European Perceptions of the East

A type of government characterized by strong central power, nationalism, and suppression of opposition. Fascist regimes often promote militarism and a cult of personality around the leader.

A term used to describe the negative influence of Western values like individualism, consumerism, and liberalism on other cultures. This concept suggests that Western ideas can undermine traditional values and identity.

A term used to describe the rejection of Western values and ideals by some non-Western cultures. It emphasizes the difference between Western and non-Western societies and the perceived superiority of non-Western values.

A term that describes the self-critical view among certain Europeans about modern Western values. It suggests a perception that Western values like individualism and materialism are actually eroding traditional values and virtues, making Western societies vulnerable.

A Japanese term that refers to a sense of national identity and cultural superiority based on Japanese traditions and a belief in Japan's unique cultural destiny. Often expressed in a form of xenophobia and a desire to resist Western influence.

A term that encompasses the Japanese belief in achieving purity and spiritual fulfillment through self-sacrifice for the greater good. It was heavily influenced by Western ideas of heroism and the pursuit of glory, but it also emerged from native Japanese traditions.

A term that describes the concept of comfort and passive enjoyment of material possessions, seen as a weakness and a threat to traditional values by some. This concept is often contrasted with the active pursuit of pleasure or heroic sacrifice.

The Japanese belief that their country was uniquely positioned between East and West and that it was destined to play a pivotal role in the history of the world. This notion often contributed to a sense of pride and a desire for dominance.

The act of writing is seen as a way to purify oneself from impure thoughts, particularly those related to sexuality, violence, and other primal instincts. It represents a ritualistic process of cleaning and ordering the mind, removing chaos and restoring control.

Freud believed that civilization's strict rules, such as monogamy, suppress our natural aggressive instincts. These instincts, he argued, are always present and threaten to disrupt social order.

Freud viewed the desire for purity as a manifestation of a deep fear of change, ambiguity, and transgression of established boundaries. This fear often manifests in rigid classifications and a rejection of anything that challenges existing order.

Freud connected the concept of dirt to a fear of the unknown and disorder. He believed that “dirt is matter in the wrong place,” meaning anything that disrupts established categorizations and challenges existing norms.

The desire for purity is often linked to nationalism and racism, reflecting a need to create a homogenous, “pure” society. This can be seen in the association of hygiene and pure art/science with national identity and the exclusion of those perceived as “impure.”

The character of Dracula embodies the fear of the foreign and the unknown. This is reflected in his association with the East End of London, seen as a breeding ground for immigrants, disease, and chaos, and his vampire bite, representing the spread of a dangerous, alien force.

The association of Jews with the “dirty” or “impure” reflects a long-standing stereotype. These stereotypes often attribute undesirable traits like sexual aggression, disease, and chaos to Jewish communities, furthering a narrative of fear and exclusion.

The desire for purity in art and science is often used to suppress creative expression and innovation. This is reflected in the pressure to conform to established norms and the rejection of anything that challenges the status quo.

By associating Jewishness with feminine traits, Freud expressed an anxiety about the breakdown of traditional patriarchal power structures. This fear is reflected in his view of feminism as a threat to social order, as it challenges the established hierarchy of masculinity and femininity.

Freud’s anxieties about the breakdown of social order, his own sexuality, and Jewish identity all contribute to the anxieties about purity prevalent in his work. Understanding these intertwined anxieties allows for a deeper understanding of his writings and the cultural context of his time.

A period of intellectual and cultural crisis in Europe, particularly in the aftermath of World War I.

A comparison made by Valéry highlighting the similarities between his critique of Western decline and Rousseau's critiques of society.

A movement advocating for the unification of Europe, both politically and culturally.

The idea that Western society has become excessively materialistic and has lost its moral compass.

The argument that the West should look to the Orient for solutions to its problems.

The use of the Middle Ages as a romanticized model for re-establishing moral and cultural values in Europe.

The idea that the destructive nature of modern warfare demonstrates the moral bankruptcy of Western society.

The idea that Europe, despite its advancements, was searching for its historical roots and identity. This fascination with the Orient, or the East, aimed to understand Europe's cultural heritage and connect with its past.

A literary and intellectual figure who advocated for cultural regeneration by combining Eastern and Western perspectives.

A prominent figure who explored the East, particularly India, and emphasized the importance of intercultural travel and exchange.

A term used to describe the negative perception and criticism of American modernity by European intellectuals.

A concept that suggested the East was behind Europe in terms of modernization and progress, often perceived as a simpler, unspoiled society with a deep spirituality.

The idea that Russia, a young culture, has the potential to avoid the perceived decay of Western civilization and become a revitalized force.

The belief that Moscow, as the center of the Orthodox Church, represents the true spiritual heart of Russia, contrasting with the decline of Western Christianity.

A critical approach to the West, often rooted in resentment towards its perceived superiority and influence, highlighting the perceived negative aspects of Western values.

The belief that science alone holds the key to knowledge and human progress, often seen as a counterpoint to traditional religious thinking and a response to Western scientific advancements.

The myth of America as a fresh start, free from the burdens of European history and societal structures, particularly class divisions and the weight of tradition.

The absence of traditional European forms and institutions in America, potentially seen as both a liberating force and a source of cultural poverty and a lack of depth.

The potential of America to represent a future direction for Europe, offering a model of how European societies could evolve.

The importance of Eastern spiritual values and creativity in a world increasingly dominated by Western rationalism and materialism.

The American identity involves feeling uniquely "born free" because of being born in "the land of the free." However, this sentiment overlooks the original intention of the phrase to be applied to Native Americans.

The concept of America as a 'new man' refers to the opportunity for individuals to reinvent themselves, leaving behind their past and creating new identities. This can be seen in the experiences of slaves and servants who sought freedom and opportunity in America.

Europeans often view Americans as lacking depth and being overly materialistic, focusing on superficial values like money and consumerism. They often highlight the idea of America being young and lacking the rich cultural heritage of Europe.

Anti-capitalism and anti-Americanism intertwine as critiques of how consumerism and mass-production impact individual identity and social structures. Anti-Americanism often sees American culture as homogenizing and erasing individuality.

The concept of America as an "emptiness" signifies a lack of cultural depth and a focus on surface-level values. This emptiness is seen as something that needs to be filled, often with external influences or superficial experiences.

The concept of 'mass-production-for-mass-consumption' culture describes a society where products and cultural trends are produced on a large scale for a wide audience. This leads to a homogenized culture where individuals tend to follow trends passively.

Metaphors play a crucial role in塑造stereotypes and shaping perceptions of cultures. By using metaphors of high vs. low, depth vs. flatness, and space vs. time, Europeans create an image of America that is lacking depth and originality.

The image of civilization as a threatened enclave in a savage surrounding reflects the Puritans' perception of North America upon arrival. They viewed themselves as being the chosen few defending civilization amidst the perceived threat of untamed wilderness and indigenous people.