Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination Checkpoint

The differences between Arabs and Muslims are one; Arabs are an ethnic group, while Muslims are a religious group. Islam is a faith like Christianity and a Muslim is a believer of a religion that is like Christianity. The Arab and Muslims have different languages, and completely different cultures and ideals of family and political standing, their beliefs of how women should behave in each of their faiths is different.

I believe since the attacks on 9-11 it has been more of a social shame then it has been a matter of what has been written into law with our federal government or what has been accepted as “procedures” by law enforcement. The only exceptions to this that I could really find are what our policies concerning screening of people before allowing entrance or citizenship into the United States. There is also some policy changes made when the Patriot Act and other security procedures were signed into law by the Bush administration after 9-11 that could be referenced as well.

Orientalism is the basic view of the people and history of the Orient with no recognition of change over time or the variety within its many cultures. Hate crimes are almost always conceived from the lack of knowledge about individuals who are not understood or different. People can fear what is different.

To promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in towns and cities, we need to teach our children tolerance towards different cultures and beliefs. Knowledge is the key to all prejudice and racism. We can break the cycle of hate and live together in a more understanding and fearless world.