Orientalism and Perception of 1001 Nights Stories

Table of Contents

Introduction
Saids Introduction to Orientalism
Complications
Disney and Discrimination
Conclusion
References

Introduction

1001 Nights have several translations, many of which Western specialists make. The author of the collection is unknown, and it is unclear which short stories were included initially and which appeared in later versions. Most readers in Europe and the United States are familiar with Scheherazades tales through Western cultures prism. In the 20th century, relations between East and West had undergone significant changes, due to which there was a need to rethink Oriental studies, which in the Western tradition is usually called Orientalism. The rethinking of this concept also leaves its mark on the artistic perception of the ancient text.

Saids Introduction to Orientalism

One of the results of rethinking the goals, roles, and tasks of Oriental studies was the work of Edward Said. The scientist formulated his concept of Orientalism, within which Oriental studies acted as an ideological system (Said, 2021). The approach was based on a radical opposition to Western and Eastern cultures (Said, 2021). Said concludes that the subordination of the countries of the East in socio-economic terms to the West is logical and justified (2021). Scientist considers the original dominance of the West and the presence of some fundamental line between Western and Eastern thinking (Said, 2021). Saids ideas have caused a lot of controversy among Orientalists and have been severely criticized.

Complications

The concept of Said and his view of Orientalism complicates the reading of 1001 Nights. The role of translators and interpreters of the ancient collection is undoubtedly significant, but Said is fundamentally wrong when he calls 1001 Nights a European invention (Said, 2021). Reading the text is complicated by understanding how the Oriental tradition of the past could easily deny cultural achievements, including such literary monuments. After studying the concept of Saids Orientalism, it becomes terrible to think about how much of the actual text remains from 1001 Nights and how much was thought out by translators. If there is a concept of the dominancy of the West over the East, translators could easily decide that some parts of the text are insignificant and remove them, guided by their Western superiority.

Reading 1001 Nights becomes more complex as it seems that the text can be adapted for a Western reader, missing the peculiarities of the flavor of Eastern culture. Despite the texts antiquity, it is easy to read, but now it seems that this is not the merit of the source but translation simplifications. It becomes difficult to perceive 1001 Nights as an authentic monument of Arabic literature; an ambiguous attitude causes difficulties in perception.

Disney and Discrimination

The cartoon about Aladdin from childhood memories is perceived as very oriental, saturated with cultural images and myths. However, the tale of Aladdin itself is often attributed to Antoine Galland, the first Western translator of 1001 Nights (Borges & Allen, 2021). It turns out that the Disney adaptation relies on the fiction of a Western translator. Thus, Aladdin does not reflect the Eastern mentality and culture but their perception by Western artists.

Even though Aladdin seems like a beautiful oriental fairy tale in childhood, which it should be, it turns out that this is another fake. The cartoon contains some factual errors and generally relates little to the original text. Aladdins opening song Arabian Night was deemed discriminatory and then rewritten. However, the scandals did not end: Disney was forced to answer for choosing white actors to play the role of Arabs in the latest adaptation of Aladdin. This case is proof of the perniciousness of the idea of Western domination. Western writers, researchers, and filmmakers simplify the concept of studying the Eastern mentality and culture. Eastern culture is beautiful in its diversity, and, of course, it cannot be fully conveyed through the eyes of a Western person. It is impossible, especially if this person is sure that Western culture and values are better than those of the East. The interpretations of 1001 Nights and Aladdin serve as examples of why the concept of Western domination is not genuine.

Conclusion

The conservative Western Oriental tradition emphasizes the Wests superiority over the East. Created in the paradigm of such conclusions, works by Western artists cannot fully convey the complete picture of Eastern culture. The perception of 1001 Nights has become more complicated after reading Saids theory since now it is unclear whether anything from the original text in the version has come down to modern days. It seems that the text can be significantly distorted or simplified to please Western readers. Rethinking the cartoon, Aladdin also suggests that the idea of the superiority of one culture over another can only lead to discrimination.