The idea of “Orientalism” in the view of Said (1977) is an idea constructed by the West. It romanticises the reality, depicting it as a place of “...exotic beings, haunting memories and landscapes...” (p.87), created as a polarization to Western culture and viewed as the “Other”. Said has stated “European culture gained in strength and identity by settling itself off against the Orient as a sort of surrogate and even underground self”, he goes on to say that the idea of “other” is a relationship of power and domination on part of the West. Herge’s Blue Lotus addresses these issues. This particular work is a progression from his previous works which were viewed as racist (for example Tintin in the Congo).
In the Blue Lotus there is a particular scene in which Herge directly addresses this idea of “Orientalism”. This scene is where Tintin saves Chang from the river and a conversation follows about the various stereotypes that both cultures have of one another. As Said has stated in his text, the “Orient” is more than a political notion, it was created to make easier to understand a culture that was foreign to the West. I think this is relevant to The Blue Lotus because it is evident that Herge has tried to remedy this idea by making sure that he has correctly portrayed aspects of the Chinese culture, for example in case of the street signs, clothing, the landscape, the people, etc through the aid of his friend Chang Chong-chen. However, there are still small mistakes, such as the costumes worn my Thompson and Thompson which is something usually worn by an emporer. This is a contrast to what Herge had done with Tintin in the Congo, where the African features were exaggerated.
References:
Said, E. (1977) Orientalism. In Ashcroft, B. Griffiths, G. & Tiffin, H. (Ed.), The Postcolonial Studies Reader (pp.87-91). London: Routledge.
Thanks Nazia. I agree. The concept of the Orient is so widely known and accepted today and is most probably due to our experiences of media and travel. At the time that Herge wrote The Blue Lotus, most people in the Western World most probably had little or no experience of the East or Orient. Naivety can breed arrogance towards a nation, and I think Herge's insight of a nation not well know by the Western world at that time was well portray through his characters in The Blue Lotus. Tintin and the storyline almost act as a broadcaster of information from the Orient, but not in a forceful way, but in a gentle kind way. Herge is almost saying well this is in my opinion how it is over there, (even my good friend Chang says so) accept it if you will, or go on your way.
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