Occidentalism: An eastern reply to orientalism

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to research the etymology and different definitions of the term of Occidentalism. Occidentalism, in its broadest meaning, is the reverse of Orientalism; just as Orientalism is a Western reading of the East, Occidentalism is an Eastern reading of the West. A meticulous reading of related literature reveals several different meanings attributed to Occidentalism. One of these definitions was introduced by the Egyptian philosopher Hasan Hanafi, who sees Occidentalism as the science of adopting Western values by eliminating them. Conversely, Ian Buruma and Avishai Margalit do not consider Occidentalism to be a science, but hostility against the West. In addition to these two definitions, a further perspective defines Occidentalism as the answer to one of the following questions: “How can the Western values be developed” and “How can Western values be adopted by the East, while saving the Eastern identity”. This paper defines and explores the terms ‘Occidentalism’ and ‘Occidentalist’ considering these forms and interpretations.