Characteristics Of Orientalism

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Characteristics of Orientalism, Prejudice, and Discrimination There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. And more than 20% of the Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking lands. (Council of America-Islamic Relations, 2011) In order to be considered a Muslim there are certain criteria which are expected to be met. You must follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that would not be associated with acts of violence. There has been an online struggle for some time amongst Americans and Muslims associated with misconceptions of the Arabic culture. Many Americans believe that all people of Arabic culture are Muslim. I have personally experienced as have all Americans the vast destruction of 911. The country still struggles with mistrust towards the Muslim culture. How could a religion founded on peace, mercy, and forgiveness justify such a planned act on a country founded on God? America is still trying to find peace with the 911 aftermath and footing for trust and harmony amongst our citizens. Post 911 both Muslims and Arabs became viewed as the same, terrorist. Many American’s in particular viewed them as dangerous people only here to threat our freedom. This view created a more difficult life for the Arab and Muslim community. In particular the private lives of many Arabs and Muslims were found to be disrupted as the United States assigned FBI agents to investigate any suspicious Arab or Muslim that they perceived as a possible threat in order to secure the protection of American citizens. Intermingling with different ethnicities becomes very important in situations such as these to help prevent prejudice amongst Americans and the population in general. Intermingling allows us to set aside our difference and become closer acquainted with one another’s cultures and obtain better understanding of the diverse backgrounds in which we have come.
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