Shedding Imperial Conceit
This is not mere ancient history. It is playing out today, and not just in the consequences of British (or French, or German, or American) imperial misadventures. It informs our Western portrayal of the "East" and our understanding of its peoples. We still see ourselves as the civilized world, the bearers of universal values. And we still portray the "East" as less civilized, more prone to violence, less respectful of human life and liberty.
shed imperial conceit mere ancient history play today consequence british french german american imperial misadventure inform western portrayal east understanding people civilized world bearer universal value portray east civilized prone violence respectful human life liberty