#on orientalism

[regulusrules]

Hey 😅 idk if ur an expert but since you mentioned studying orientalism & stereotypical depictions of foreign places in western media, do you have any specific resources or advice for creatives who want to break the cycle of harm? Obvs "do research" but I guess asking you is part of that, ahaha

Heya love. This is INDEED breaking the cycle and doing research, so thank you for popping up here to ask!

For resources on what to read/watch in order to break free from the eurocentric grip, I wrote a long ass post here dividing references to videos, documentaries, books, and literary works. If you're done with these and looking for more, definitely DM at any time! I would be more than happy to provide additional references, since it's been my field of study for so long :D

As for advice, well, I'll tell you this:

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK!

Literally the common problem that I always find between western and eastern discourse is being misunderstood. The language barrier causes shit, believe me, especially in the historical context of how this whole east/west thing had happened. Orientalism stems from the fact that the west propagated an image of the east without actually seeing where they come from or what they're trying to say. The east is misunderstood because the interpretations of the west of them is what stuck instead of their actual thoughts and beliefs.

So, if you have a Muslim-Arab friend, don't be afraid to ask them why they pray five times or why women choose to wear hijab. If you have a Christian-Arab friend, don't be too quick to dismiss the fact that they exist (typical western stereotype that Christianity is ours only) ((even though Jesus was from Bethlehem, Palestine lool)). If you have a Jew-Arab friend, ask them what they think about the situation in Palestine, and you will be shocked by how genuinely supportive they are of Palestinians. And if you have any Arab friend who identifies with any other religion/doesn't at all, p l e a s e be willing to ask and listen.

Every person in this world is so unique. And trust me, you won't find two middle eastern countries similar, let alone the typical propagated western message that "all Arabs are the same." I kid you not, cities from cities there also differ, just like in states if one day you go to texas and the other day drop at hawaii. The beautiful uniqueness of eastern cultures has to be experienced first-hand to be conveyed.

So whenever you're looking for an answer, ask. Ask and never be afraid of not being answered, because people actually want to be heard. I've learnt sooo much more from engaging with people than from my theoretical studies, so if you have the opportunity, go book a plane to the pyramids you've always wanted to see and actually experience the wonder of communicating with the people there and learning their cultures. These countries are safe, safer than I have personally ever felt in Europe, because they are so people-oriented and warm. Videos won't tell you that. You gotta see it for yourself, love, and you gotta talk about your experience and convey their actual beliefs to those around you in a similar position.

Ask, and you will always be answered. And in the process, you will have the time of your life. Believe me.

[namedvesta]

Antonio Frilli, “Sweet Dreams”, Marble sculpture (𝟣𝟪𝟫𝟤).

[pangur-and-grim]

Belphie looks so handsome today

[atmsnatcher]

domestic animals who would tell me riddles

[mspaintpetfinder]

Measured In Feet

[the-evil-clergyman]

Odalisque by Delphin Enjolras (19th Century)

[marlinspirkhall]

*this isn't written in any specific order, it was just written in the order they occured to me

[felinefractious]

🐱 Oriental Shorthair

📸 Inna Frunze [Otornasse Cattery]

🎨 Black

[itznarcotic]

[zegalba]

Hair by Alexis Ferrer

[aroacearchangel]

hey. do whatever you want btw. it’s your identity. kiss people for fun. enjoy sex. nobody’s stopping you. being aro and/or ace doesn’t mean you have to be repulsed by romantic or sexual activities if you don’t want to.

and also! things only mean what you meant them to mean. you can have platonic sex and platonically make out with your friends. it’s true. just be sure to communicate so that everyone involved understands and you’re good.

[pangur-and-grim]

look at her beautiful smile!

[incognitopolls]

For example, writing fanfiction in which a canonically lesbian character has a relationship with a man; writing about a canonically asexual character having sex; etc.

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We ask your questions so you don’t have to! Submit your questions to have them posted anonymously as polls.

[code-sprites]

Pride Shipping Containers - 05/2024

[emptyportrait]

it's almost like global south's reality is some sort of aesthetic concept for white people.

[reggieslocket]

reblog to scare the aphobes