In such a short period of time, Daenerys has become a stronger character. How she gained that strength is depressing and conflicting though. The Dothraki are the reason she has this newfound power. Ironically, a couple episodes back this statement would not be true because originally she was forced to marry the Khal and she felt enslaved. Her power is truly displayed in the scene of where the molten gold is poured onto Viserys's head. He was abusive and disgusting towards her and his death was one of her first triumphs. Because the Dothraki did this for her, she now knows how loyal they are to her and has gained respect from others for the first time in her life. She now also knows they will do anything for her. The Dothraki are a violent group. This is when the Orientalism comes in. Orientalism is a hyper- violent, hyper- sexualized portrayal of people from the east created by westerners. The Dothraki are from Essos, which represents the East. The Dothraki are an obvious portrayal of this racist ideology, they are hyper-violent and hyper-sexual. The people of Westeros fear the Dothraki, but they shrug that fear off because they believe the Dothraki are not advanced enough to cross the sea, but with Daenerys they have newfound knowledge from her and will eventually cross over. Some Dothraki still question her, like the man that was mad at her for helping the women from the village they had come across. Khal was on her side, so that scene showed how he listens to her now, which also is a moment of empowerment for her.
I agree with your perception of the Dothraki protecting her. I also think it is worth noting that as they protect her from her brother, they are also protecting their future Khal, her son. I also like how you describe the Dothraki relationship to Orientalism. I had similar thoughts about the relationship, but your dictation of them is better. I also agree, and mentioned in my own post, that people in Westeros fear the Dothraki. I also do think that while most people are quick to waive their fears, there are some who fear the Dothraki and the Targaryans to the point they are willing to try and have them killed. I think the continuation of her and Drogo's rule will be something that Westeros should fear.
It's interesting that the rape scene between Drogo and Daenerys did not originally exist. It proves that Orientalism is far from extinction. The power dynamic between Daenerys and the Dothraki is so interesting. They empower her and she leads them in a fight for power back in her land. Obviously, there wouldn't be a story if Dany had just stayed in Essos, and I do LOVE her story, but I think it says a lot that being a queen in Essos is not good enough. She has to become a queen in Westeros to be truly worthy and powerful.
excellent point! it's not enough for her to be a white savior, but she then also needs to be a westeros queen.
I like your point about the people of westeros being afraid of the Dothraki, and then underestimating them. I think that’s a common phenomenon for humans, being afraid of another groups differences and then reacting to those fears by being oppressive and acting superior. I also like that you pointed out that the big turning point with the Khal is his fighting his fellow Dothraki to defend Daenarys’s wishes. Before Khal didn’t care what Daenaryeas wanted, but now he is willing to risk his life in order to uphold respect for her.
Agreed with the others here--really sharply explained! I'm especially interested in your point about how essential Daenerys is to perceptions that the Dothraki are dangerous; connecting it to Orientalism really highlights the power dynamics and assumptions at play here.