I do not understand what Orientalism has to do with Arab and Muslim Americans. Can someone please explain
http://www.jiskha.com/search/index.cgi?query=orientalism
Skip the first two links here and read the rest.
PS -- If you look at a map of Asia, you should notice that the Middle East is included in that continent.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=map+asia&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Asia&gl=us&ei=lCjATJqlEsaAlAeh8dWNCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q8gEwAA
Of course! Orientalism is a concept coined by the Palestinian-American scholar Edward Said in his book "Orientalism" published in 1978. It refers to the way in which the Western world has historically constructed and represented the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia as exotic and backward "others" in contrast to the perceived superiority of the West.
When it comes to Arab and Muslim Americans, Orientalism has had a significant impact on how they have been perceived and treated in Western societies. Here's an explanation of the connection:
1. Stereotyping and Othering: Orientalism has perpetuated stereotypes about Arab and Muslim Americans as exotic, uncivilized, fanatical, or dangerous "others." These stereotypes often paint a distorted and simplistic picture of Arab and Muslim cultures, ignoring their diversity and richness.
2. Prejudice and Discrimination: Orientalist biases have fueled prejudice and discrimination against Arab and Muslim Americans. They have been subjected to profiling, surveillance, hate crimes, and systemic discrimination as a result of the perception that they are somehow inherently aligned with terrorism or pose a threat to national security.
3. Policy and Media Representation: Policy decisions, such as immigration restrictions, travel bans, and counterterrorism measures, have been influenced by Orientalist perceptions of Arab and Muslim Americans. Similarly, media representations often perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce negative narratives, resulting in biased coverage and public opinion.
To better understand the impact of Orientalism on Arab and Muslim Americans, it is recommended to explore academic works like Edward Said's "Orientalism" itself or other critical studies in the field of postcolonialism and cultural studies. Additionally, engaging with the experiences and narratives of Arab and Muslim Americans through books, documentaries, or personal testimonies can provide valuable insights.