"In all of its parts, the most basic purpose of the 1924 Immigration Act was to preserve the ideal of U.S. homogeneity". I found this to be interesting because when I think of the United States that I grew up in homogeneity is the last thing that comes to mind. Something I find wonderful about our country is that we have the opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultures. College has definitely taught me that being able to have new and different experiences is a key element for developing one's character and self. I can't imagine how dull it would be to live in a society where everyone is from the same culture and has the same experiences and nothing is new or interesting. 

Although they are part of our history as a country, the Chinese Exclusion Act and The Immigration Act are glimpses of embarrassing moments our country has experienced. In Orientalism Said states that Americans do not have the same feelings towards the Orient because we as a country just assume that that word is referring to people that are Japanese and Chinese. I must say that I fall into that category as a naive American because I am completely disconnected from the Orient traditions and deeply rooted culture. I think in the exploration and learning of what our country once did (and continues to do) to people in a different culture will ultimately make me feel a deeper connection as I begin to understand history at a deeper level. 

In my understanding Said is saying in Orientalism that the cultures of the people who fall into the Orient are not being accurately represented and this is leading to people, mainly in the United States, having poor knowledge of the culture and history of certain people. This helps my understanding of why back in the early 1900s why people were limiting others from entering our country. Generally we fear what we don't know and if we don't take the time to understand people that are different from us we aren't going to be able to accept them or their differences.