EXOTICIZE Meaning and
Definition
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Exoticize is a verb that refers to the act of presenting or perceiving something or someone as exotic. It is the process of idealizing, fetishizing, or romanticizing objects, cultures, or individuals that are considered foreign or unfamiliar. The term often carries connotations of objectification and appropriation.
When someone exoticizes, they may emphasize the perceived differences and unique qualities of the subject in question, often through highlighting superficial aspects such as appearance, clothing, customs, or traditions. This process often disregards the authentic complexities and nuances of the subject, reducing it to a simplified and distorted representation that aligns with the exotifier's preconceived notions and desires.
Exoticizing can occur in various contexts, such as travel, art, literature, fashion, or relationships, where people may seek out and consume experiences or items that are seen as exotic to add a sense of intrigue, fascination, or spice to their lives.
The act of exoticizing can be problematic as it can reinforce harmful stereotypes, reinforce power imbalances, and perpetuate cultural appropriation. It may strip the subject of its agency and commodify it for personal gratification or consumption.
Critics argue that rather than exoticizing, it is important to approach and appreciate different cultures, people, or objects with respect, curiosity, and an understanding of their complexities and histories. This way, one can foster genuine appreciation and cultural exchange that respects and values diversity rather than commodifying or objectifying it.
Etymology of EXOTICIZE
The word "exoticize" is derived from the root word "exotic", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "exoticus". The Latin term was borrowed from the Greek word "exōtikós", meaning "foreign" or "strange". The suffix "-ize" is derived from the Greek suffix "-izein", used to form verbs, and signifies the act or process of making something conform to a particular quality or state. Hence, "exoticize" refers to the process of making something or someone "exotic", often involving the treatment or portrayal of someone or something from a foreign culture as strange, unique, or desirable due to their perceived difference.
Conjugate verb Exoticize
CONDITIONAL
I
would exoticize
you
would exoticize
he/she/it
would exoticize
we
would exoticize
they
would exoticize
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be exoticizing
you
would be exoticizing
he/she/it
would be exoticizing
we
would be exoticizing
they
would be exoticizing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have exoticize
you
would have exoticize
he/she/it
would have exoticize
we
would have exoticize
they
would have exoticize
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been exoticizing
you
would have been exoticizing
he/she/it
would have been exoticizing
we
would have been exoticizing
they
would have been exoticizing
FUTURE
I
will exoticize
you
will exoticize
he/she/it
will exoticize
we
will exoticize
they
will exoticize
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be exoticizing
you
will be exoticizing
he/she/it
will be exoticizing
we
will be exoticizing
they
will be exoticizing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have exoticized
you
will have exoticized
he/she/it
will have exoticized
we
will have exoticized
they
will have exoticized
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been exoticizing
you
will have been exoticizing
he/she/it
will have been exoticizing
we
will have been exoticizing
they
will have been exoticizing
IMPERATIVE
you
exoticize
we
let´s exoticize
to exoticize
PAST
I
exoticized
you
exoticized
he/she/it
exoticized
we
exoticized
they
exoticized
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was exoticizing
you
were exoticizing
he/she/it
was exoticizing
we
were exoticizing
they
were exoticizing
PAST PARTICIPLE
exoticized
PAST PERFECT
I
had exoticized
you
had exoticized
he/she/it
had exoticized
we
had exoticized
they
had exoticized
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been exoticizing
you
had been exoticizing
he/she/it
had been exoticizing
we
had been exoticizing
they
had been exoticizing
PRESENT
I
exoticize
you
exoticize
he/she/it
exoticizes
we
exoticize
they
exoticize
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am exoticizing
you
are exoticizing
he/she/it
is exoticizing
we
are exoticizing
they
are exoticizing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
exoticizing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have exoticized
you
have exoticized
he/she/it
has exoticized
we
have exoticized
they
have exoticized
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been exoticizing
you
have been exoticizing
he/she/it
has been exoticizing
we
have been exoticizing
they
have been exoticizing
