Blog 10 top five.chapter 2 ethnocentrism. talitha ellington due 23 july
- 1. Ethnocentrism-Chapter 2 by Talitha Ellington
- 2. In Chapter 1 we learned about the rules specifying appropriate and inappropriate behaviors connected to culture. We also learned that it would be impossible to learn the norms of all cultures. Chapter 2 discusses a better approach, which is to learn about ways to not be offensive, the barriers to intercultural communication.
- 3. One of the 8 barriers I will discuss is Ethnocentrism and related examples. The definition of ethnocentrism is: negatively judging aspects of another culture by the standards of one’s own culture.
- 4. A non-extreme example of judging in ethnocentrism can be found in the Asian cultures in all of the countries in Asia. Throughout Asia the way of eating is to use chopsticks with every meal. They feel the use of knives, forks, spoons etc. in other cultures, such as in America, is foolish and unnecessary.
- 5. Point # 1: One way in which ethnocentrism is counterproductive is it makes assumptions about other cultures. To be ethnocentric is to believe in the superiority of one’s own culture. One of the most extreme and tragic examples of this is Nazi Germany and Hitler’s belief that the Jews and other ethnicities were inferior to his race. That his race, incorrect reference to the Aryan race, was superior. Point #2: Believing that everything in one’s culture is consistent to that culture and makes sense if you understand that culture. Thinking that your way is the best way, or the only correct way. An example of the above is the belief that climate change is a fact and as a result, assume that summers in the US averaged 109 degrees (F). Logically adjustments would need to be made relative to work and/or school day. Rather than run the AC all day everyday, buildings would close in the afternoon to save energy. In hotter climates, why do some attribute the practice of taking siestas as being lazy? This is an example of ethnocentrism.
- 6. Point # 3: A less extreme form of ethnocentrism can be labeled cultural nearsightedness, or taking one’s own culture for granted and neglecting other cultures. It also means making assumptions that things are the same everywhere. The example in our book is that people in the U.S. constantly using Americans to refer to U.S. citizens, but actually this is the correct term for all people in North and South America. Another example is something as simple as designing forms as a one size or one form fits all. In Mexico a person may have two surnames and most forms typically only accommodate one surname and one given name.
- 7. Point # 4: Eurocentric ethnocentrism is an example of ethnocentrism is focusing a curriculum in world history only on the history of developed countries and leaving out undeveloped countries. Children may be taught about the greatness or positive attributes of one country, causing them to become biased and prejudiced toward other countries. Lastly an example is recognition of only Western holidays in schools, and learning about Western music and art. Being inconsiderate of Eastern practices and traditions.
- 8. Point # 5: A final example of ethnocentrism is extreme ethnocentrism. This extreme perspective abandons and rejects the richness and knowledge of other cultures. When other cultures are ignored it impacts communication in that there is no exchange of ideas and skills between people. Diverse viewpoints are not taken into consideration, thus limiting exposure and ultimately progressive thinking and actions.
- 9. Thank you!