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[–]vitunrotta 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (3 children)

It’s really not much different than the West’s view of Islam. It’s called Orientalism, which is a form of colonization and cultural appropriation. It implies both exploitation and tourism or emotional distance from the lives being observed, collected, and raised up as trophies.

I am genuinely interested by what this means - I have not educated myself regarding Orientalism per se, though I do know about "slum tourism" (I have a previous colleague who does this often and it's creepy and horrible). I'm just not understanding the point of Islam here, if you have time, could you clarify a bit?

[–]jkfinn 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (2 children)

It's a major form of colonialism. Best to read the classic Edward Said"s "Orientalism." Or read a substantial review of it. Or examine how European art has depicted the East? (similar to how it has viewed women--picturesque curiosities, erotic. mysterious etc)

[–]vitunrotta 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Thanks. Will look into this.

[–]jkfinn 4 insightful - 2 fun4 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

Thanks. Will look into this.

If you google Linda Nochlin: "The Imaginary Orient" you'll find this article (PDF) under wordpress etc. She's an excellent art historian and critic.