Orientalism

Orientalism is the representation of Asia, particularly the Middle East, to the western world. The stereotypical way in which these places are portrayed clearly represent the historical colonial perspective of the past. Particularly the Middle East, is portrayed as a savage civilization that is far behind the technology of the west. In films such as Aladdin, or The Dictator, both of which are stories of characters from the Middle East or it takes place in the Middle East.
The Disney film Aladdin revolves around a poor young man who gets his wishes granted after finding a genie in a bottle. He soon finds out that this genie and the princess Jasmine is being searched for by a more evil entity. The film follows Aladdin as his wishes come true and he saves the genie and the princess from evil.
Although the film is entertaining and has a happy ending, it is also subject to Orientalism. The film involves many things which we, in America, believe come from the middle east such as flying carpets, magic like a genie in a bottle, etc. One scene in the film shows the Taj Mahal and it is previously believed from watching the scenes before this one, that it takes place in the Middle East. After this scene, some viewers might question why a historical building which is actually in India is shown in a movie that is supposed to take place in a place such as Afghanistan. To an unknowing person, all of these characteristics are clumped together and create a picture for one singular place outside of the western world we live in. Orientalism creates a picture of places that aren't our home instead of depicting them as what they are.