EXOTICISM
The word “exotic” refers to something that is foreign and in the field of arts,
exoticism is referred to as the evocation of a culture that is different from the creator,
writer, or composer. In the context of Xena, the Warrior Princess, exoticism was
greatly evident in the wide array of culture showcased in the journey of the main
character all over the world while experiencing various religion beliefs, music, and
other societal constructs. In my opinion, Exoticism is quite beneficial in spreading
awareness and acceptance of human diversity around the globe- it gives people a
chance to experience the culture of others in the form of music and literature that
are relatable to them. To the viewers, listeners, or consumers, by being exposed to
forms of art like songs that depict exotic ideas and culture, they are imaginarily
transported to the places where they might want to be and they are allowed to
experience foreign values that are very different from their own. However, despite
the good impacts of exoticism, it’s still important to remember that there are still
limitations and disadvantages that can de harmful to the culture from which the
context was taken such as misrepresentations or overexploitation. Another fact that
must not be overlooked is that given the immense diversity that our world possesses,
there might be instances when a culture might not be openly accepted by others and
in turn lead to heavy criticisms that can tarnish the reputation and beauty of a certain
culture. Overall, Exoticism has both pros and cons but at the end of the day, it is how
we keep our minds open when appreciating exotic music or foreign culture that
matters most in our journey towards fully embracing human diversity and global
cultural enrichment.