Example Of Ethnocentrism In American Culture

Ethnocentrism is defined by our tendency to judge other groups or cultures based upon our own standards establishing

Ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one’s own group. It’s a universal habit that ethnocentric individuals tend to compare and judge other cultural practices to be inferior. Ethnocentrism encourages the solidarity in groups; it creates the feeling of belonging and drives the individuals to build pride in the group. However, ethnocentrism hinders the understanding of the cooperation with other groups. With the sense of superiority, there is little incentive to interact with the inferior groups. While making generalization about the culture and customs of others, ethnocentric individuals aren’t being aware that they tend to make false assumptions regarding the cultural differences. Furthermore, extreme ethnocentrism is likely to

Someone can live in a multicultural society and fit very well. Ethnocentrism entails being centered or considering your own culture as right, and negatively evaluating other people’s cultural practices. One can avoid being ethnocentric by striking a balance between cultures and tolerating other groups with their cultures without judging them based on their practices. Civilization and education systems have contributed a lot in impacting knowledge of cultural relativism to the young generations. This has been a vital tool to fight ethnocentrism, for instance, being an immigrant in the United States, where there are different cultures, it can be challenging. I have encountered a lot of cultural shock in the process of adjusting. There is a lot of difference between my culture, and the American culture. I have had to adapt some values, and just tolerate other norms so I can fit in the American society, and live in harmony with

Webster’s dictionary defines ethnocentrism as “The tendency to evaluate other groups according to the values and standards of one's own ethnic group, especially with the conviction that one's own ethnic group is superior to the other groups.” When first reading this definition, one would naturally agree that ethnocentrism does exist in our world and society, often confusing it with patriotism. However, many do not realize that ethnocentrism is, has been, and continues to be a leading cause for violence in America. Different ethnic groups such as African Americans and Native Americans have suffered through years of violent crimes against them because of the white man’s ethnocentric views of themselves when compared with other races and

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.

Ethnocentricity is being centred on a specific ethnic group, usually one's own. An example of ethnocentricity in the public services is in training. Every public service member is taught to not let ethnocentric views affect their behaviour towards others. Currently there has been no media reporting’s of ethnocentricity within the UK public services.

Ethnocentrism is the attitude held by the members of a culture that theirs is the only true, right, and best way to view and act in the world.

Macionis defines ethnocentrism as “The practice of judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture”. An example of this is the way some Americans criticize traditional Middle Eastern veils as being oppressive to the women who wear them. In American culture, clothing is valued as a way to express yourself and wearing revealing clothing is generally accepted as a way to show off sex appeal. When Americans see a woman walking down the street wearing a burka, hijab, or niqab they might assume that it is because they are being oppressed or are ashamed of their body. In actuality, many women choose to wear a veil as a way to demonstrate modesty, a trait highly valued in Middle Eastern culture. This misunderstanding demonstrates how people with an ethnocentric outlook judge the cultures of others by what is considered normal in their own culture.

This article elaborately explains the process of becoming culturally competent. It states the stages of development as Denial, Defense, Minimization, Acceptance, Adaptation, and Integration, respectfully. The article goes in depth on each stage of development, the first three being stages in what is termed “ethnocentrism” and the last three being stages of “ethnorelativism”. While the different stages are being discussed, the author presents examples of each and emphasizes the fact that American’s are not the only people who go through these stages when becoming more culturally competent.

Ethnocentrism:(late 15th century). Individuals judge other groups relative to their own based on langue behavior customs and religion. When the Spaniards came to the new worlds they saw that the natives were more advanced in agriculture. The natives also had a different customs and languages. Ethnocentrism, or the idea of it, placed natives in forced labor and segregated them based on their customs.

Along with understanding social comparison, we must first understand social categorization. Social categorization aids us in expecting how other people should act, and how they should carry themselves. This goes into ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is people looking at others and judging them, because they are different from their own. In a research study by, Terry F. Pettijohn II of Coastal Carolina University and Ginny M. Naples of Youngstown State University, they define ethnocentrism as “Many Americans are ignorant of the various cultural differences and similarities that exist within our society and in the rest of the world. In addition to this lack of knowledge, Americans also possess varying degrees of beliefs of cultural superiority, otherwise referred to as ethnocentrism.” This happens so often on college campuses. We often judge other people and their actions,

The United States of America was founded on July 4, 1776. Seeking a life free of the British Government, a host of immigrants founded a new nation. Because the United States was created by the migration of people from various parts of the world, it is sometimes described as a “melting pot.” Along with their personal possessions, these immigrants brought their respective cultures and traditions as they meshed together into a new society. Despite being categorized together as citizens of the same country, the independent traditions and lifestyles of humankind have created challenges throughout history. It is important for Americans to share a sense of pride, patriotism and loyalty. Equally important, however, is the need for respect regarding differences and individualism. Ethnocentrism is a barrier between understanding culture and diversity.

Western ethnocentrism is a major reason for divisions amongst members of different ethnicities races and religious groups in society. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary ethnocentric individuals believe that the are better then other individuals for reasons based solely on their heritage, this practice is related to problems of both racism and prejudice. While many people may recognize the problems of ethnocentrism, they may often fail to recognize that ethnocentrism occurs everywhere and everyday at both political and social levels. To solidify the definition of ethnocentrism, looking at the present day politics of the United States is helpful. Ethnocentric discourses can be applied to examples and attitudes of the issue of the Western perception of the Middle East.

A concept that has helped me to understand the social world is ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is defined as the attitude that one 's own culture is the best and others are inferior. On the micro level, it is now clear to me that I have demonstrated ethnocentrism in my dealings with individuals and this might account for some of the problems that have come about in individual friendships. On the macro level, ethnocentrism has helped me to understand why world peace is so elusive.

When thinking of cultural identity I see myself as, a mixed latina-caucasian, middle class Christian. The things I do in my everyday life reflects off of what I was taught in my early stages of life. Learning morals to what is right and wrong. Also learning to how to be a women and to be ladylike. With also learning and how to apply my religion in my everyday life. Being a Christian I believe there is one God and that is Jesus. I believe God sent down his only son to sacrifice himself for us the people. Also growing up I have heard how different religions is wrong. For example, the Catholic faith. I was told the Catholic religion believe in three Gods. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. The Catholic religion also pray in the Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit. Being a Christian I was taught there was only one name to pray in and that is in Jesus name. This affects my everyday life because the way I act, speak, dress affects my religion and morals that were given to me since birth. Being ethnocentric I believe my religion is correct. I know it correct because I follow the Bible. What I give off to people is a representation of that. On the other hand, I do believe all religions are correct in their own way. They were taught the same things I was taught, but just in different ways. I do feel like who am I to say there religion is incorrect. It is not my place it is Gods place. This is the part where I am also polycentric. With me being