Final answer:
Orientalism, as defined by Edward Said, is the systematic misrepresentation of Eastern societies by European thought, often portraying them as irrational and fanatical to justify colonial dominance. This term embodies a political stance that rendered the 'Orient' as exotic and inferior, facilitating Western imperialism and shaping prejudiced attitudes that endure in contemporary Western culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Edward Said, Orientalism is a concept that encompasses the misrepresentations and stereotypes European cultures have historically applied to societies in the Middle East and Asia. Said outlined this in his seminal work, 'Orientalism,' where he describes Orientalism as a European political ideology that served to justify colonial and imperial ambitions. Orientalism is characterized by depicting these cultures as irrational, sensual, fanatical, or tyrannical, contrasting strongly with European self-perceptions of rationality, morality, and democracy. Said's analysis implies that through this skewed portrayal, Europeans were able to create a sociopolitical distance from the 'Orient,' facilitating a sense of superiority and rationalizing the subjugation and colonial rule over Eastern societies.
This concept further implies that the 'Orient' was created as a construct, largely imagined by Europeans, to reflect their fears and desires, rather than a faithful representation of the reality of these diverse cultures and societies. Additionally, Said points out that these Western misrepresentations have persisted and evolved over time, influencing modern perceptions and foreign policy decisions, such as the American stereotypes of Islamic societies post-9/11 that contributed to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.