“Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said: Summary and Critique

Introduction: “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  

“Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said was first published in 1982 in the journal Critical Inquiry. This essay is a significant contribution to postcolonial studies and literary theory. Said’s work challenges the traditional methods of anthropological inquiry, arguing that they often reinforce colonial power structures and marginalize the voices of the colonized. He emphasizes the importance of listening to and understanding the perspectives of those who have been subjected to colonization, thereby offering a more nuanced and critical understanding of colonial relationships.

Summary of “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  

1. Crisis in Representation: Said discusses how the concept of representation, especially in the context of colonialism, has become increasingly complex and problematic. He references how thinkers like Michel Foucault have influenced the understanding that language and representation are not transparent mediums but are deeply entangled with power dynamics and societal structures (Said, p. 206).
2. Volatility of the Colonized Identity: The identity of the “colonized” has evolved over time, from being the non-Western subjects under European control to a broader category that includes various oppressed groups. Said highlights that the experience of colonization has had long-lasting, often detrimental effects, even after independence, manifesting in poverty, corruption, and ongoing dependency (Said, pp. 207-208).
3. Anthropology’s Complicity in Colonialism: Anthropology as a discipline is critiqued for its historical role in supporting colonialism. Said argues that much of anthropological work, consciously or unconsciously, served imperial interests by studying and representing “primitive” societies in ways that justified colonial control (Said, pp. 209-210).
4. Interlocutors in Colonial Contexts: Said examines the concept of “interlocutors” in colonial settings, noting how colonizers sought compliant native figures who would act as intermediaries. This dynamic often resulted in these interlocutors being either co-opted into colonial structures or resorting to resistance against colonial authority (Said, pp. 209-210).
5. Anthropology’s Modern Challenges: The discipline faces intellectual and professional crises, including debates about its relevance and the ethical implications of its methods. Said points out the internal disputes within anthropology and how these are reflections of broader crises in representing “the other” (Said, pp. 211-212).
6. Worldliness and the Role of Anthropology: Said introduces the notion of “worldliness,” emphasizing that anthropology cannot be separated from the global contexts of power, politics, and history. He argues that the discipline is deeply intertwined with the imperial histories and power structures it often seeks to study (Said, pp. 213-214).
7. Empire and Cultural Representation: Said critiques how cultural representations, especially in anthropology, continue to serve imperial interests. He argues that the fetishization of “difference” and “otherness” in the discipline often obscures the underlying power dynamics and perpetuates colonial mindsets (Said, pp. 215-216).
8. Imperialism’s Ongoing Influence: Even in the post-colonial era, Said asserts that Western imperial powers, particularly the United States, continue to exert significant influence globally. This influence is maintained not just through military and economic means but also through cultural and intellectual dominance (Said, pp. 216-217).
9. Narrative and the Legacy of Colonialism: The construction of narratives, whether in anthropology, literature, or politics, is deeply affected by the legacy of colonialism. Said highlights how narratives of “the other” have often been manipulated to serve imperialist ends and how new narratives must challenge these historical injustices (Said, pp. 221-223).

Literary Terms/Concepts in “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  

Term/Concept	Definition	Example from the Article
Orientalism	A Western way of thinking about the East that is often stereotypical, romanticized, or condescending.	Said’s argument that anthropology has often reinforced Orientalist stereotypes of colonized peoples.
Colonized	People who have been subjected to colonial rule.	The inhabitants of non-Western and non-European territories controlled by European powers.
Representation	The way in which something or someone is portrayed.	Said’s critique of the way anthropologists have often represented colonized peoples.
Interlocutor	A person who takes part in a conversation.	Said’s discussion of the ways in which colonized peoples have been forced to become interlocutors with their colonizers.
Subaltern	A person who is subordinate to others, especially in terms of social or economic status.	Said’s argument that colonized peoples are often seen as subaltern to their colonizers.
Postcolonial Studies	A field of study that examines the legacy of colonialism and its impact on postcolonial societies.	Said’s work is considered a foundational text in postcolonial studies.
Cultural Critique	A form of criticism that examines the ways in which culture is produced and consumed.	Said’s critique of anthropology as a form of cultural critique.
Hegemony	The dominance of one group over another.	Said’s discussion of the ways in which colonial powers have exerted hegemony over colonized peoples.
Epistemology	The theory of knowledge.	Said’s critique of the epistemological foundations of anthropology.
Discourse	A system of thought or communication.	Said’s analysis of the discourse of Orientalism.
Power	The ability to control or influence others.	Said’s discussion of the power dynamics between colonizers and colonized peoples.
Identity	A person’s sense of self.	Said’s exploration of the ways in which colonial power has shaped the identities of colonized peoples.
Otherness	The quality of being different from oneself.	Said’s discussion of the ways in which Western cultures have constructed the “Other” of the East.
Marginalization	The process of being pushed to the margins of society.	Said’s critique of the ways in which colonized peoples have been marginalized by Western cultures.
Ethnography	The study of human cultures.	Said’s critique of the ethnographic methods used by anthropologists to study colonized peoples.
Imperialism	The extension of a nation’s power over other countries.	Said’s connection between anthropology and imperialism.
Colonialism	The political, economic, and social domination of one country by another.	Said’s critique of the colonial project and its impact on colonized peoples.
Neocolonialism	The continuation of colonial exploitation after political independence.	Said’s discussion of the ways in which colonized peoples continue to be exploited by Western powers.
Cultural Appropriation	The adoption of elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without respect or understanding.	Said’s critique of the ways in which Western cultures have appropriated elements of Eastern cultures.
Cultural Relativism	The idea that there is no one right way to understand or interpret culture.	Said’s critique of the ways in which cultural relativism can be used to justify colonialism.
Postmodernism	A philosophical and cultural movement that challenges traditional notions of truth, reality, and knowledge.	Said’s use of postmodern theories to analyze the discourse of Orientalism.
Globalization	The increasing interconnectedness of the world’s people and cultures.	Said’s discussion of the ways in which globalization has impacted postcolonial societies.

Contribution of “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  to Literary Theory/Theories

Examples of Critiques Through “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  

Literary Work & Author	Critique Through Said’s Lens
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad	Conrad’s portrayal of Africa as a “dark” and “savage” place exemplifies the colonial mindset that Said critiques. The Africans are depicted as mere backdrops to the European characters’ moral dilemmas, reinforcing the notion of the colonized as “other” and less human. This aligns with Said’s analysis of how the West represents the colonized in ways that justify and perpetuate imperial domination.
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster	Forster’s novel, while critical of British colonialism, still portrays India and Indians through a lens of Western superiority. The cultural misunderstandings and the inability of the English and Indians to truly connect reflect the entrenched colonial divide that Said discusses. The novel illustrates the “problematic of the observer,” where the Western characters struggle to see the colonized as equals, highlighting the inherent bias in representation.
The Tempest by William Shakespeare	Caliban in The Tempest represents the colonized subject who is seen as uncivilized and brutish, deserving of domination and control by Prospero, the colonizer. Said’s critique would focus on how the play justifies colonialism by portraying the colonized as inherently inferior and in need of the colonizer’s guidance and control, echoing the dynamics discussed in “Representing the Colonized.”
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe	Achebe’s novel serves as a counter-narrative to colonial representations, challenging the Western depictions of Africa as primitive and chaotic. Through Said’s perspective, Things Fall Apart can be seen as an effort to reclaim the narrative of the colonized, offering a complex and humanizing portrayal of African society that contrasts sharply with the dehumanizing depictions criticized by Said.

Criticism Against “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  

1. Overemphasis on Orientalism: Some critics argue that Said overemphasizes the role of Orientalism in shaping Western perceptions of the East. They contend that while Orientalism was certainly influential, it was not the only factor shaping these perceptions.
2. Essentialism: Some critics argue that Said’s concept of Orientalism is essentialist, as it assumes that all Westerners have a similar understanding of the East. They contend that this essentialist approach overlooks the diversity of Western perspectives.
3. Neglect of Agency: Some critics argue that Said neglects the agency of colonized peoples. They contend that colonized peoples were not passive victims of Western domination, but rather were actively engaged in resisting and subverting colonial power.
4. Oversimplification of Colonial Relationships: Some critics argue that Said oversimplifies the complex and varied nature of colonial relationships. They contend that colonialism was not always a monolithic force, but rather was influenced by a variety of factors, including economic, political, and cultural factors.
5. Neglect of Non-Western Perspectives: Some critics argue that Said’s focus on Western perspectives on the East neglects the perspectives of non-Western peoples. They contend that a more nuanced understanding of colonialism requires taking into account the voices and experiences of colonized peoples themselves.
6. Lack of Specificity: Some critics argue that Said’s analysis is too general and lacks specificity. They contend that a more effective critique of colonialism requires a focus on particular historical and cultural contexts.

Suggested Readings: “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  

1. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Pantheon Books, 1978.
2. Said, Edward W. “The Problem of Textuality: Two Exemplary Positions.” Critical Inquiry, vol. 4, no. 4, 1978, pp. 673-714. University of Chicago Press.
3. Asad, Talal, editor. Anthropology and the Colonial Encounter. Ithaca Press, 1973.
4. Said, Edward W. Culture and Imperialism. Knopf, 1993.
5. Clifford, James, and George E. Marcus, editors. Writing Culture: The Poetics and Politics of Ethnography. University of California Press, 1986.
6. Ahmad, Aijaz. “Orientalism and After: Ambivalence and Metropolitan Location in the Work of Edward Said.” Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 27, no. 30, 1992, pp. 98-116.
7. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. “Can the Subaltern Speak?” Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture, edited by Cary Nelson and Lawrence Grossberg, University of Illinois Press, 1988, pp. 271-313.
8. Bhabha, Homi K. The Location of Culture. Routledge, 1994.
9. Said, Edward W. “The Politics of Knowledge.” Raritan, vol. 11, no. 1, 1991, pp. 17-31.
10. Fabian, Johannes. Time and the Other: How Anthropology Makes Its Object. Columbia University Press, 1983.

Representative Quotations from “Representing the Colonized: Anthropology’s Interlocutors” by Edward W. Said  with Explanation

Quotation	Explanation
“To represent someone or even something has now become an endeavor as complex and as problematic as an asymptote.”	This quote reflects the challenges of accurately representing the “other,” especially in the context of colonialism. Said argues that representation is fraught with difficulties, particularly when it involves power imbalances and cultural differences.
“The experience of being colonized… signified a great deal to regions and peoples of the world whose experience as dependents, subalterns, and subjects of the West did not end when the last white policeman left and the last European flag came down.”	Said emphasizes that the effects of colonialism persist long after formal independence, leaving lasting impacts on formerly colonized societies. This quotation underlines the enduring nature of colonial legacies.
“Anthropology today appears intellectually threatened to the same degree that anthropologists have become an endangered species of academic.”	Said critiques the discipline of anthropology for its crisis of relevance and identity, especially as it grapples with its colonial past and the ethical challenges of representing the colonized.
“An interlocutor in the colonial situation is therefore by definition either someone who is compliant… or someone who simply refuses to talk.”	This quote highlights the binary relationship between colonizers and colonized, where the latter are often forced into roles that either align with or resist colonial power structures.
“The real problem remains to haunt us: the relationship between anthropology as an ongoing enterprise and, on the other hand, empire as an ongoing concern.”	Said discusses the inseparable link between anthropology and imperialism, suggesting that the discipline has historically served the interests of empire, making it difficult to disentangle the two.
“To see Others not as ontologically given but as historically constituted would be to erode the exclusivist biases we so often ascribe to cultures, our own not least.”	Said argues for a more nuanced understanding of cultures, urging that they be seen as products of history rather than as fixed, essentialist entities. This perspective challenges the rigid binaries often used in colonial discourse.
“Narrative has now attained the status in the human and social sciences of a major cultural convergence.”	Said points out the significance of narrative in shaping cultural and social understandings, especially in how histories are constructed and how the colonized are represented in these narratives.
“Worldliness is a notion I have often found useful because of two meanings that inhere in it together: one, the idea of being in the secular world, as opposed to being ‘otherworldly’… and two, worldliness as the quality of a practiced, slightly jaded savoir faire, worldly wise and street smart.”	Here, Said reflects on the concept of “worldliness” in anthropology, emphasizing the importance of being grounded in the real world and aware of the cultural and historical contexts in which one operates.
“Representation has thus had to contend not only with the consciousness of linguistic forms and conventions, but also with the pressures of such transpersonal, transhuman, and transcultural forces as class, the unconscious, gender, race, and structure.”	Said critiques how representation is influenced by broader social forces, making it a complex and contested process, particularly in the context of colonialism where power imbalances shape how cultures and people are depicted.
“What Fanon and Cesaire required of their own partisans, even during the heat of struggle, was to abandon fixed ideas of settled identity and culturally authorized definition.”	Said highlights the anti-colonial thinkers Fanon and Cesaire, who called for a rejection of rigid identities imposed by colonial powers, advocating instead for fluid, dynamic understandings of self and culture.