America And Other Countries Of Similar And Contrasting Cultures

Have you ever wondered how High Schools are in other countries? Despite sharing some minor similarities, the differences between Nicaraguan and American High School education are clear. Such as, note-taking methods, grading system, classroom environment.

I believe Americans may be somewhat more ethnocentric than people in other Western industrial nations. This might be the case because many Americans feel superior and more advanced than other ethnic groups. Most of the time, Americans ignore the fact that different cultures and ethnicities make up America. A few of many reasons why Americans may feel exceptional is because of all the opportunities their country offers them, how well the government values the people and how other countries appreciate America. Even though America is multicultural, the way Americans take pride in their country may come off as ethnocentric. Linton Ralph’s article “One Hundred Percent American” assures that the American culture is shaped around all kinds of ethnic

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to assume that ones own culture and way of life represents the norm or is superior to others. Americans in particular tend to be very ethnocentric in part because the United States has been perceived as a superpower for most of its existence, and in part because of the global influence of American media. Patriotism and love for ones country is also instilled in Americans from an early age to a greater extent then in other countries. For example, American children recite to the pledge of allegiance to begin each new school day and the national anthem is played at most sporting events.

There are many cultural differences between the United States and France. Some of these are simply social and others are cultural. Hofstede’s Value Dimensions can be used to highlight the differences between the cultures. Individualism vs collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, power distance, and long-term vs short-term orientation are all characteristics that differ between France and the United States.

“The Power and the Glory: Myths of American Exceptionalism” by Howard Zinn brings light to American exceptionalism which is the perception that the United States differs from other countries. He starts off by providing an example of when this idea of exceptionalism started; using the phrase a “city upon a hill” creates an image of liberty and democracy in which others can look to as an example. This image is slandered when the morality of past actions such as the massacres of Native American villages throughout the country are brought into the picture. Conquering territory and the mistreatment of the occupants who choose to resist are constant throughout history. The justification that goes into expansion is seen as “divinely ordained”; such

American Exceptionalism is a term used to define the ideal that America is far superior to all other countries. It has been used to justify unfair actions and used to cover up flaws. Children are taught from a young age that America is the model country, and the people living there can do no wrong. In school, each bad thing that America has done in history is skimmed over, yet the accomplishments and victories are taught in great detail. For years, Americans have hid behind the phrase American exceptionalism as a way to not only avoid taking responsibility for their actions but to not push themselves to be better, as they already consider themselves perfect. The concept of this exceptionalism impedes the progress and evolution of mankind as they give up caring and trying to better themselves.

America is a country where individuals are able to find their own niche within their community, to connect with other individuals with common beliefs, and to have an American identity without losing their own roots. One of the reasons why America is what it is today is because of how its history was started and founded. Ever since its discovery, people from different continents such as Africa, Europe, and Asia have immigrated to America for various reasons, allowing America to be ethnically diverse. Throughout the world, cultural diffusion occurs; however, in America, cultural diffusion has been part of the country’s culture since the colonial era. For example, the colonies in America did not only interact with their mother country,

The United States is an immense country, with many residents and citizens descending from immigrants who have influenced many customs, traditions, behaviors and ways of life. Unlike many old world nations, the United States does not have a homogenous population or a traditional homeland. However, American culture can be interpreted as being largely based in Western Europe with influences from the Native Indians, Africans, Asians, and elsewhere.

From a young age, Americans are taught to believe that their country is superior to any other nation. For example, students recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day, pledging loyalty to a flag with what seem like meaningless words for years until they realize just how significant “the pledge” is. The nature parallels those of oppressive societies, such as the Nazi Regime.

While some find us arrogant, condescending and imperialistic, those who have come to join us in America find that there is some truth in the notion that our country is unique. Nowhere else is the freedom to express and improve yourself so widespread, and no other country welcomes those seeking that freedom so openly. Assimilation to our culture is not forced, but it is the rare individual who does not welcome it once they are here. Many people consider themselves to be the best humans on the planet, or maybe the only ones chosen by their god to succeed, but nobody can claim to be as powerful and prosperous as Americans are. To us the idea of American Exceptionalism is not propaganda or a myth; it is the understanding that the only way to the make the most of oneself is to have the freedom to do so.

Throughout the course of American history, how the population chose to act and react when in various situations gradually developed the idea of American “exceptionalism,” in the process bringing out both the best and worst in American society. Acts such as the mistreatment of the Native Americans showed how American supremacy came across as arrogant at times; events such as the terrorist attacks of 9/11 showed how American “exceptionalism” has the ability to bring a society together during times of hardship.

Ethnocentrism is defined as, “having or based on the idea that your own group or culture is better or more important than others.” Society is impacted by everything from media exposure to political agendas. A good example of this can be found in America’s recent history with countries in the Middle East. Issues ranging from energy and oil to a campaign against terrorism have created strained relationships between the United States and countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. As a result, it is nearly impossible to watch an evening news program on American television that does not contain a story related to current events in the Middle

Ethnocentrism is separating distinctive societies built upon their standards and lessons set in their own particular reasoning. The various ethnocentric practices historically used by the United Stated that have developed to prejudicial attitudes towards other cultures or groups of people because the United States is a rich country compared to the different country in the world. we consider voyaging abroad, it is beneficial for us to perceive that non-Americans may assess some of our treasured methods for getting things done as wrong, not simply extraordinary. At the point when this happens, please try to remain arranged to react in a charitable and patient way. One good thing that leaves this when it transpires is that it makes us more delicate

When comparing cultures, one must form a definition of what culture is. Culture can be easily defined as the social behavior and normality’s found in human societies. It can also be easily made up of a composed arrangement of educated conduct and thought designs. Culture is a sorted out framework since it includes many parts. Throughout the world, there are many cultures that are both very different and also very similar. "Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, what we believe is right or wrong, how we sit at table, how we greet visitors, how we behave and one million other things." (Cristina De Rossi.)

Some would say that the U.S. centric history taught in public schools presents a one-sided perspective, encourages over-nationalism, and impedes U.S. foreign relations. Those who carry these beliefs have coined the term “Americentrism”. Americentrism is defined as “the idea or perceived bias to judge other cultures and nations by American standards or to center around America in news” (Rationalwiki). This in turn is derived from the concept of “ethnocentrism,” or the “idea of judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one’s own culture” (Wikipedia). One cannot deny that the United States centers everything it possibly can around itself. This includes everything from the nation’s curriculum taught in public schools to its day-to-day news. However, that is exactly what happens in every country across the globe. It is only normal for a country to center things around itself because its audience is its own population. This is not necessarily a negative thing either. The majority of people are not interested in the world as a whole. Instead, they want to know what is happening around them on a local, state or national level because that is what applies to them personally. In the case of the United States, there is a definite focus on all things American in the classroom, but due to numerous external and internal factors, the effects of this focus are negligible in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, that does not mean that people’s perspectives cannot be