1. making something foreign or unfamiliar seem strangely attractive, mysterious, or appealing; presenting something as exotic
Usage: present participle of exoticize; often used critically to describe the romanticization or misrepresentation of other cultures

Examples

• The travel magazine was exoticizing the local culture rather than presenting it authentically.
• Critics argue that the film is exoticizing Asian characters for Western audiences.
• By exoticizing unfamiliar cuisines, restaurants sometimes misrepresent their origins.
• The artist was accused of exoticizing indigenous art forms without proper context.
• Marketing campaigns often fall into the trap of exoticizing products from other countries.
• She found the tendency to exoticize her heritage both flattering and frustrating.