Edward Said

The Power of Narrative

In the archives of intellectual history, the Palestinian-American academic, literary critic and political activist Edward W. Said stands as a celebrated figure of significant influence. His work is still a testament to the power of narratives in shaping our understanding of the world. Born in 1935 in Jerusalem, Said’s life journey was marked by a profound exploration of the intersections between literature, politics, and identity. He produced one of the most influential studies of the 20th century, 'Orientalism', in which he challenges western representations of itself and of the so called ‘Orient’. Edward Said’s decades long career saw him develop ideas and a legacy that engage and inspire to this day. 

The urgency of freedom of expression

Tonight, we’ll highlight and discuss Edward Said’s invaluable inheritance as a literary scholar and political advocate. Said examined how stories are instrumental in asserting both one’s identity and the existence of one’s history. By the same token, narratives untold and marginalized deny one’s identity and history. He gives language and argumentation to the familiar sentiment of Othering as he lays out how mechanisms of hierarchy and power are maintained through imperialism. Edward Said’s intellectual legacy embeds the urgency of freedom of expression and continues to inspire generations striving for emancipation and liberation.

“The power to narrate, or to block other narratives from forming and emerging, is very important to culture and imperialism, and constitutes one of the main connections between them.” Edward W. Said, Culture and Imperialism

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