Critique of Orientalism must begin with on-the-ground colonial practice, not texts

Evidence

Yet, to unravel the full meaning and significance of the textual “power over the Orient,” it will not do to begin with the texts, for that would amount to no more than scratching the surface. In contrast, locating the beginning of research and critique in the colonialist project on the ground at least keeps that promise viable. — Wael Hallaq, Restating Orientalism, 38