TASK
1. What are the similarities or the differences between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism ?
Answer :
- The similarities between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism :
Both are means of judging other groups and their culture.
- The differences between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism :
Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge another culture by the standars of one's own culture. Ethnocentrism usually entails the notion that one's own culture is superior to everyone else's. Ethnocentrism on the
other hand is the extreme opposite of cultural relativism. The follower of this philosophy will happen not only to consider his or her culture the most supreme
of all but that person will judge other cultures by comparing these to his or
her specific culture. This notion falls in deep and sharp contrast to cultural
relativism which focuses on the better and unbiased understanding of other cultures
and the related values.
Cultural relativism is
considered to be more constructive and positive conception as compared to
ethnocentrism. It permits to see an individual’s habits, values and morals in
the context of his or her cultural relevance not by comparing it to one’s own
cultural values and by deeming these the most superior and greater of all.
2. Please give three examples of cultural shock ?
Answer :
Culture shock exactly means the impact you may feel when you enter a culture very different from one to which you are accustomed. A communication problem
that involves the frustrations that come with the lack of understanding; the
verbal and nonverbal communication of the new culture, it's customs and it's
value systems are only a few of the problems. The differences that
people may experience include lack of food, unacceptable standards of
cleanliness, different bathroom facilities and fear of personal safety.
examples :
1.
if you moved from
America to Mexico, you wouldn't be used to the way people greet one another,
and it would be hard to adapt. You would then be experiencing culture shock.
2. In Greece, for example, smiling when you meet someone for the
first time appears as a weakness. Many Greeks think that Americans smile too
much and therefore are weak, and many Americans think that the Greeks are too
stoic!! This is the opinion of a American of Greek descent, GB Tselentis.
3. Don't ever kiss an Indian.. There is no such provision for
kissing a person to greet him or her. It is considered as a sexual act.
