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Characteristics of Orientalism

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Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Cultural Diversity
June 10, 2011

Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination
The difference between Muslims and Arabs is ethnicity and religion. Arab defines the ethnic group and Muslim defines the religion practiced by an individual devoted to that particular belief. Arab people do not always practice the Muslim religion and not all Muslims are Arab.
According to research and news reports within the past 2 years, the only policy I found pertained to racial profiling that announced citizens of countries considered terrorist active countries would undergo additional screening at airports (Voice of America, 2010). President Obama has been involved in discussions with Arab and Muslim American groups, but no true progress has occurred to limit or stop the discrimination.
Two characteristics of Orientalism are lumping Arab & Muslim people into the same category with no distinction for the ethnic and religious differences and the general stereotype that Arab and Muslim people are not modern. Orientalism and prejudice contributes to hate crimes against these people because of the misunderstanding of the difference between the distinct differences in the cultures of the ethnic group and the religious beliefs of the ethnic groups. Such a vague definition of people living in the Orient can lead to confusion about the different fanatical religious groups inhabiting land in the Orient.
Individuals can promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities by educating children early in life about the differences in cultures within countries in the Orient. Community events that clearly invite and cater to all ethnic groups can promote the increase in acceptance within a community. Having a festive event to show the positive side of a culture seems to be a great way to start. In the city I grew up in, there were specific festivals that promoted Native American culture and Hmong culture. The festivals were fun and educated the public on the many facets of the minority culture.
References
Voice of America. (2010). American Life. Retrieved from http://www.voanews.com/english/news/special-reports/american-life/Singling-Out-Arab-Muslim-Travelers-Concerns-Civil-Rights-Groups-84704277.html

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