I think that, to some extent, European self-esteem is built on comparing themselves to 3rd world backwardness. Their museums are full of paintings from the romantic period that make Arabs seem exotic. They need women in headscarves and Bedouins on camels in deserts to feel superior. That's why they exploited these areas instead of developing them when they had colonies.
Or that the Europeans do not love themselves any more.
http://theanchoressonline.com/2006/09/15/oriana-and-rosie-two-women-of-the-left/