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
