Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
A really interesting concept about this chapter was Ethnocentrism. I think that it is good to be proud to be who you are and where you are from. But this is the belief that one owns culture is superior to all others and the tendency to judge all cultures by one’s own culture (Trenholm, p.359). I agree that this concept is irrational and hinders people from thinking with an open mind and growing positively as people. Hitler and the country of
i too found the concept of ethnocentrism of interest of for a host of reason. i don't think it's even necessary to resort to extremes such as hitler, although it's a great example. i think of programming such as those found on the fox channel and some right wing republican who are talking heads on programs as folks who promulgate american ethnocentrism, the belief that american culture is better than any other. ethnocentrism, in my view, is the backbone of a lot of extremist ideology, including ideological premise of the enslavement of black and native peoples.
ReplyDeletethe rza, from wu tang clan is a 5 percenter(which is similar but different than black muslim ideology) 5 percenters believe in the superiority of the black man over all other men. i love the rza but i'm more conciliatory towards other ethnicities and cultures than 5 percenters.
Ohh thas awesome!...but my name is Ryzza and thats why im therza...loll...but i love the rza too...i didnt know he was a 5 percenter
ReplyDeleteHi Therza!
ReplyDeleteI also found the concept of ethnocentrism to be quite interesting. I do believe that one should be proud of who they are and where they come from but at the same time embrace and learn from other individuals and their cultures. The effects of ethnocentrism can be seen throughout the world today because of imperialism, genocide, and apartheid. It is a concept to which everyone should be familiar with and learn that people who are ethnocentric have wiped out millions of people throughout history. The ideological way of thinking that ones race or culture is better then the other has tainted even the American history. It is an interesting concept that leaves a sour taste in my mouth but is important to study and learn more about the effects of ethnocentrism so that we as humans don't allow many historical events to repeat themselves. I enjoyed reading your post this week, great job.
ryzza,
ReplyDeletewhen i finished my post i thought that your handle might actually be your name and you proved me right. gotta love it.
I also enjoyed your post about ethnocentrism. I do think that it is not always a negative thing. America is full of people from diffent cultures and places. Many of whom try very hard to assimilate by learning the language and dressing according to our standards. Often times the pressure to assimilate makes it impossible to hold on to our cultural beliefs because it makes us "different." In my own family, my grandfather purposfully did not teach his children spanish to avoid them having accents- which in Texas at that time made it difficult to find jobs. This has had repercussions on the subsequent generations as the language might very well be lost. A little bit of ethnocentrism might be necessary in environments where blending is expected.
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