Orientalism is an example of unconsidered racism that is used to make the western world feel superior to the east. Like imperialist views of Africa and Africans, Orientalism views Eastern peoples as primitive, mystical, and ultimately inferior. It is so deeply ingrained in today's culture that many people don't realize how biased and in many cases racist their learned beliefs of Eastern culture are.
An example of how orientalism is still present in today's society is the recent drama surrounding Netflix's upcoming series Iron Fist. Iron Fist is a superhero who originally appeared in Marvel Comics in 1974. He was an American boy who went to the East and was taught mystical powers and martial arts by a mystical Asian man, before killing a dragon to become the Iron Fist. Just based on that it is easy to see the effects of orientalism in a story where a white man goes to the East and learns mystical things and karate. Last week Iron Fist was thrust into the headlines when a white British actor, Finn Jones, was cast in the role. Many felt it should have gone to an Asian actor and the fact it didn't was an example of continued Hollywood white washing. But perhaps they are wrong. While it is true that more major roles are needed for Asian actors, why is it this role that is generating the uproar? It seems people hear "mystical Kung-Fu master" and assume "Asian". While the people complaining likely have good intentions, this example shows how deeply ingrained, racist Orientalism is still alive and well in today's culture.
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