According to Edward Said, orientalism is a "created body of theory and practice", which constructs images of the Orient or the East directed towards those in the West. Eastern representation as weak, feminine and vulnerable refelct on how the West views itself as rational, masculine and powerful.

Orientalism has been a consistent problem, especially when potraying women in SWANA, in animation, the greatest example being Aladdin. Its harmful portrayal of Arabs and various clashing Eastern cultures mixed together into an exaggerated and offensive portrayal of the region was heavily criticized by the Eastern audience.

As animation is becoming part of mainstream media, now is the time to end orientalism, as many SWANA audiences wish to have Eastern representation in animation without cultural appropriation or orientalism.