Orientalism refers to the Western imitation or depiction of certain characteristics and aspects of Middle Eastern and Asian cultures. To break down what orientalism is, it depicts/shows you something that makes you have a vision of Middle Eastern and Asian cultures and they do not capture the whole culture. For example, when you think about Egypt you might picture pyramids, camels, or desert. Many parts of Egypt are not like that. Sharm El Sheikh which is a city in Egypt actually is known for their sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs. Naama Bay, with a palm tree-lined promenade is filled with bars and restaurants. Let me provide you with an example many can relate to.
Has your favorite childhood memory been a lie? Aladdin is a famous childhood movie that was released November in 1992 by Walt Disney's Pictures. Aladdin is about a street rat who frees a genie from a lamp. When meeting the genie the genie is able to grant his wish. Later on, Aladdin(street rat) learns that evilness has plans for the lamp as well as Princess Jasmine. The only thing is, is can Aladdin save Princess Jasmine and his love for her after she finds out who he truly is?
Aladdin is an example of modern day orientalism because the opening lyrics for the theme song "Arabian Nights" states "Oh I come from a land, from a faraway place, where the caravan camels roam, where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face, it's barbaric, but hey, its home" these lyrics can depict to the viewer that Aladdin's home is not only a faraway place but also a place of mystery. The song also states "..where they cut off your ear if they don't like your face, it's barbaric, but hey, it's home" and that can depict that Aladdin's home is uncivilized and barbaric. After many complaints from viewers Disney went and changed the lyrics from "Arabian Nights". Disney decided to keep the lyrics where it depicted Aladdin"s home as a mystery. Disney did not stop there with the lyrics of the song. Aladdin is one of the protagonist characters of the film. The characters perceived as Aladdin's friends or people around him with good intentions speak into American accents. The characters seemed as antagonist are given Arab accents, these Arab accents are exaggerated. Is this movie really a good movie for little kids to grow up watching and learning about the world around them?
The observation you make about the accents of bad characters and good characters is interesting. I had never thought about it before, but I am sure that while watching Aladdin as a kid, I subconsciously picked up the evil characters having exaggerated accents and the good characters having American accents like mine. As kids, we soak up all the knowledge thrown at us, so subtle and more obvious messages in children's movies can have a lasting affect on how we perceive the world.
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