Day 7. Edward Said A Legacy of Critical Thought.
“Every empire, however, tells itself and the world that it is unlike all other empires, that its mission is not to plunder and control but to educate and liberate.”
— Edward Said, Culture and Imperialism
As we continue 30 Days of Honoring Arab American Visionaries, Innovators, & Cultural Icons, today we honor Edward Said, the Palestinian American scholar, literary critic, and passionate advocate for Palestinian rights whose groundbreaking work reshaped the field of postcolonial studies and challenged Western perceptions of the Arab world.
A Scholar Who Redefined Perspectives
Born in Jerusalem in 1935 and raised between Cairo and the United States, Edward Said became one of the most influential intellectuals of the 20th century. Educated at Princeton University and Harvard University, he later became a professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University for over 40 years.
Said’s most famous work, “Orientalism” (1978), fundamentally challenged how the Western world perceived and represented the East. He argued that Western scholars and writers had historically depicted Eastern cultures as exotic, backward, and inferior—reinforcing colonialist attitudes. The book sparked a revolution in postcolonial theory and remains a cornerstone in literary and cultural studies.
An Advocate for Justice and Palestinian Rights
Beyond academia, Edward Said was a vocal advocate for Palestinian self-determination. He served as a member of the Palestine National Council and was an ardent critic of the Oslo Accords, warning that they failed to adequately address Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
In his memoir, “Out of Place” (1999), Said reflected on his own experiences of displacement and identity, offering insight into the pain and complexity of being “in exile”—both personally and politically. His poignant reflections continue to resonate with displaced and marginalized communities worldwide.
A Lasting Legacy of Thought and Action
Edward Said’s work continues to inspire activists, academics, and advocates for justice. He dedicated his life to challenging dominant narratives and advocating for a more nuanced, empathetic understanding of the Arab world. One of his most profound statements on resistance and truth remains deeply relevant today:
“You cannot continue to victimize someone else just because you yourself were a victim once—there has to be a limit.”
Where to Learn More About Edward Said
📚 Books by Edward Said:
- Orientalism (1978)
- Culture and Imperialism (1993)
- Out of Place: A Memoir (1999)
- The Question of Palestine (1979)
🎥 Documentaries & Films:
🌐 Explore His Legacy Online:
Reflection
Edward Said’s legacy reminds us of the power of critical thought and advocacy in challenging dominant narratives and standing up for justice. His work continues to inspire the global movement for Palestinian rights and a more just, equitable world.
💬 What lessons can we draw from Edward Said’s legacy about standing up against harmful narratives and advocating for justice in our own communities?
💬How can we support dialogue about bias, assumptions and dominant narratives in times of divisiveness?
Tomorrow we’ll explore the impact of a Tech Icon that expanded Apple’s scope far beyond computers.
Learn more: At the Columbia University Center for Palestine Studies, you can explore the Said archive to explore his lectures, interviews, and archived works.
📢 Hashtags to Share & Celebrate
#EdwardSaid #Orientalism #PostcolonialStudies #PalestinianRights #ArabAmericanHeritage #30DaysOfHonoringArabAmericans #CriticalThought #SocialJustice
#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #CelebrateDiversity
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