Viewing America: Twenty-First-Century Television Drama

Abstract

This anthology edited by Atwell, Bernard, and Elmarsafy critically examines the evolving significance of Edward Said's seminal work *Orientalism* (1978) across various academic disciplines. Unlike previous studies that focus on validating or critiquing Said’s arguments, this volume explores how Orientalism has been interpreted, adapted, and transformed over time in diverse fields such as postcolonial studies, cultural theory, media studies, and gender studies. The editors emphasize the importance of reclaiming textual and historical specificity within discussions of Orientalism, which has often been reduced to a catch-all term for processes of "othering." By doing so, they aim to uncover both the productive and repressive effects of Orientalist thought across different contexts. Key contributions include analyses of Orientalism’s role in shaping American discourses on the Arab and Islamic world post-9/11, as well as its influence on media representations and political rhetoric. The anthology also highlights how Orientalism has enabled certain intellectual frameworks while suppressing others, offering valuable insights for scholars seeking to navigate the complexities of Said's legacy.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)