Reflection of Chapter 5

20041805 Song Mi Ae

Am I looking at other countries’ cultures from the exact perspective?

Regarding Identity, which is dealt with in Chapter 5, we were able to think more about
the stereotypes that help us understand more cultures and their own cultures and
characteristics shown in groups and societies, especially “Orientalism”, which is an
identity that occurs in intercultural communication.

Especially, “Orientalism” which is an identity that occurs in intercultural

communication “Othering” is a term used to refer to the East from a Western
perspective. Cultural theorist Edward Said (1978) wrote about his theory in his book
"West," which still confuses understanding of the East.

To Westerners, the East is an exotic, quieter country, hyper-sexual, passive, and filled
with mythical notions of enlightened superiority.

However what about us? From my perspective, Westerners pursue freer relationships,
seem less responsible, and they seem to be more self-centered than Asians.

I think that people will think that their own culture is superior. Just as we love
ourselves more than others, and history is written as a record of the victors, history
written through Western eyes will naturally make the East feel more depicted as
feminine.

And then at this time, am I seeing Vietnam correctly at this point? I asked a question
to myself. I was afraid when I didn't know the Vietnamese language, I also felt
disconnected from their world. Nowadays, I see the world as the same wherever
people live. Through more information and exchange, we now know that although life
is a little different everywhere, we are all in the same human society.
I think that Orientalism will gradually be accepted differently in the eyes of
Westerners. Especially, through popular media and movies.