Edward Said, a groundbreaking scholar and activist known for his seminal work 'Orientalism,' delves into the reverberating impact of his ideas on modern campus unrest, particularly at Columbia University. He discusses the relationship between student activism and government intervention in Middle Eastern studies, shedding light on media stereotypes and their influence on perceptions of the region. Said also reflects on his formative years, identifying the pivotal moments that shaped his perspective on Palestinian identity and the ongoing struggle for representation in academia.
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Columbia University Protests
In April 2024, Columbia University became a battleground as masked rioters occupied Hamilton Hall.
They renamed it Hind Hall, after a girl found dead in Gaza, sparking protests and a rap song.
insights INSIGHT
Nature of the Protests
The Columbia protests reflect broader anti-Israel sentiment on campuses, echoing Hamas' rhetoric.
Trump's ultimatum to Columbia highlighted the tension, demanding reforms and academic oversight.
insights INSIGHT
Orientalism's Influence
Edward Said's book, Orientalism, published in 1978, significantly influenced the protests.
It examines how the West portrays the East, claiming Western narratives are intertwined with imperialism.
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In 'Out of Place', Edward Said recounts his life journey, marked by exile and cultural dislocation. Born to a Palestinian father and Lebanese mother, Said navigates multiple identities—American, Christian, and Palestinian—while reflecting on his experiences in Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, and the United States. The memoir is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and intellectual growth.
The Return of Islam
The Return of Islam
None
Bernard Lewis
Satanic Verses
Salman Rushdie
The novel follows the lives of two Indian Muslims, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a plane hijacking and subsequent explosion. As they fall from the plane, they are transformed into angelic and satanic figures. The story delves into various themes, including the founding of Islam through the character Mahound, the story of a visionary girl named Ayesha, and the struggles of identity and faith. The book is known for its complex, multilayered plot and its use of dreams within dreams, which generated significant controversy due to its satirical and imaginative treatment of Islamic themes.
Mansfield Park
Jane Austen
monica arcija
The novel follows Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family who is sent to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park. Fanny navigates the complexities of her new environment, dealing with the mistreatment by some family members and the kindness of her cousin Edmund. The story unfolds with the arrival of the charming but morally dubious Crawfords, leading to a series of scandals and moral dilemmas. Ultimately, Fanny's integrity and compassion guide her through the challenges, and she finds love and a sense of belonging with Edmund[1][3][5].
Orientalism
Edward Said
In 'Orientalism,' Edward Said critiques the Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. He argues that Orientalism, as a discipline and worldview, is inherently tied to European imperialism and serves as a powerful instrument of domination. Said examines how Western literature, academia, and politics have perpetuated colonialism and imperialism by creating and reinforcing stereotypes and myths about the East. He traces the development of Orientalism from its roots in the 18th century to its contemporary implications, emphasizing the intimate relationship between knowledge and power and the need to challenge these dominant discourses[1][3][5].
Pro-Palestine protests have been a feature of Columbia's campus since October 7. Now, Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to the university: get control of your campus or lose $400 million in Federal funding. But the target of the measures wasn't just security, but the Middle East Department too, which Columbia has agreed to place into five years of 'academic receivership'.
This week we take a deeper look at the ideology behind the unrest. One protester’s placard stuck out, it read: “Why make me study Said if I’m not allowed to use it?”. The placard was referring to academic Edward Said and this question gets to the very heart of the Columbia protests and the anti-Israeli sentiment felt on many American campuses today.
Edward Said was the author of a book called Orientalism that changed American universities forever. You can’t understand the Gaza protests without understanding Orientalism. But just how much is this radical 1970s academic text influencing contemporary thinking about the Middle East?
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Breaking History 
