Indo-Chic and Arabs, Islam and the Dogmas of the West

Danielle Marie Herrera
Prof. Maira
ASA 4 A04
9 May 2017

Maira's "Indo-Chic: Late Capitalist Orientalism and Imperial Culture" describes the effects of usage of Indian style commodities, particularly mehndi, bindis, and saris. Toward the end of Maira's essay she argues restricting certain items to "those who understand [their] cultural significance" forgets the "many young women in South Asia who wear bindis with jeans or without traditional jewelry." I definitely agree with Maira in her desire to move away from such traditionalist attitudes toward those who decide to consume such Indian products. However, I still wonder where the line should be drawn between cultural appreciation and appropriation. The idea of cultural appropriation appears to assert the idea that there is an authentic culture, which seems problematic.

Said's "Arabs, Islam and the Dogmas of the West" effectively discusses the othering of Islam and non-Western cultures in general. Orientalism appears to refer to literally orienting oneself against those who are different. The debate about Islam as separate from Judaism and Christianity is really interesting because it highlights the fact that Islam and Judaism or Christianity are similar in their monotheistic belief and practices. This othering also results in racialization of individuals based on their religious beliefs. After reading this article, I would still like further clarification on what is meant by the "great Asiatic mystery" and why Orientalism is referred to in this way.