Orientalism

While contemplating Turkey, I'm reminded of the work of Edward Said's monumental book "Orientalism", which among other things, documents how people bring preconceived notions into their perspectives on the Middle East. I know I'm bringing baggage to this crossroads, and I'm well aware of the supreme effort of will it takes to maintain any kind of objectivity about what you're seeing while you're traveling. Here's a link regarding Said's core argument , and a video where the late professor explains the framework by which the West struggles to comprehend the East. He's a very provocative thinker who stirs up a lot of complex reactions amongst both friends and opponents... But we all harbor stereotypes in the recesses of our minds, and it's helpful every now and then to remind ourselves how and why those stereotypes exist...