It is pretty unanimously accepted that stereotyping is dangerous, and Orientalism is just one large example of this. Orientalism is a mindset widely conformed with, and was characterized by Edward Said. Children are exposed to this mindset in the media, and thus it becomes an idea that many continue to hold until it is challenged.
Children's movies such as "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and more adult-oriented movies such as "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" instill and reinforce these orientalist values throughout stages of life.
Without the heavy influence of Orientalism and the need to define the unknown, people would overall be more understanding, respectful, and aware of what different cultures are actually like, which would be beneficial to everyone.
I agree but the funny part is that when producer embraces the Orientalism people credit the movie as most "diverse" and "culturally exotic".
ReplyDeleteMy God. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Jones isn't just a cultural demeaning film, but a bad and distasteful film altogether (the monkey brains and child slavery scenes wave hello). You should real give the film the justice it deserves.
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