States by Edward Said Essays

States by Edward Said Essays States by Edward Said Paper States by Edward Said Paper Taylor Stephan Section 2 Exam â€Å"States† 1. Edward Said emphasizes the scattered, alienated nature of the Palestinian people. In my opinion, Said clearly displays that it is unfair to ask â€Å"What is it you Palestinians want? †. Palestine, once recognized as a country and a community, is now shattered into a plethora of pieces. These pieces, or people each with memories and experiences, were sprinkled all across the world. It would seem impossible to share national pride when one’s country does not technically exist. Palestinians do not have a unified home where they can share their sense of culture and their similar beliefs. Many Palestinians â€Å"speak of awdah (return)† (650). They want to restore their country, and glue together the broken pieces. Even if Palestine could be restored as a country, would it ever be the same? One cannot erase history. The Palestinians can never truly regain what they want, which is their identity and ethnocentricity. Questions can easily be misinterpreted. Misunderstandings due to poor communication have appeared throughout history. For example, in the 1940’s, America threatened Japan with an embargo, unless they cut relations with Japan. The Japanese mistakenly took this as a threat to their national security. The confusion caused the attack on Pearl Harbor, which is an extremely important event in American history. Japan and the United States were opposing forces, but trade held together the peace. This misunderstanding caused more hostility between the two groups. 2. Said explains that the photograph ignites negative, yet positive feelings about the condition of the Palestinian people. Said shows that this picture reflects symbols of vulnerability and disarray throughout the Palestinians. This shabby house, near Senjel, is covered with weeds. It appears to be out of place under the coverage of the trees. Said is very passionate for his own people. He has a great deal of emotional discomfort seeing a photographic display of the dislocation of his own people. I do not know what it feels like to lose my identity and be viewed through a skeptic’s eyes. Although this picture does not appear to incite certain emotions and feelings in myself, it is plausible for Said connect his feelings. Said understands the meaning of displacement with regards to his people’s history. Extra Credit: I can still remember the tragedy of September 11th. I was in second grade. All of the students were immediately sent home or picked up by their parents. I did not understand the images on the news. It almost seemed like a surreal action film. My aunt was on a flight to New York City that day, but luckily she arrived safe. I respect the people and rescue crew involved during September 11th. I think they displayed a deep sense of care for fellow Americans. I hope that the directly affected families have some sense of peace all of these years later.