Wow, im currently in an cultural diversity class and I have feeling the individual who originally posted this question is one of my class mates. I agree that this assingment regarding orientalism and prejudice is extremly fuzzy. I'm trying to figure out what my teacher means by Orientalism as well.

i think what your teacher meant is people who are from culture or nationality. are against each other. for example: some puerto ricans make fun of domicians and vis versa.

or why are those two similar.

Orientalism is not a commonly used term in the U.S. If you can get a good definition from your teacher, please post it here. Several of us teachers would really like to see your teacher's definition of Orientalism.

From the Online Dictionary:

Merriam-Webster

Pronunciation: "Or-E-'en-t&l-"i-z&m
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized
Date: 1769
1 : a trait, custom, or habit of expression characteristic of oriental peoples
2 : scholarship or learning in oriental subjects

Orientalism is a term that was coined in 1978 by literary scholar Edward Said in his book "Orientalism." It refers to the way in which the West (particularly Europe and the United States) has historically viewed, represented, and studied the East (primarily the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia).

It is important to note that Orientalism is not just about cultural differences or conflicts between different nationalities. It is a specific framework that involves a power dynamic, where the "West" holds a position of superiority and dominance over the "East."

Said argues that Orientalism perpetuates stereotypes, prejudices, and stereotypes about people, cultures, and societies in the East. It portrays the East as exotic, backward, inferior, dangerous, and in need of Western intervention or control. This way of thinking has influenced various aspects of society, including literature, art, academia, media, and politics.

To better understand your teacher's perspective on Orientalism, I recommend engaging in discussions in class and asking for specific examples or readings. Additionally, you can do some research on Edward Said's book "Orientalism" to gain a deeper understanding of the concept and its implications. It might also be helpful to explore different perspectives and scholarly works on the topic to get a broader understanding of the complexities involved.