Wow I’ve disappeared for a while! Well peeps, I am back so read on.

 

Ethnocentrism [eth-noh-sen-triz-uhm]
–noun
1. Sociology . the belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture.
2. a tendency to view alien groups or cultures from the perspective of one’s own.

I want to take a look at this topic closer because now that I work in a multi-cultural environment, I get to see this happen more often than before. I mean really? What year is it anyway? You would think that at this day and age, people would be much more open and educated to avoid this way of thinking? Well you’re wrong, and so am I.

I remember sitting in my Cultural Psychology class back in college and thought, “ethnocentrism? there is no way that that still exist!”

The only difference is that it is happening in a much subtler way. All around us, wherever we are.

1
Too often do I hear, “Well they shouldn’t have been doing it like that. Look at the way we do it in our country, it’s the best and only way to go.” Well unfortunately sometimes it isn’t the best and it definitely isn’t the only way to go. Many people forget about variables, or just the simple fact that other cultures are different. You can’t expect someone from a completely different culture to accept an new ideology with open arms. It’s not that easy (i.e. introducing Democracy in the centralized countries).

2
As simple as, “Wow, them people are weird. Why are they acting like that? That’s so stupid!” Least to say this statement is completely shallow. I have learned that individuals who have not traveled or have been exposed to other cultures often seem to not be able to accept the fact that there are other cultures around the world. People do things differently. Just accept it, no need to criticize it, let alone degrade their social status.

What else can we really do. I mean, really. How many multicultural events will it take until everyone accepts the fact that we are living in a multicultural society?

The most dangerous part is ethnocentrism in children. Why? Because it leads to bullying. Children are much more expressive of their opinions, so what do you think children who believe in cultural superiority will do to immigrant children? More bullying.

It all goes back to ideology and beliefs, and I know that I’m naive to think that the world might be perfect one day.

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