Ethnorelativism in the Asian Community - Essay Example

Christmas in the Park at San Jose This year I had not planned to go to Christmas in the park at San Jose since there were persistent rumours that the park would be closed down due to budgetary issues of San Jose city. Christmas in the park is an annual event that brings together all San Jose residents and visiting tourists from all over the world to celebrate the Christmas spirit. After it was confirmed that the event was taking place this year, my mother asked me to join them in visiting the park. To my family, visiting the park is more of an annual tradition that helps us gets into the Christmas mood. I have very fond memories of the park with my family and friends who accompany me each year. The delicious hot chocolate from the vendors are my delight with the whipped cream and cherries. Over the years the park, the fun activities such as the carnival rides, display exhibits, ice-skating and others have made the event exciting and a must to attend. The truth of the matter is, I do not anticipate going to the park, but I find myself going back year after year. The park, for most San Jose residents, is their highlight of the year despite its overpriced fun. It is a common occurrence for a religious groups and cultures to view themselves superior to others, or simply to everyone. This is referred to as ethnocentrism; perception of one religion or culture being superior to others. It also refers to the “making of false assumptions about other’s ways based on our won limited experiences”. This notion is common among non-Western cultures who openly advertise that their cultures are superior to most. For these non-Western cultures, it is normal to assume so. However, Western cultures have converted the idea of ethnocentrism as a sin and their viewpoint is taken is the same light as individualism. As module four states, “Everybody is ethnocentric, as we are all led by our assumptions when judging others”. The moral high ground of Western cultures is in hindsight ethnocentrism (Booth 20). By taking a step outside of this situation one has to place their culture and region in the same context as other cultures and religions. Ethnocentrism’s goal is to separate the world into two opposing factions for the different religions; that is, us against them. The practice of ethnocentrism in a country such as the United States, individual groups are either friend or foes to the cause; superiority of an individual group. In short, ethnocentrism expounds on social differences and scholars describe it as prejudice broadly conceived. A practical example is the “handling of international relations, creating conflicts and inhibiting resolution of conflicts”. When two groups are in conflict, each group will view the conflict from a subjective standpoint and view the opposing group as threatening. America being the melting point of cultures should be a neutral place where everyone is able to express their individual cultures. However, this is not usually the case, as some cultures are naturally perceived to be superior to others. As with individuals, every culture has its own unique characteristics that differentiate them from the rest. These differences, nevertheless, are the reason for cultural conflicts that exist in society. Despite ethnocentrism being a negative trait, each individual has the capability to propagate ethnocentrism. Booth states that self-pride, and to a large extent cultural pride, increases the tendency of individuals to assume that their cultures are superior to others (49). These assumptions, as stated earlier, are due to their limited experiences in interacting with other cultures. The apartheid regime is South Africa is a modern example of the extent ethnocentrism can have on a country, and the world as a whole. In the Asian community, which I am a member; ethnocentrism ultimately becomes cultural imperialism; where one culture is exclusively promoted in one country. Countries such as China and Japan, throughout history, have believed that their cultural values were superior to those of foreigners. This led to the rise of various regimes, in the form of dynasties, which conquered neighbouring countries imposing their cultures (Booth 53). These imperial conquests sought to bring better and superior culture to inferior people. This trend, however, was halted by the colonization period of European powers. Colonization and civilization; another form of ethnocentrism, was grounded on the fact that European cultures were superior to Asian cultures. In this case, the Europeans propagated their ethnocentrism over other countries and continents. There are blatant cultural differences between Asian and American cultures. For example, Asian culture is driven by a collectivist mentality where group cooperation is highly prized. Americans, on the other hand, have an individualist mentality as Americans are taught how to be self-reliant since an early age. In terms of social status, Asians ascribe social status based on inherited characteristics while Americans base their social status on individual achievements. The differences between the two cultures are numerous but none is superior to the other. Ethnocentrism is a narrow view of the impact the Asian culture or the American culture has on individuals and their respective countries. America being the melting point of all cultures gives Americans the opportunity of experiencing new cultures and changing their inherent perception regarding the superiority of the American culture. Ethno-relativism or cultural relativism is often suggested as a cure to end ethnocentrism among cultures. Both refer to an individual or a group adapting to another culture to adopt a different perceptive of viewing the world. They are also able to adapt new behaviours that are appropriate to their new setting. Ethno-relativism helps ethnocentric individuals in viewing other cultures as equally viable ways of living (Booth 32). One might confuse ethno-relativism with assimilation but this is not the case. Assimilation involves individuals giving up their cultures for another. However, ethno-relativism does not encourage individuals to give up their value judgements. In conclusion, ethno-relativism helps individuals in viewing other religions from a new framework; different from their own. It is surprising to note that all religions promote solidarity, compassion, hospitality among other virtues but they are the primary source of ethnocentrism (Booth 31). With this insightful observation in mind, it should be our responsibility to accommodate diversity from other cultures. To better understand ourselves and our role in this world, we should first understand others. Work Cited Booth, Ken. Strategy And Ethnocentrism. New York: Holmes & Meier, 1979. Print. Read More