I am struggling with this question. Can someone help me, please :)

Question

I do not understand the meaning or point in orientalism.

List two to three characteristics of Orientalism. How may Orientalism and prejudice contribute to hate crimes against these groups?

This is what I came up with.

Characteristics of Orientalism are false beliefs that stem from narrow mindedness and undereducated opinions of people that are discriminating against peoples from the East. There is the thought that those from the East are undereducated, inferior, and like heathens just because their belief systems are different than those that are doing the judging. Back in the time of the missionaries, Orientalists held the opinion that anyone from a different religious background was spiritually doomed. These beliefs have perpetuated the prejudice against the East that can still be found today.

First -- please check these definitions of orientalism.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/orientalism

As you can see -- orientalism has something to do with the Orient -- eastern lands. In the U.S., we usually associate the Orient with eastern Asia. In Europe, the Orient sometimes is associated with all of Asia.

In my experience, hate crimes and prejudice due to orientalism are rare. People with eastern Asian physical characteristics (Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, etc.) are well accepted in most U.S. communities. The stereotype of these people is of very hard-working, intelligent, and peaceful people.

Please check this site for more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orientalism

I thank you very much for your time.

Thanks very much for your time.:) Both of these answers helped me a whole bunch.

you're welcome. I took that class last block.