The Blue Lotus is a representation of Eastern Culture by a Western author and can therefore be considered "Orientalism". In the time of Blue Lotus' publishing, Western culture found Eastern ideas and culture alien. "It was at the time of the Blue Lotus I discovered a new world". (Herge) In the years of 1936 to 1937, 1936 being the year Herge's Blue Lotus was published, Orientalism reached it's height in Europe. Westerners viewed the East as exotic and remote, with many Romantic writers using the East as a location for novels and poetry. Oriental countries were associated with lush landscapes, eroticism, mystery and rich costume.
The Blue Lotus however, brings forth negative European preconceptions of Chinese and Japanese culture. There is an evident lack of understanding from the author in past comics and The Blue Lotus is certainly a step forward in Herge's understanding and acceptance of Chinese culture. However, he "westernizes" the appearance of Chinese characters, which could indicate his shallow level of acceptance where he can only present them in a western way when he allies them with the reader.
I noticed The Blue Lotus does not show the typical ideas of Orientalism in the work and i feel this may be influenced by Herge's stronger political stance. There was more satire and undertones of political ideas mixed in with the youthful sense of adventure and archetypical "good guys" such as the "hero" (Tintin), "Mentor" and "Outcast" (Chang).
I agree with your idea. I also didn't really see orientalism in both film and comic. Asian characters' pronunciation and traditional customs were the only ways I could find orientalism.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Holly. Orientalism had its good and bad side. there was a fascination with Asia (the Orient as it was known), its food, clothes and customs, but also fear of the strange and unknown. In that sense, Byun, Blue Lotus is a perfect example of Orientatism.
ReplyDeleteGood posting Holly. I agree there was some good orentalism when watching the film, the streets of China and the clothes the people were wearing looked quite accurate. Also your idea that Herge westernizes the appearance of Chinese characters seem interesting especially the part how you say that thats how he allied the characters to the readers who were mostly all western people back then.
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