Explain the difference between Muslims and Arabs.

o According to current (within the past two years) research and news reports, 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 can individuals do to promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in their towns and cities?

Muslims are people who follow the religion of Islam. They may be of any ethnic group, Indonesian, Arabic, African, American, and so on and on.

Arabs are people whose ancestors came from the Saudi Arabia region. Although most Arabs are Muslim, some belong to other religions, including Christianity.

The U.S. has never had policies concerning the treatment of Muslims and Arabs.

Check this site about Orientalism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orientalism

what are some of the changes the United States has made to policies concerning the treatment of Muslim and Arabic members of society?

Muslims and Arabs are two distinct identities that are often incorrectly conflated. Here is an explanation of the difference between Muslims and Arabs:

1. Muslims: Muslims are followers of Islam, which is a religion practiced by over 1.8 billion people worldwide. It is a diverse religion with adherents from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. Muslims believe in the teachings of the Qur'an and follow Islamic practices and rituals. They can be found in all parts of the world, from Africa to Asia, Europe to the Americas, and from different cultural, racial, and linguistic backgrounds. Muslims can belong to different ethnic groups, such as Arabs, Persians, Indonesians, Africans, South Asians, and many more.

2. Arabs: Arabs, on the other hand, are an ethnic and linguistic group primarily residing in the Arab world, which spans from the Middle East to North Africa. The majority of Arabs are Muslim and speak Arabic as their first language. However, not all Arabs are Muslims, as there are Arab Christians, Arab atheists, and adherents of other religions as well. Arabs also have diverse cultural practices and traditions, depending on the country or region they come from.

Regarding the changes in US policies concerning the treatment of Muslim and Arabic members of society, it is important to note that policies can vary depending on the administration in power, with different administrations emphasizing different approaches. While I cannot provide up-to-date information on policies within the last two years, some examples of changes to policies could include:

1. Travel bans: The implementation of travel bans targeting individuals from predominantly Muslim-majority countries has been a significant policy change. These bans have been controversial and have faced legal challenges due to concerns of religious discrimination.

2. Surveillance and profiling: Post-9/11, there have been concerns about increased surveillance and ethnic profiling of Muslim and Arab communities. Policies such as the monitoring of mosques, increased airport security screenings for individuals perceived to be of Middle Eastern descent, and the establishment of government watchlists have been sources of debate and criticism.

Now let's move on to Orientalism and its potential contribution to hate crimes against these groups:

Orientalism is an academic field and a concept coined by Edward Said to describe the way in which the Western world has historically portrayed and understood the cultures, peoples, and societies of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It often involves the simplification, exoticization, and negative stereotypes of these groups. Characteristics of Orientalism can include:

1. Exoticization: Orientalist representations tend to depict Eastern cultures and peoples as exotic, mysterious, and different from the Western norm. This can reinforce a sense of "us vs. them" and perpetuate a perception of superiority or inferiority.

2. Stereotyping: Orientalism often involves simplifying and generalizing diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic groups into homogenous and fixed categories based on limited or distorted perceptions. This can lead to biased assumptions and misconceptions about Muslims, Arabs, and other Eastern groups.

3. Power dynamics: Orientalism is rooted in a history of colonialism, where Western powers exerted control over Eastern territories. It can perpetuate unequal power relationships, with the West being seen as superior and the East as subordinate.

These characteristics of Orientalism, combined with prejudice, can contribute to hate crimes against Muslim and Arabic individuals and communities. Prejudice is a preconceived negative judgment or opinion about a person or group based on their perceived characteristics. When fueled by Orientalist stereotypes, prejudice can fuel discriminatory attitudes and actions, leading to hate crimes.

To promote tolerance and reduce prejudice in towns and cities, individuals can take several steps:

1. Educate oneself: Seek out accurate and diverse sources of information about different cultures, religions, and ethnicities. Challenge stereotypes and biases by learning about the experiences and contributions of various groups.

2. Promote intercultural dialogue: Engage in conversations and activities that foster understanding, respect, and empathy across different communities. This can include attending cultural events, participating in dialogues, and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity.

3. Stand against discrimination: Speak up against prejudiced attitudes or actions whenever they are encountered. Support organizations and initiatives that actively combat racism, discrimination, and hate crimes.

4. Foster inclusive spaces: Create environments that value diversity and provide equal opportunities for all individuals. Encourage the inclusion of diverse perspectives and voices in decision-making processes.

5. Building relationships: Establish connections with people from different backgrounds through interfaith groups, community organizations, or volunteering. This allows for personal connections that challenge stereotypes and foster empathy.

It is important to remember that promoting tolerance and reducing prejudice is an ongoing effort that requires continuous learning, self-reflection, and active engagement with others.