fied Betty holds Mahtab to her chest as if to protect her from the terrible sight. There are only two Iranian males who are depicted as decent human beings. One is the shopkeeper who allows Betty to use his phone and the other is an almost completely Europeanized man who helps her escape. The shopkeeper seems to be plotting some scheme of wealth or sex in regards to Betty. Although this never proved to be the case, he seems shadowy and deviant and the viewer of the film cant help being afraid for Betty when she is alone in his presence. The other man seems to be "above" the "other" people in his country. His house, the way he speaks, and the way he presents himself, seems completely Western. This man is very humble and appears to offer his services more for the cause of righteousness than for the reward he will receive from Betty and her family when she is safely returned home. He despises the actions of the police and seems to view the situation in his country as unfortunate.Saids purpose in his argument against Orientalism is to reveal the anti-Semitism inherent in the Western portrayal of the Arab. Not Without My Daughter demonstrates his point. Said feels that one reason for this type of portrayal of the Arab is because the Occident wants to maintain a dominance and superiority over the Oriental. While the desire for dominance may be a true motive in regard to the Occidentalism of Europe in an earlier century, Americas concern appears to be based more on the fear that the Arab wants to take over the world. The oppressive and violent depiction of the behavior of the Arab male stands in total opposition to the American ideals of freedom and liberty. Having fought the attempts of world domination by Germany and Japan, as well as weathering the Cold War, which threatened the world with Communist domination, the Arab appears to be the next enemy on the horizon who threatens freedom and world peace. If the American viewer of Not Without...
