Orientalism and 19th Century Views of Sex in the Orient.
The political concept of "Orientalism" is discussed in this essay, and is examined in connection to historical contexts of 19th century Europe. This essay considers how "Orientalism" enables white Europeans to perceive themselves racially and culturally superior, and to render Asian and Middle-Eastern cultures as exotic, and as a commodity that can be consumed. The ideal of exotic Asians persists today in the form of the Asian sex-trades, and in this essay the role of sex, sexuality, and difference is critically analysed in relation to theory-work by Edward Said, and other cultural critics. 15 pgs. 9 sources.
