Ethnocentrism

On a day to day basis, many people in the world are judged because of their racial or ethnic group. They are seen as different because of the way they act, look, or speak. These judgments can come from ethnocentrism, which is the tendency to assume that one's own culture and way of life represent the norm or are superior to others. (Schaefer) Prejudices, a negative attitude toward an entire category of people, can grow from ethnocentrism.(Schaefer)

Ethnocentrism can often lead to racism because people do not understand others culture because it is not like there own. Many people assume that their culture is the only one, and anything that differs from it is out of the ordinary. This leads people to judge cultures other than their own because they see something that is different. Since there is a difference it can lead to negative remarks or actions.

Children are often taught when they are small the culture, values, and teachings of their society. However, they are often not educated on the other cultures that exist in the world. When these children grow up they are faced with a melting pot of different cultures in which they do not understand. Since they encounter so many different values of other races as they get older, they may be quick to judge because it is something that their culture does not do.

When people travel the country, they often encounter ethnocentrism. Usually, cultures in different parts of the world can be widely different from the ones that they are used to in their home country. Often, people will compare their culture to the ones that they are visiting and think that there culture is the way of life. They believe that the other culture is wrong, and the aspects of their culture are the true and right ones to follow. They feel that their culture is the superior one. However, traveling throughout the world can help people build a stronger culture and learn from the ones that they visit so that they can incorporate some of the things they saw into their own.

Ethnocentrism is a hard concept to over come, but actions can be taken to prevent it. If children were taught at a young age about the different cultures in the world, they may not be quick to judge. Racism and prejudices could be overlooked and not even begin to develop. Also, if more people had the opportunity to travel throughout the world, they could become more aware of the different values and teachings of other cultures. Seeing how different societies function could help them to understand that their culture is not the only one that is right or important. It is a hard ideal to achieve, but if effort was taken, then it could become a big step in ridding the world of racism.