prophecy

This isn't my usual style, but bear with me.

Today in seminar, as a closing point, our group had to name one concept or idea within Edward Said's Orientalism that really resonated with us for one reason or another.  I chose the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy as it relates to perception and perpetuation of ideas.  Let me give the context.

"Orientalism" is basically how the West (US, Britain, France, etc.) view Northern Africa, Egypt, the Middle East and Asia.  It began when the Western Europeans became interested in the East and basically went to these lands and took in all the cultures, traditions, etc. and lumped them under one umbrella and called it "Orientalism," renamed all of this territory and countries "the Orient" and called these peoples "Orientals".

My point was that this whole relationship between East and West was a self-fulfilling prophecy, because the Europeans went into the lands and cried, "You are all Orientals and this is how you are supposed to behave, act, dress, etc."  Over time the 'Orientals' internalised these thoughts and began to fulfill the expectations of the Europeans.  This lead to a cyclical justification, because essentially the Europeans said that 'Orientals' had a particular culture and lo and behold if eventually they were proved right.

This concept can be applied throughout history, and applies to all peoples.  Just look at American society and how particular minority groups are portrayed in the media.  It took a while, but now the stereotypes are being fulfilled.

It's frightening how strong the rhetoric can be and how utterly effective it can be in shaping societies and the individuals' perception of themselves.

I had someone say to me today that they were 'so over' the word Oriental.  I'm not.  I still see it as derogative and dehumanising.  I know it's simply a concept, but it holds powerful stereotypes and oppressive thoughts within it.  I equate it with the use of 'Negro' as identifying an African-American.  Yes, it's acceptable to some groups, but the connotations behind it are so negative and reminiscent of the days of intolerance.  It's just a personal opinion, but perhaps because I'm part of a marginalised group and I'm still very entrenched within the culture that I feel so strongly about it.

Words are powerful tools with which entire worlds can be shifted.  Use them wisely.