Characteristics of Orientalism

Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Week 5 CheckPoint

There is a great difference in Muslims and Arabs. For starters, Arabs are an ethnic group, and Muslims are a religious group. On average, Islam is a faith and a Muslim is a believer of Islam. It is a religion just like Christianity is to us. Islam is only second to Christianity, and has over 1.3 million followers worldwide. Many Arabs are not Muslim, and 85 percent of Muslims are not Arabs (David and Ayouby 2005).

Orientalism is the naïve interpretation of the people and history of the Orient, with no acknowledgement of change over time or the combination within its many cultures. A few characteristics of Orientalism are: women in their country are not allowed to be free like the women of America. They are all dot heads is another Orientalism of this culture. Many hate crimes are committed against these groups because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. People have a stereotype against Arabs and Muslims because they are afraid that they may be working to be a terrorist towards our country and a lot of American citizens feel un-easy with these groups living around here, because they feel strongly against terrorist.

In order for them to promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their town is to open up and get to learn more people so that we may understand them better. People fear what they are unfamiliar with, and this group has given us a good reason to fear them. I do see where thousands of American’s are coming from.

Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Week 5 CheckPoint

Many people confuse Arab and Muslims.   Arabs are an ethnic group and Muslims are a religious group.   Muslims are believers of the Islam faith.   Most Arabs are not Muslims and most Muslims are not Arabs.   Muslims cannot be identified by their nationality alone.   Being an Arab does not mean that you are a follower of the Islam religion.   An Arab is generally from the countries...