Orientalism
What is Orientalism?
Orientalism is the exoticization of the so-called 'Orient' (Egypt, India, China, Japan, Vietnam, etc.) at the hands of the 'West' (especially Europe and North America). The West exploits, colonizes, and then simplifies Oriental cultures and their peoples down into one-dimensional stereotypes. A much better explanation of Orientalism can be gleaned from Orientalism by Edward Said.How does Orientalism affect Shinto?
Many people think Shinto is somehow superior to other religions due to its percieved age or supposed animistic elements (which multiple scholars I've read have argued is not present, at least anymore). This is, of course, false; Shinto is neither better nor more unique than any other religion. Others may ascribe their stereotypical racist views of Japan and Japanese people onto Shinto. I've definitely seen people describe a dream they felt to be a message from kamisama, which was extremely racist and offensive in nature.Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is inherently something that requires an exploitative, extractive relationship. While many Japanese people in Japan say they do not care about it, this is because, unsurprisingly, Japanese people are the majority, dominant force in Japan. However, any Japanese person who grew up in the 'West' may have a vastly different experience. I know I certainly did. My parents and I have had very different experiences with racism in the United States, and this is something common with immigrants and their children.Cultural Appropriation of Shinto is most common among pagans and witches, in my experience. For example, when pagans use Shinto ceramics for their altars, or add kamisama to their spells, it is disrespectful to the kamisama and cultural appropriation. The former is cultural appropriation because the ceramics are specifically made for ritual purposes -- using an antique Japanese soup bowl, for example, would be fine. The latter is cultural appropriation because it strips kamisama of their context and changes their worship method to something completely different. Both examples are things I've seen personally happen online.
How to avoid being Orientalist
The best way to avoid being Orientalist in Shinto spaces and about Shinto is to do your research. Reading books or watching video interviews with priests will give you an actual picture of what Shinto is like that is not an exaggerated charicature of the past. While listening to Japanese voices is certainly important, it should not be the be-all-end-all either. Use your critical thinking, and fact check any claims that set off any alarms for you.