Abstract The paper discusses the recent suggestion by a black university professor in Toronto that a special school for just for black students is necessary to combat inherent racism is the inevitable result of well-intentioned but ineptly managed multicultural policy. The paper contends that the idea that racism could be lessened by a segregated educational system is perhaps the ultimate example of what is wrong with the current culture. The paper maintains that Canada has become more a Babel of ethnocentric, solipsistic and racist enclaves, pampered by a guilty white liberal elite, than a truly multicultural or liberal community.
This paper analyzes the problems and misunderstandings that arise due to ethnocentric views of other cultures while also examining cultural relativity, a theoretical stance which opposes that of ethnocentrism.
Abstract The writer of this paper defines the term ethnocentrism as a means to make assumptions or judgments about other cultures from one's own point of view. This paper details the various problems that an ethnocentric view presents when dealing with different cultures. The writer describes one particular example relating to the Hopi Indians. The ethnocentric view was prevalent that the language of the Hopi Indians was inferior to English as it did not have any words for time. This led to the assumption that the Hopi Indians were primitive and less advanced as a civilization, which resulted in the treatment of the Indians on the basis of an assumed inferiority. This paper also examines more serious examples of ethnocentrism, which can be seen in Africa, in which ethnic assumptions of inferiority or superiority led to the horrific genocide in Rwanda. The writer of this paper discusses the ethnocentric views that were prevalent in Nazi Germany. This paper also examines cultural relativity, which is a theoretical stance in direct opposition to that of ethnocentrism. This view emphasizes that cultures are a product of different historical experiences and that these differences should be respected.
From the Paper "Examples of the problems and misunderstandings that ethnocentric attitudes can engender are numerous in recent history. For example, the view was prevalent that the language of the Hopi Indians was inferior to English as it did not have any tenses or words for time. This led to the assumption that the Hopi Indians were somewhat primitive and less advanced as a civilization. Subsequently, this led to the treatment of the Indians on the basis of an assumed inferiority. Later the cultural assumption that the Hopi did not have words for time was proven to be incorrect. Another example refers to the differences in perception, which are seen from an ethnocentric point of view as a sign of inferiority. An example is the different perceptions of color by the Intuit Indians."
Tags: culture, conflict, war, nazi, rwanda, africa, perception, theory
Abstract ?We aimed for no more than to have dominion over every creature that moved upon the earth.? These words, spoken by Orleanna Price, wife of missionary Nathan Price, serves as a precise outlook on the "unmissionary" view of ethnocentrism in Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible". The paper shows that, throughout the novel, Kingsolver emphasizes the rampant ethnocentrism that occurred from 1959 through the early 1960s in the Congo. Ethnocentrism reflects the belief that one's culture is superior to all other cultures and that their culture is the only culture to live by. The paper shows how the character of Nathan Price, Methuselah, the Parrot, and Nathan's demonstration garden are all symbolic and supportive of the novel's central theme of ethnocentrism.
From the Paper "Methuselah, the Parrot, is symbolic of the doomed Republic of Congo, as the vulnerable nation is predated by the U.S. in its ethnocentric efforts to "right the wrongs" of the elected government of the Congo. Methuselah is denied freedom for most of his life, and while he is kept in a cage and fed by humans, he loses the ability to fend for himself. Even after Nathan sets him free, Methuselah continues to stay close to the house he has been accustomed to, dependent on humans for food, also sleeping in their latrine at night, for fear of predators. Inevitably, Methuselah is caught by a cat and killed."
Abstract For many years, moral philosophy has been dominated by universalist and particularist ideas, both of which offer some important insights into social relationships of all kinds. Universalism is best summarized by the image of the American ?melting pot,? which suggests that over time, individuals in a multicultural society tend to share more values, beliefs, and behaviors than not. Ethnocentrism, in contrast, is understood as a particularist view in which differences rather than similarities are valued. This research report argues that, in some cultures, there is a link between universalistic perspectives on moral issues and ethnocentrism. This is because what becomes a universal belief or value in a culture tends to represent the views of the majority group within that culture. Majority groups are shown to be essentially ethnocentric and likely to impose their views on all subgroups within society.
From the Paper "Immanuel Wallerstein believes that there are multiple universalisms which do not necessarily have equal weight and place. The existence of multiple universalisms is seen by Wallerstein as creating a world in which multiple identities and group affiliations is inescapable. Religion is one of the unifying forces within and across societies, but it is hardly alone in exerting a major influence on in and out group. Nationality and culture, a noted above, are equally influential, but Wallerstein suggests that the history of the past two decades has taught us never to underestimate the normative and political influence exerted by religion itself."
Abstract This paper examines the ethnocentrism of universalism including topics of particularism and essentialism. The author points out the moral philosophy of universalism and its supposition that certain human behaviors are always and everywhere acceptable or unacceptable. The paper explains why ethnocentrism can discriminate against a behavior while universalism cannot.
From the Paper "For many years, moral philosophy has been dominated by universalist and particularist ideas, both of which offer some important insights into social relationships of all kinds. Universalism is best summarized by the ..."
Abstract The paper shows how generalizations about the features of culture will always have traces of ethnocentrism or prejudice. The paper discusses how culture is ultimately subjective and inter-subjective. The paper explains that culture and definitions of culture are ultimately created by individuals that will have some form of prejudice influencing their arguments.
From the Paper "Culture is one of the most commonly used terms in anthropology and sociology. However, there is a great deal of disagreement about the nature of culture. Researchers even have difficulty in defining culture effectively. For example, in "Theories of Culture" Roger M Keesing argues, that the concept of culture currently has no meaning because definitions used to describe it are either too narrow or too broad (Keesing 1974: 73)."
Abstract This paper looks at effects of ethnocentrism in American society. It discusses the ways in which symbolic interactionism served to bind and bond Americans in steps that helped the country move beyond the social and economic pitfalls that have, for instance, seen socialism and communism fall in other governments around the world. The paper specifically discusses how Americans celebrate and turn to symbolic interactionism in crisis and how symbolic interactionism has put America at the forefront of world philanthropy, change and in building a global community.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Cultural Relativism
Stereotypical America
Culture Shock
From the Paper "The cultural shock with which Americans met Kennedy's participation in Vietnam, the recent near demise of the Catholic Church in America, and, with the events of 9/11 the resentment towards Americans from countries around the world; has served to bring about change in the way Americans perceive themselves. As is typical of American symbolic interactionism, they are coming together to bring about change on their home front and for the first time in American history, a black man and a woman have a very good chance of becoming the next American president."
Abstract This paper examines the American immigration contradiction, in light of both intersectionality and essentialism, through the use of three related terms: xenophobia, assimilation, and ethnocentrism. The paper describes xenophobia as the fear and hatred of immigrants and compares it to ethnocentrism, which is explained as one group of people believing that they are superior to other groups. Assimilation is described as the process by which immigrant groups are absorbed into the larger culture of the United States despite these evident contradictions and obstacles to add to the culture at large.
From the Paper "The United States has always been considered to be a country where certain freedoms from discrimination and persecution are offered to a constantly-changing immigrant community which, as it is assimilated into the larger culture, changes this culture at the same time, creating a cycle of both intersectionality and diversity. At the same time, however, immigration policy can be seen to be contradictory because this consideration is countered by the dual anti-essentialist consideration that often treats immigrants as a threat to what are perceived as American values, and thus is often responsible for creating discriminatory policy. This treatment is frequently based on anti-essentialism as it is propounded in the mass media and asks that the immigrant role-play to meet stereotyped predetermined intuitions."
Abstract This paper discusses the problems of ethnocentricity and cultural baggage in anthropology using the huge difference in Mead and Freeman's research on adolescence in Samoa as an example.
From the Paper "One of the cornerstones of anthropological thinking is the idea that in studying a society it is important not to judge it by our own standards but to try to understand it from its members? cultural viewpoint. By avoiding ethnocentricity we see the irrelevance of comparing or, even worse, ranking societies by how "westernised" they are (for example GNP, cars per capita, literacy rates etc). However, even if we can get past the "we are right, they are wrong" view of other societies, it is impossible to completely put aside our own cultural upbringing and preconceptions. Geertz (1988) states that, however much one tries, it is impossible for an anthropologist's writing to escape the influence of his/her social and educational background. This "cultural baggage" may not be obvious to an audience with a similar background but as the author's own society changes it becomes more obvious. Evans-Pritchard, in his work with the Azande, was one of the first anthropologists to make a deliberate effort to understand the validity of his subjects? beliefs and practices from their cultural viewpoint but to a modern reader his colonial era attitudes and prejudices are clear. Even something as fundamental as language forms part of our cultural baggage."
Abstract Author John Esposito makes the important point that there is no monolithic quality in resurgent Islam, a fact which is demonstrated well by the doctrinal differences between Sunni and Shia Islam. The West applies an ethnocentric perspective of Islam and portrays the religion and culture through its own values. Moreover, the West exploits the image of terrorists and tries to label the entire Islamic community with the terrorist brush. Notwithstanding this Western ignorance, however, the fact remains that Islamic revivalism is an attempt by Muslims to stop the Westernization of their own societies; it is not a militant or aggressive movement seeking to threaten the Western world.
Abstract This paper explains that the parallelism between the Germans and Americans in their fight to keep a race not only down but also tortured is profound; both countries harbored feelings of ethnocentrism, believing that their own race was superior to others. The author points out that people argue that America's treatment of its minorities would never result in genocide; however, Americans must remember that, even though their discrimination may not appear to be as extreme, it is still victimizing African-Americans and minorities: Minorities in America still do not have the same opportunities as the white man. The paper concludes that education is the only thing that will eliminate ignorance and allow a peaceful ending for Americans.
From the Paper "For centuries in Europe the Jews have been discriminated against by Christians. All of it stems from a difference in religious beliefs and actions. According to many scholars of anti-Semitism, "In the minds of anti-Semites, Jews represent mysterious, mythical, and evil forces; are all-powerful; and play a sinister role in world history" (Microsoft Encarta "Holocaust" 1). Furthermore, some Christians blamed the Jews for crucifying Jesus Christ. The Bible of the Christians teaches that the purpose of Jesus Christ was to come and take the sins of the world as his own and be the ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, there is not any rational thought in being upset at the Jews because they were only fulfilling prophecy. These Christians were using the Bible when it was convenient for them and not being thorough in their research."
Abstract Today, a new "virtual culture" is emerging that transcends local and regional cultural boundaries. This virtual culture is both being generated and sustained through the application of new technologies. Proponents of such a virtual transcendence tend to exhibit a form of cyberspace ethnocentrism, which has been termed "cybercentrism". While the advocates of such a virtual culture emphasize its advantages for the typical consumer, critics point to the negative consequences this process is having on the digital have-nots. This paper provides an overview and analysis of the trends in marketing that are making important changes in the way products and services are researched, developed, designed, manufactured, packaged, advertised and ultimately brought to market and sold, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Prior to the introduction of e-commerce, consumers were largely restricted in their shopping options to brick-and-mortar establishments, catalog sales, farmers markets and traveling salesmen. However, even small business can now effectively compete with the larger corporations on almost every level. The advantages provided by e-commerce mean that it may be possible to offer products and services at lower prices, or to offer products and services that could not be offered before because of the change in cost dynamics. Taylor notes that these processes are not being applied to automobile manufacturing as well. Citing J.D. Power III (founder of the consulting company that bears his name): "Car dealers may go the way of other local retailers in groceries, home appliances, travel, and a host of other businesses." "
Abstract A historical perspective clarifies the concept's significance and its development through changing anthropological views of the world's peoples. The film "Smoke Signals" focused upon the anthropological issues of ethnography, ethnocentrism and cultural relativism of Native Indigenous people in order to bring a new culture concept to life.
From the Paper It's A Good Day to be Indigenous Anthropology relies upon the culture concept which is a starting point for understanding human experience regardless of sub-discipline specialization or theoretical orientation A historical perspective clarifies the concept's significance and its development through changing anthropological views of the world's peoples Whitten The best example of an Anthropological film which caused major changes in the public views of America's contemporary indigenous cultures was Smoke Signals In the course of their travels in this film the stern and angry Victor showed the goofy gregarious
Abstract This paper explains that the use of torture is counter to the U.S. constitution; however, American ethnocentrism, which includes the beliefs that the country represents all that is good and decent and honorable and that freedom and the American way of life must be defended at all costs tend to underscore the acceptance of the use of torture in the case of preventing terrorism. The author believes that the White House response to photos of young military personnel at Abu Graib prision sexually assaulting and humiliating prisoners was to imply that only a few poorly supervised bad apple MPs would do such things. The paper states that, although President Bush says publicly that the U.S. is committed to the worldwide elimination of torture as an inalienable human right, the Bush administration actually fosters and encourages torture.
From the Paper "Information and confessions obtained by torture are notoriously unreliable. People will say anything to escape the pain being inflicted upon them. Pain and fear are what torture is all about in tactics such as holding a person's head under water or wiring a mans hands, legs, and penis in order to deliver electric shocks. The people who are tortured are not necessarily guilty either. Many haven't even been charged. When Congress watched 1800 slides and several videos (three hours worth) of Abu Ghraib Prison, they saw American soldiers sexually assault prisoners with chemical light sticks."
Tags: military, administration, ethnocentrism, constitution, bush
Abstract The paper explores the challenges of inter-cultural communication and outlines the ways in which becoming proficient at reaching those from a different cultural tradition contributes to individual and organizational success. The paper defines terms such as culture, inter-cultural communication, enculturation, acculturation, ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. The paper concludes that inter-cultural dialogue is vital in a global economy that transcends national barriers.
From the Paper "To begin with, it is worth asking precisely what "culture" is. As many experts are quick to note, there is no standard definition of culture, per se. However, a "working" definition of the concept holds that culture is "the system of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that the members of society use to cope with their world and with one another, and that are transmitted from generation to generation through learning" ("Module I: the Culture Concept", n.d., para.1). Another online source generally reiterates these points, but emphasizes also the "cumulative deposit of knowledge" lying at the heart of any culture and the fact that "hierarchies", "spatial relationships" and collective ontological/epistemological assumptions also define the thing people call "culture"."
