Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination

1.     CheckPoint: Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination

·         Resource: Appendix D.

·         Post a 200- to 300-word response in which you complete the following:

o    Explain the difference between Muslims and Arabs.

o    According to research and news reports within the past 2 years, what are some of the changes the United States has made to policies concerning the treatment of Muslim and Arabic members of society?

o    List two to three characteristics of Orientalism. How may Orientalism and prejudice contribute to hate crimes against these groups?

o    What may individuals do to promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities? For ideas, visit the Teaching Tolerance Web site at http://www.tolerance.org, and the Southern Poverty Law Center Web site at http://www.splcenter.org.

            The difference between Arabs and Muslims is that, a Muslim is a person who belongs to the religion Islam and an Arab is person belonging to an ethic group originating in Saudi Arabia.  Many Muslims are Arabic and vice versa, but not all Muslims are Arabic just like not all Arabs are Muslim.

            There have been little or no changes in United States policies in the past two years concerning treatment of Muslim or Arabic members of society.  The policies put into place after 9/11 are still being upheld with no signs of slacking off.  Arabs and Muslim individuals are still among the most watched of America’s immigrants.  All individuals who enter the US on a nonimmigrant visa from any country associated with a country of terrorism is subjected t fingerprinting and must register with INS within thirty days of their arrival. 

            Orientalism is the imitation or depiction of aspects of eastern cultures by Western writers, designers and artists.  Two of Orientalism’s characteristics are inscrutability and extreme religiousness. Since many individuals fear what they do not know or do not understand, that fear can lead to prejudice against the unknown religion or race.  Where ever there is fear there is sure to be violence, and violence on the target of the fear is guaranteed. 

            In order to reduce prejudice in our towns and cities, individuals can learn more about the object of their fear or misunderstanding.  Knowledge is power after all, or so the old adage goes.  We can teaching tolerance and acceptance of differences to children, since they are more impressionable and easier to adapt to new ways of thinking. 

Tsao, F (Sept, 2003) “The Loss of Freedom, Equality, and Opportunity for America’s Immigrants Since September 11”.  http://www.issuelab.org/ research/losing_ground_the_loss_of_freedom_equality_and_opportunity_for_americas_immigrants_since_the_september_11_attacks            .  Retrieved December 17, 2009