An interview by Flemming Rose with Ibn Warriq, author of the book, “Defending the West: A Critique of Edward Said’s Orientalism“
FR: What is the result of Said’s work in the Arab world?
IW: He has taught one or two generations of Arabs the destructive art of self pity. His orientalism legitimized the Arabs’ accusations against the West and Israel for being responsible for all their problems. He provided them with intellectual arguments for not taking responsibility for their cultural and economic disaster. At the same time he has made it extremely difficult for scholars to be critical of Islam.
Edward “Saidism” has left an indelible mark on Middle Eastern studies. I can’t think off hand a more damaging Arab “post colonial theorist” than this Christian Palestinian. Ibn Warriq is a man who spares no words in what he thinks of the man, I highly recommend reading the interview. More here. *L* KGS
I am really looking forward to Ibn Warraq’s book about Said. Maybe Jaakko Hämeen-Anttila should read it as well.