In 1978, Edward Said published 'Orientalism,' a critical examination of how Western literature and scholarship constructed the 'Orient' as an exotic and inferior 'Other.' Said's work highlighted the cultural and political implications of this representation, arguing that it justified imperialism and colonialism. His analysis has had a profound impact on postcolonial studies, influencing how scholars approach the study of culture and power dynamics.

Forced Western poets to confront imperialist tropes and sparked a renaissance of authentic, self-determined post-colonial verse across the Global South. Poets like Kamau Brathwaite and Derek Walcott responded to Said's critique, crafting works that reclaim cultural narratives and challenge colonial legacies.