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"The power to block other narratives from forming and emerging is very important..."
This quote proves that the West controls history itself. It shapes what is remembered and what is forgotten. This keeps its rule strong and lasting.
Uses Culture to Justify Power: The West uses culture like a mask. It hides violence under beauty. Books, art, and plays help the empire look good. They tell stories that praise the West. They show other places as wild or lost. This makes the empire seem helpful. Said says
"Culture is a sort of theater where various political and ideological causes engage one another."
This shows culture is not simple. It spreads messages. It helps the empire seem fair and noble, even when it is cruel.
Sees Others as Inferior: Western imperialism sees non-Western people as "others." It says they are different, strange, and weak. The West calls itself smart and moral. It says others need help. This is why it uses a civilizing mission. The colonized are treated as shadows, not equals.
Creates Fixed Stereotypes: Imperialism repeats false images. It shows colonized people as lazy, foolish, or dangerous. These pictures appear again and again. They shape how people think. Even books and the news use them. These lies support the Western empire. They protect Western power by making others look unfit to rule.
Links Power, Knowledge, and Culture: The West mixes power with knowledge. It claims to know everything about others. It studies them, labels them, and teaches about them. This makes the West seem wise. But it hides control behind learning. Said shows that science, maps, and books can also be weapons.
Spreads Western Values as Best: The West says its values are better. It calls its ways modern and civil. It pushes its language, law, and religion. It sees itself as a model. Others are seen as failures or problems. Said mentions the tendency as,
"We Westerners will decide who is a good native or a bad...."
This line shows Western pride. It gives value only to those it chooses. This is a form of control.
Ignores Local Voices: Imperialism hides local stories. It pushes its own version of truth. The voices of the colonized are erased. They are not seen in books or the news. Their side of history is ignored. The following line is evident:
"We shall run the world's business whether the world likes it or not."
This shows how the West forces its control. It speaks for everyone. It does not ask or listen. It leads without care.
In termination, Said shows that Western imperialism is deep and silent. It shapes minds through culture, not just weapons. It controls history, values, and identity. It builds power through stories and ideas. Reading closely, we can find opposition and truth behind the empire's mask.
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