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Magic Orientalism and the Making of the Modern World

Anton Foster

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Published in Conjuring Asia: Magic Orientalism And The Making Of The Modern World

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Magic Orientalism is a term coined by historian Marina Warner to describe the way that the West has historically viewed the East as a place of mystery, magic, and exoticism. This orientalist perspective has had a profound impact on the way that we think about the world, and it continues to shape our perceptions of the East today.

Conjuring Asia: Magic, Orientalism, and the Making of the Modern World

by Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	328 pages

The roots of Magic Orientalism can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when European travelers began to bring back stories of the wonders of the East. These stories were often filled with tales of magic carpets, flying horses, and other exotic creatures. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Magic Orientalism became even more popular, as European powers began to colonize the East. This colonization led to a further increase in the number of European travelers who visited the East, and it also resulted in the publication of many books and articles about the region. These works often depicted the East as a place of mystery and wonder, and they helped to fuel the growing fascination with Magic Orientalism.

Magic Orientalism has had a profound impact on the way that we think about the world. It has led us to see the East as a place that is fundamentally different from the West. We have come to believe that the East is a place of mystery, magic, and exoticism, while the West is a place of reason, logic, and science. This orientalist perspective has had a negative impact on the way that we interact with the East. It has led us to see the East as a place that is inferior to the West, and it has made it difficult for us to understand the East on its own terms.

In recent years, there has been a growing backlash against Magic Orientalism. Scholars have begun to challenge the orientalist perspective, and they have shown that the East is not as different from the West as we have been led to believe. This new scholarship has helped to pave the way for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the East.

We are still in the early stages of overcoming Magic Orientalism, but there are a number of things that we can do to challenge this orientalist perspective. First, we need to educate ourselves about the East. We need to learn about the history, culture, and people of the East. This will help us to see the East on its own terms, and it will make it more difficult for us to fall prey to orientalist stereotypes.

Second, we need to challenge the orientalist representations of the East in the media. We need to point out the inaccuracies and biases in these representations, and we need to offer alternative representations that are more accurate and respectful. This will help to create a more positive and nuanced understanding of the East.

Magic Orientalism is a powerful force, but it is not invincible. We can challenge and overcome this orientalist perspective by educating ourselves about the East, challenging orientalist representations in the media, and supporting organizations that are working to promote understanding between the East and the West.

Magic Orientalism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It has had a profound impact on the way that we think about the world, and it continues to shape our perceptions of the East today. However, we are now beginning to challenge and overcome this orientalist perspective. By educating ourselves about the East, challenging orientalist representations in the media, and supporting organizations that are working to promote understanding between the East and the West, we can create a more just and equitable world.

Conjuring Asia: Magic, Orientalism, and the Making of the Modern World

by Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick

4.6 out of 5