Ethnocentrism in America - 1186 Words

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 â€Å"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. Ethnocentrism is defined as, â€Å"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 MiddleShow MoreRelatedEssay about Ethnocentrism: Race and Violence958 Words   |  4 Pagesdefines ethnocentrism as The tendency to evaluate other groups according to the values and standards of ones own ethnic group, especially with the conviction that ones 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. DifferentRead MoreEssay about Ethnocentrism968 Words   |  4 Pagesdefines ethnocentrism as â€Å"The tendency to evaluate other groups according to the values and standards of ones own ethnic group, especially with the conviction that ones 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. DifferentRead MoreEthnocentrism : The World s Leading Super Power1067 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is ethnocentrism, the definition is evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one s own culture. Which is broken down to mean the higher valuing of one’s self culture nature and origin compared to others. This can be expressed in action and words, as Americans we exude we are number one. As the world’s leading super power we have become full of our self and almost to the point of narcissism. All over the world people flock to our shoresRead More Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Essay example506 Words   |  3 PagesEthnocentrism and Cultural Relativism Ethnocentrism and cultural relativism are two contrasting terms that are displayed by different people all over the world. Simply put, ethnocentrism is defined as â€Å"judging other groups from the perspective of one’s own cultural point of view.† Cultural relativism, on the other hand, is defined as â€Å"the view that all beliefs are equally valid and that truth itself is relative, depending on the situation, environment, and individual.† Each of these ideasRead MoreEthnocentrism: Culture and Social Integration Essay example725 Words   |  3 PagesEthnocentrism Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at the world primarily from the perspective of ones own culture. Ethnocentrism often bring about the belief that ones own race or ethnic group is the most important and/or are superior to those of other groups. Ethnocentrism can have both a positive and negative effect in one’s personal life. â€Å"On the positive side, it creates in-group loyalties. On the negative side, ethnocentrism can lead to discrimination against people whose ways differRead MoreEthnocentrism As Defined By The Osu Department Of Anthropology984 Words   |  4 PagesEthnocentrism, as defined by the OSU Department of Anthropology, is â€Å"an attitude that is centered on one’s own culture, values, and ways of acting and thinking †¦[and] may lead to unfair criticism of other cultures† (Rosenburger 8). Ethnocentrism is a natural response for people who experience or become immersed in a culture where values, customs, and shared practices are differe nt from their own. It is the difficulty or inability to understand other ways of acting, thinking, or feeling; when oneRead MoreThe Human Race Essay1669 Words   |  7 Pagesconflicts, genocide and hate crimes, holy wars and threats of global war happening every day. What is the underlying cause of such passionate dislike, mistrust and an obsessive need to dominate and control other people? This paper will look at Ethnocentrism, its elements, its motivation and its influence, if any, as a catalyst for violence. Total world peace is an elusive unicorn in many ways for the human race. Even in the absence of physical war, there is always a competitive motivation betweenRead MoreComparing Stereotyping And Ethnocentrism1557 Words   |  7 PagesStereotyping and ethnocentrism both have concepts that are intertwined in some type of way in society. Both concepts of stereotyping and ethnocentrism has been identified as being superior, dogmatic, bigotry, and can be harmful and hurtful to the human spirit. Although stereotyping and ethnocentrism attitudes are different in ways of harmfulness, but they are both problems in our society today, and that needs to be addressed and brought to attention. In this essay, it targets to explain and makeRead MoreStereotyping And Ethnocentrism1565 Words   |  7 Pages Cultural Communication values and Communication Challenges in Muslims Stereotyping and ethnocentrism both have concepts that are intertwined in some type of way in society. Both concepts of stereotyping and ethnocentrism has been identified as being superior, dogmatic, bigotry, and can be harmful and hurtful to the human spirit. Although stereotyping and ethnocentrism attitudes are different in ways of harmfulness, but they are both problems in our society today, and that needs to be addressed andRead MoreRemarks Concerning The Savages Of North America, By Benjamin Franklin1176 Words   |  5 PagesFrom its title, â€Å"Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America, to its end, Benjamin Franklin’s essay uses satire to how that the Indians are anything but savage. Franklin’s satire uses humor to make readers question the way whites view and treat the Indians. He begins his essay saying, Savages we call them, because their manners differ from ours, which we think the perfection of civility; they think the same of theirs(Franklin476). H e goes on to illustrate the absurdity of thinking Euro-American