Modern Effects on People
The recent events and orientalist media portrayals have had tangible and harmful effects Eastern people, from lack of opportunities, self hatred, and even acts of violence.
Modern Effects of Orientalism
Opportunities
Orientalism is ingrained in many people across the world. The idea that Eastern people are either lazy, conniving, or incapable is ever present. As such, whether conscious or not, many Eastern people are passed by those in charge for opportunities such as scholarships, high positions, promotions, and other things that they are qualified for.
Careers
Many Eastern people are not considered for jobs that they are qualified for, or their work is not recognized and they never receive promotions or raises. This is due to Orientalism, that they are incapable even if they are actively filling a high level position. Another reason is discrimination in the form of exclusion based Hijabs. Many employers will set uniform rules that forbid the Hijab, thus making their employers choose between their religion and getting fired.
Self-Image
The majority of the media shown portrayed Eastern people as either violent or sexualized, which has a major impact on Eastern children consuming these. When one’s only representation is only representation is like this, it leads to self image issues or trying to emulate said content because it is “right”. It also leads to a disconnect from their own culture, the divide between the screen and real life too much.
Violence
Media coverage, both of real events and of fiction, has a clear effect on societies as a whole. With the disrespectful and fearmongering coverage of the World Cup and 9/11, many reacted accordingly. After 9/11, Muslim hate crimes skyrocketed and they continue to be one of the most vulnerable minorities in America. For many, outwardly celebrating their culture and religion by wearing a hijab can be extremely dangerous, causing them to hide their identity out of safety.
“…It also digs into the lives of Muslim Americans, marked by the scarlet letters imprinted on them by terrorists with whom they shared nothing in common save for one imperfect classification: Muslim.”
— Aleena Ijaz, J.D.
