The Infona portal uses cookies, i.e. strings of text saved by a browser on the user's device. The portal can access those files and use them to remember the user's data, such as their chosen settings (screen view, interface language, etc.), or their login data. By using the Infona portal the user accepts automatic saving and using this information for portal operation purposes. More information on the subject can be found in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By closing this window the user confirms that they have read the information on cookie usage, and they accept the privacy policy and the way cookies are used by the portal. You can change the cookie settings in your browser.
COLONIZED POLAND, ORIENTALIZED POLAND: POSTCOLONIAL THEORY TOWARDS THE 'OTHER EUROPE' (Polska skolonizowana, Polska zorientalizowana. Teoria postkolonialna wobec 'innej' Europy)
In numerous instances, in contemporary studies in East Central Europe, the orientalising clichés of the Enlightenment episteme still continue to proliferate. In works by Larry Wolff and Tony Judt the author recognizes examples of latent orientalism in the approach of Western humanities towards history and cultures of the nations and ethnic groups between Germany and Russia. Founded upon the a priori authority of the Western academia, such approach leaves the role of the hegemon out of account. This contributes to further marginalization of these societies, which in turn leads to the cementing of the inferiority complex, so characteristic for all postcolonial populations.
Pracownia Komparatystyki Literackiej, Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza, Poznan; www.staff.amu.edu.pl/~comparis; and Wydawnictwo-Drukarnia 'Bonami', ul. Warszawska 25, 61-113 Poznan; bonami@o2.pl