Culture and Ethnocentrism Essay - 672 Words

Ethnocentrism By Richanda L. Brown SSCI210-1204A-06 AIU 8-30-2012 Abstract This paper will evaluate the movie The Stoning of Soraya M. and discuss the effect of ethnocentrism on individuals, societies, and multinational corporations. This paper will provide a comprehensive overview of ethnocentrism and focus on the cultural observations made based on cultural experience. Ethnocentrism Introduction Our text defines ethnocentrism as the practice of judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture. (Macionis, 2012). This means that sometimes the way we view certain practices and beliefs of other cultures is determined by what we are accustomed to in our own cultures. The result of ethnocentrism is assuming the†¦show more content†¦Although there are consequences for these actions, such as divorce, none are as brutal as death. In some cases, American couples even choose to stay together after one party has been unfaithful. However, according to this movie, infidelity is unforgivable. Also, I was puzzled that the trial for the woman was only open to the men of the village. These men were to include, her husband, who was the accuser, her father, who despised her, and the town mullah, who had tried to make an advance on her (to no avail) shortly after she was accused. In this country, no matter what the crime, an accused individual is always enti tled to a fair trial with an unbiased jury. In short, this was definitely not a fair trial. Throughout this film, the audience is constantly reminded of the superiority of men in this culture. This is displayed in the trial, the punishment she wrongly received, and her husband’s disregard for the well being of their daughters, only the sons. Furthermore, the infidelity of the woman’s husband is overlooked and viewed as acceptable in Iranian culture. Although men and women are not always treated as equals in American culture, it is not likely that the misbehavior of a man in marriage is going to be treated any different than if the woman misbehaves in the marriage. These customs are widely accepted and practiced in Iranian culture and considered the norm. Being astonished by the actions and practices of this culture is theShow MoreRelatedCulture and Ethnocentrism1439 Words   |  6 PagesAre we limited in knowledge, in imagination, and in understanding by the cul ture we grow up in? In other words, are we ethnocentric, and if so is it a bad thing? To answer that, one must understand what ethnocentrism is. According to Macionis (2004), ethnocentrism is the practice of judging another culture by the standards of ones own culture. We are not born with culture; culture is a socially learned behavior, or set of values that a given groups holds as a norm and are considered to beRead 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. 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S Own Culture Essay1731 Words   |  7 PagesETHNOCENTRISM Ethnocentrism is a basic attitude expressing the belief that one?s own ethnic group or one?s own culture is superior to other ethnic groups or cultures, and that one?s cultural standards can be applied in a universal manner. The term was first used by the American sociologist William Graham Sumner (1840?1910) to describe the view that one?s own culture can be considered central, while other cultures or religious traditions are reduced to a less prominent role. Ethnocentrism is closelyRead MoreIs Ethnocentrism The Basic Principle When Engaged Within A Culture Diverse Practice?971 Words   |  4 Pagesbelieve that avoiding ethnocentrism is the basic principle when engaged in a culture diverse practice. While social worker engage in an effective practice, they also have potential to do harm(Chenoweth and Maculiffe 2015,P58). 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My objectives for the presentation is to explain how you can avoid ethnocentrism in the imaging department and to also explain how ethnocentrism can lead to stereotyping and how this can further have a negative impact on the department. I want to begin by discussing some general definitions so that you have a better understand of the topics that I am going to discuss. I think it is important to begin by defining the definition of culture. As weRead MoreEssay about Ethnocentrism And Cultural Relativity551 Words   |  3 Pagesto understand another culture, especially, in New York City where we live in a society that is rapidly changing. The City has increasingly brought people of various cultures, to interact closer with each other. This interaction can be either positive or negative depending on the level of sensitivity and respect people have for other culture groups. These two types of behaviors are related to two important concepts known as ethnocentrism and cultural relativity. 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Ethnocentrism is a natural response for people who experience or become immersed in a culture where values, customs, and shared practices are different from their own. It is the difficulty or inability to understand other ways of acting, thinking, or feeling; when one