Ethnocentrism is a term used to describe cultural or ethnic favoritism that occurs when an individual observes another culture from the standpoint of their religion. They establish their culture as the standard upon which all other culture be compared and normally deemed inferior. This way of thinking usually results in a failure to comprehend different cultures. Thus, leading the individual into an unconscious conflict of personal, racial, or cultural problems ranging from an individual to a group. It involves looking at the world from the perspective of one’s own culture and provides a narrow view of the world (Ferraro, Andreatta, Holdsworth, 2017). Theorists believe that this is a natural way for them to feel proud of their group. Ethnocentrism is usually learned not inherited, “attitudes are learned, and therefore can be unlearned. A global mindset is an attitude; it is not knowledge or information. We learn to be ethnocentric, and we can learn to be global in our perspective” (Abramson, Moran. p. 228. par 4).
Negativity in ethnocentrism can be brought to extreme levels. It can lead to oppression, racism, discrimination, and ultimately, war. One of the most recognizable examples of this is the Holocaust. During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany took so much pride in their Aryan culture that they deemed other cultures unworthy of inhabiting the earth. Like this, the Aryans took drastic measures to rid the world of different cultures, starting with the Jews. Another prime example is African American slavery. Racist behavior caused radical discrimination and segregation of the African American people, a movement that lasted over 200 years.
Is it humanistic for society in some way or another to consider itself superior to others? According to the Journal of Conflict Resolution, some groups will always believe that their culture and society is the center of everything (Swartz, 1961). I believe as time progresses, cultures will continue to intermingle, and diversity will be the norm. Although we will see growth in diversity in the world, we will always see elements of ethnocentrism. In this sense, some cultures are more progressive and diverse than others. It is human nature to fear things that are different or difficult to understand, and I believe that fear is the driving force behind racism, discrimination, and even war.
I think one of the most beautiful things about the world is the fact that we have the luxury of learning different ways of life and understanding the diverse cultures of the world. It is essential for people to embrace their differences. Doing so allows us to better ourselves and create a better world for us all.
Work Cited:
Ferraro, Andreatta, and Holdsworth 2017. Cultural Anthropology: An Applied Perspective. Toronto: Nelson.
Wagner, G. (2015). Ethnocentrism and sociology. Research Starters: Sociology (Online Edition), (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/
Swartz, M. J. (1961). Negative ethnocentrism. The Journal of Conflict Resolution (Pre-1986), 5(1), 75. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.proxy.cecybrary.com/docview/235718224?accountid=45927
Abramson, Neil Remington. Managing Cultural Differences: Global Leadership for the 21st Century (p. 228). Taylor and Francis. Kindle Edition.
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