Orientalism in Dominions

[alansmithee]

Originally Posted by Omnirizon

Orientalism is the representation of the Orient in and by the Occident. The 'Orient' nations in Dominions would be the Bandar Log nations including Lanka (India), C'tis (Egypt), Tien Chi (China), and Yomi/Shinuyama/Jomon.

Isn't it funny how all these nations, with the exception of TC, are flavored using anthropomorphisms and celestial/demonic themes whereas all other nations are just humans (or giant humans) of some kind? Does this demonstrate the effect of Orientalism in Occidental historical consciousness?

To TC as an exception, historically China and Japan are areas of the Orient that were never fully sublimated to Occidental empiricism. Thus they are always seen as duplicitous in Occidental representations, but rarely sexualized, mysticized, and romanticized in the way that other areas of the Orient were. Incidentally, China and Japan are the only modern competing world powers of the Orient. Both TC and Yomi as relations of their respective nations are still fully under the auspices of Orientalism as TC (and Jomon to some point) is portrayed as very authoritative and hierarchical, while Yomi et al are fleshed out with themes of devious demons. Both nations draw on celestial/demonic themes, things which are seen as irrational in the occident and complete the Oriental representation of these nations.

Not that I don't like the way these nations and their themes were constructed. The thing about Orientalism is that it _is_ the Orient. Its very emergence abolished on originary Orient. But to assume that it alone is responsible for the loss of a pure Orient is fallacy. The western theory that Orientalism draws upon tells us that there is no such thing as a pure history, or even "a history". The relation of these nations in both the Dominions and the Occident as a whole is only a performance then, not a static and deliberate representation.

I think there might be some merit in the overall theme of your post, but I think there are many things that are highly erroneous. I don't see how anyone can see how China and Japan are portrayed and have been historically portrayed and not see them as being sexualized, mysticized, and romanticized. Many people still think that China is nothing but kung-fu masters and monks, and Japan is filled with samurai, ninja, and geisha. For that matter, most people hardly even think of Egypt or India as being part of the Orient (I'm fairly certain Egypt at least has never been considered Oriental). Much of what you are railing against are things that have actually been taken from the culture which it is based on. And as for celestial/demonic themes, why not mention Marignion? Most of their summons (unique, at least) are various angels and demons. Which I think epitomizes celestial and demonic themes. So are they also an "Oriental" nation?

I think the developers have been pretty clear about their influences in how they constructed the game, and I don't see some vast anti-"Oriental" conspiracy.