Generally, I think that we do have an Orientalist mindset. While some of these stereotypes may be true, we often over-exaggerate these stereotypes and use them to negatively depict our fellow human beings. From various media portrayals of the "exotic" East to preconceived stories about non-Western countries, I believe that we have fallen victim to the Orientalist mindset.
We can see the orientalist mindset portrayed in several films ranging from A Passage to India to Aladdin and in some TV series like Samurai Jack. In these media portrayals, the Eastern culture is depicted to be insanely different than Western culture. These media portrayals make it seem like crazy monkey people, mystical genies, forced marriages, and intense martial arts are daily life in the unknown land of the East. Growing up with Disney and such cartoons inspired our childhood minds into believing whatever the TV showed us. With TV being a significant part of our lives these days, all of these movies and TV shows make a dent in our originally fair idea of the East.
Additionally, the one big terrorist catastrophe of America has accentuated our Oriental views. In 2001, when Muslims bombed an American building, our mindset immediately switched from a decent outlook on Muslims to a completely impractical idea that all Muslims are terrorists. Our ignorance of Islam makes us more likely to construe these false ideas: exaggerating the jihad section of the Islamic religion. Furthermore, the recent travel ban has definitely showcased our Orientalist nature. Even if it is for our national safety, the idea that we want to place an immigration ban on all densely populated Muslim countries stems from our Orientalist mindset.
Personally, I have experienced the Oriental mindset from several people. This is a small thing, but by being Indian, I have been asked throughout my life if I am vegetarian (which I am not, I love my hot dogs). Many Americans believe that all Indians are vegetarian because of the small piece of Hinduism they heard-- the "sacred cow" belief (not that all of them are wrong, many Indians are vegetarian, but many are not as well). Also, numerous people have asked me if there are cell phones and cities in India. Yes, there are both cell phones and cities with skyscrapers in India. Our preconceived notion is that there are just billions of people on the side of the road struggling to get food. Just last Tuesday in one of my classes, I overheard these kids talking and one of them said, "thank god we don't live in India where it's so poor and overcrowded that they're just shitting on each other" (side-note: I have actually been to India and can safely say that people aren't doing that).
Overall, our Oriental mindset has left Easterns vulnerable to attack and defenseless in their own battle. When we press these ideas into our minds, we grow impervious to other interpretations-- even if that interpretation may be the correct one. As for moving beyond it, we probably just need to be more educated. With a better understanding of the world around us, then maybe we won't be so quick to form misconstrued opinions.
I think you brought up really interesting points about how Orientalism persists in modern society. Most Americans still view the Middle East as one big terrorist camp and know nothing about the beliefs of ordinary practicing Muslims. Old stereotypes about Indian culture still persist as well, and a lot of times people tend to blend the thousands of different religions originating in the "Orient" into one stereotype.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really cool post and its interesting to hear about your personal experiences with Orientalism. The Oriental mindset is divisive and distances the West from the East. I agree with your ideas, we need to be more educated and respectful, ignorance is not an excuse. Great post!
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