Ethnocentrism and Understanding Cultures
Ethnocentrism can create difficulties when we seek a better understanding of another culture because it causes us to view the other culture from the perspective of our culture's values. For instance, in the West, we value independence and comfort and status -- but in the East, for example, in China, the culture is geared more towards valuing honor, duty, learning, and commitment to one's community/family. Status (such as the sporting of luxury brands) is not as important to common people there because they do not have the same consumer culture that we in the West have. They have thousands of years of history behind them that comes from a different philosophical system and their nation, even though parts have been industrialized, still remains largely rural. The West, on the other hand, has led the world in terms of Industrialization and is committed to a consumerist culture, viewing wealth as a means to happiness, prosperity and independence, which is a value that stems from the various revolutions that have been effected in modern history -- from the Enlightenment to the War of Independence in America, etc. By viewing a separate culture in the light of what our own culture values, we can miss what it is that makes that culture work the way it does. We can be judgmental or show a lack of understanding simply because we are not looking at the culture as it is but rather as it appears to someone from our own culture.
By rejecting ethnocentrism, we can see more clearly what it is that makes other cultures unique and special and we can appreciate more deeply the values that they effect and teach to those who live within that culture. By understanding the culture on its own terms and merits, we can actually achieve a better bridge between cultures, that is founded on understanding, respect and the identification of...
Ethnocentrism Analysis Paper This paper explores ethnocentrism in all its manifestations, including the stages, i.e., denial, defense, and limiting cultural differences. It also highlights the strategies needed to change an individual into a culturally competent person. Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism refers to an individual's tendency to prioritize their race, culture, or ethnic persuasions and use them as their thinking foundations. Northouse ( 2013, pp. 384) contends that everyone harbors some ethnocentrism in one way or
Kennedy's Catholicism created the symbolic link between political ambition, leadership, and, for years, helped to maintain the link between America's moral and political identity (Billett, 1995). It allowed the stereotypical image of Americans as "the people" who were represented by their duly elected political leaders, long after those political leaders ceased to even maintain the pretense of being one of "the people." The "Camelot" years, as Kennedy's presidency was
International Marketing Ethnocentrism is an attitude of superiority, in a cultural sense, where one thinks that one's culture is superior to the others'. Ethnocentrism is the basis of the racism and nationalism and the tribalism sentiments that exist in the world of humans. (Definition of ethnocentrism) In addition, ethnocentricity is generally accompanied by a feeling that because one's own culture is the bets, it is easy to feel contempt and hatred
Therefore, other strategies such as guest talks and city council meetings, as well as church groups, must also address such differences and promote tolerance and understanding. While it is imperative that society functions without prejudice, in a smooth, diversity-promoting way, competing interests could always overthrow this delicate balance. Certain institutions must therefore conduct a never-ceasing effort to promote understanding through communication and interaction, for only in this way can
Even though Glory Road took place in the American South, its themes are prevalent throughout sports and through many different time periods. Current literature touches on many of the themes of the movie. A recent study of college students by Harrison and Lawrence looks at the perception regarding what seems to be the now dominating role of blacks in American sports today (Harrison & Lawrence, 2004). While this seems to contradict the theme of Glory Road,
Almost every major counterinsurgency in the 20th century failed, according to van Creveld, a historian at Hebrew University, due not to ethnocentrism to unfamiliarity with guerrilla warfare. Ethnocentrism and belief in the nation's superiority over the other might have been present, but it may have been evinced only later due to frustration, or was a secondary factor (Pilkins, 2005). American failure in the Iraqi conflict is complex. Arrogance certainly
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