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Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination In this assignment the material that is to be covered is the differences between Arabs and Muslims as well as how they are currently being treated differently as opposed to treatment in the past. Orientalism will also be defined along with ways to lessen hate and promote tolerance. The difference Between Muslim and Arabs Some of the key differences between Muslims and Arabs are that they have different religious beliefs, they hail from different geographical and ancestral backgrounds, and they arrived to the United States at different times.
According to Schaefer, “Arabs are an ethnic group and Muslims are a religious group. ” (2006) Policy Changes Regarding Treatment of Muslim and Arab People One policy change that has occurred in the past few years (post 9/11) is that there is a close surveillance of Muslim charity organizations. Another change has been a decrease in the number of visas being given to people coming from Muslim countries (Voices of America News. com, 2006). Orientalism and How It Can Lead to Hate Crimes
A couple characteristics of orientalism are that it is an outdated way of looking at Muslim and Arab people without taking into account changes over the years and how they live currently. Also it is a blanket concept that does not look at all of the different cultures within these groups (Schaefer 2006). Orientalism is an ignorant concept and innorance often leads to meaningless violence hence this uneducated state of mind can directly relate to hate crimes.
Promoting Tolerance and Reducing Prejudice We can all do our part to reduce prejudice and promote tolerance. Just like Morris Dees and his law partner Joe Levin did by taking civil rights based cases (Dees, 2010). Take a stand and be proud of what you believe in. People need no not be afraid to stand up and help out. Conclusion There is a significant difference between Arabs and Muslims and people need to realize that. Education is the key to tolerance and acceptance.
References Dees, Morris “What To Kill a Mockingbird Means to Me” (07/02/2010) Retrieved on 7/15/2010 from http://www. splcenter. org/get-informed/news/what-to-kill-a-mockingbird-means-to-me News Analysis “America’s Muslims after 9/11” (9/10/2006) Retrieved on 7/13/2010 from http://www1. voanews. com/english/news/news-analysis/a-13-Muslims2006-09-10-voa17. html Schafer, R. T. (2006) Racial and Ethnic Groups (10th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.