The Truth is in the Details
Saturday, December 03, 2005
trying too hard to forget
I'm currently in the midst of writing a first year history paper on the description of Arabs during the Third Crusade. I'm trying really hard to forget everything I ever learned in school, otherwise I'll tip my hand. See, I'm not supposed to be in this course because I've taken some history courses before. I'm sorry but courses on the history of images, advertising, Africa, Canada, or crime in 18th century England doesn't mean I know shit about "real" European history. Anyway, I'm about three seconds away from just stating that the damn document proves that Edward Said's theory of Orientalism has historical justification.
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3 comments:
Oh, I didn't major in anything. I specialized in Semiotics and Communication Theory. Basically, I took all those courses that would have fallen under the guise of "cultural anthropology/history/philosophy." Basically, if it had something to do with culture (and there was one reading from at least one of the following: Barthes, Foucault, or Eco) then I took that course.
And after all that, my degree is only good at a cocktail parties.
yay for anthropology, because I am one in training! although I'm not sure that people are too impressed when I actually have the time to make it to a party.
I am not sure what you mean when you say Said's work on Orientalism has historical justification (as in, his theory is totally legit?), but on a side note, he also was a huge Foucault-head, bringing a lot of attention to his scholarship to the States.
He was also kind of handsome. Said, RIP.
please don't get me started on Foucault. because the man is a genius. still love my Roland Barthes. Now there was a man...
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