Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism
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Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism is a concept that is used to express a cultural phenomenon that judges a person based on preconceived ideas about their culture; a person feels that their culture, religion, or race is superior or more important as compared to others (Bizumic & Duckitt, 2012). Living in the current world, I have experienced a couple of instances ethnocentrism. This paper will expound on one of my encounters with an ethnocentric situation in an attempt to explain the subject.
Immigration has seen many people from the world over make the U.S their place of residence. I once had an opportunity of a one on one interact with a Pakistani immigrant who talked about some of their religious customs. The immigrant lady strongly believed that American women are not modest since they do not observe ‘purdah’ which is a practice by Islam women to “cover their bodies” using special garments to “conceal their form” (Yusuf, 2014). This as an ethnocentric judgment where the lady compares the American women cultural beliefs with hers and assets that hers is the conventionally agreed conduct that all women should uphold.
Ethnocentrism blinds people from judging the world from an objective point of view. When a particular religion worships in a specific way should not be a factor to dismiss the other faiths as incorrect due to a divergence in practices. Ethnocentric believes hinder national cohesion and in some cases increase crime rates globally.

Some people take advantage of feeling that other communities are wrong in their practices and hence act against the groups by perpetuating hate speech crimes or even terrorist attacks (Njoroge & Kirori, 2014).
In conclusion, ethnocentrism is a significant setback to appreciating cultural diversity which is vital in ensuring world unity and cohesion. As stated in this essay, ethnocentrism can not only lead to crime but also an unfair judgment of individuals. It is essential for governments to advocate for the wider ecumenism so that people can relate without the fear of being prejudiced due to religion, culture, and race among other forms of discrimination.
References
Bizumic, B., & Duckitt, J. (2012). What Is and Is Not Ethnocentrism? A Conceptual Analysis and Political Implications. Political Psychology, 33(6), 887-909.
Njoroge, M. W., & Kirori, G. N. (2014). Ethnocentrism: Significance and effects on Kenyan society. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 8(9), 356-367.
Yusuf, H. E. (2014). Purdah: A Religious Practice or an Instrument of Exclusion, Seclusion and Isolation of Women in a Typical Islamic Setting of Northern Nigeria. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(1), 238-245.