Part 1 Topic: Prejudice and Discrimination
Define ethnocentrism.
Ethnocentrism is the idea of one being self-centered about his or her own culture or viewing it as superior to any other culture. Culture relativism is the idea of a culture varying from one society to another, what one believes to be good or bad define their moral standards (LeVine & Campbell, 1971).
How ethnocentrism can be both positive and negative for a culture
Positive: it is essential to be ethnocentric. It helps individuals to have a better understanding of their culture thus appreciate it. Ethnicity links individuals of a certain culture with their past (LeVine & Campbell, 1971).
Negative: it is not wrong for an individual to think that his culture is more remarkable than other people’s cultures. In the U.S, there is a multicultural culture, which requires that an individual respect different cultures. Such cultural diversity makes such people strong thus a powerful nation (LeVine & Campbell, 1971).
Ways that ethnocentrism can be combated or stopped.
Ethnocentrism separates us from understanding other people’s culture. However, we can combat it by recognizing and controlling it. This will enable us have a more balanced and valid understanding of other people’s experiences. This requires that we develop some skills in learning. It is paramount for people to change their ethnocentric views and perceptions, especially people living in a society such as the U.S where there is diverse cultures and religion. Cultural education is the main tool in such a situation. Educators must incorporate cultural education in the school system starting with the first generation. Such cultural literacy should aim at overriding the ethnocentric perceptions taught to children from birth (LeVine & Campbell, 1971).
Time when I made culturally biased assumptions
I have always assumed to be an acceptable act for an individual to carry out a scanning exercise of a file from either left to right or top to bottom. In the U.S, the on the spot of a switch is placed up whereas in countries like Australia, it is down. In Japanese, positioning an X means refusal, as opposed to acceptance.
Part two Sexism, Ageism, and Religion Length 3 to 4 paragraphs
Definition of hate speech
Hate speech is any from of communication that aims to express hatred towards a certain group. The communication is mostly intended to provoke violence. It is primarily an incitement to hate against a certain group of individuals drawn together by circumstances such as race, gender, religion, or sex. Hate speech can be referred to any communication form that is offensive in nature to race, religion or other minority groups (Whillock & Slayden 1995).
The First Amendment and the right to free speech. Is it legal for students to pass out flyers and T-shirts with anti-gay and lesbian slogans?
The first amendment does not protect advocating for violence in any way. Therefore, it is legal for students to use flyers and T-shirts with slogans of any nature. Unless the slogans are advocating for aggression, it becomes unlawful because any from of violence against any group or individual, is illegal. This is despite the fact that advocating for violence does not necessary consist of anti-gay slogans (Whillock & Slayden, 1995).
Is advocating violence against a social group legal?
It is illegal to attempt or to advocate for any form of violence against an individual or a group of people. This is because it leads to infringement of the rights and the freedom to express their grievances.
References
LeVine, R., A. & Campbell, D., T. (1971). Ethnocentrism: Theories of Conflict, Ethnic Attitudes, and Group Behavior. New York: John Wiley
Whillock, R., K. & Slayden, D. (1995). Hate speech. Michigan: Sage Publications
