Ethnocentrism 民族优越感

Learning objectives

Knowledge:

you will be able to 

define ethnocentrism and identify examples of it in different cultures.

explain the negative consequences of ethnocentrism on individuals and society.

compare and contrast their own cultural beliefs and practices with those of other cultures.

Language Skills:

use appropriate language to discuss ethnocentrism and related concepts in oral and written communication.

engage in respectful dialogue with people from different cultural backgrounds, demonstrating an understanding of how language can be used to bridge cultural divides.

Awareness:

recognize your own biases and assumptions about other cultures and demonstrate an open-minded and curious attitude towards learning about different cultural perspectives.

reflect on how your cultural background has influenced your worldview and recognize the value of diversity in society.

develop empathy and respect for people from different cultures, demonstrating a commitment to building bridges across cultural divides.

视听材料

观看以下视频，阅读以下文本，了解什么是民族优越感。

What's up everyone! Ethnocentrism refers to judging other cultures by the standards of your own culture. It leads to seeing your culture as superior. 

Ethnocentrism stems from how we're all taught our way of life is the "preferred" and "natural" way. Other cultures seem foreign in comparison.

Common ethnocentric attitudes include:

- Most other cultures are backward compared to ours  

- Our culture should be the model for others

- Other cultures should be more like ours 

- People from other cultures don't know what's good for them

Ethnocentrism also shows up as lack of respect for other cultures' values and disinterest in understanding them.

In reality, there is no superior culture - beliefs and customs are cultural, not universal. Ethnocentrism leads to misunderstanding.

For instance, North Americans may see Singaporean customs of publicly criticizing wrongdoers as cruel public shaming. 

But to Singaporeans, avoiding confrontation is seen as enabling bad behaviour. Both make sense in cultural context. 

The antidote to ethnocentrism is cultural relativism - evaluating beliefs within their own context, not ours. 

Being aware of our inherent ethnocentrism allows us to view cultures through a lens of understanding, not judgment.

Let me know what you think! How does ethnocentrism show up in your culture? Looking forward to discussing this common bias.

阅读材料

以下pdf会帮助您理解民族优越感这个概念。

巩固练习

Multiple Choice Questions:

1 Which of the following best describes ethnocentrism?

a. The belief that one's own cultural group is superior to others

b. The belief that all cultures are equal in value

c. The belief that cultural differences are insignificant

d. The belief that cultural assimilation is necessary for a successful society

2 What are some negative consequences of ethnocentrism?

a. Increased understanding and respect for other cultures

b. Conflict and discrimination towards individuals from other cultures

c. Improved communication and collaboration across cultures

d. Increased economic growth and development

True or False Questions:

3 True or False: Ethnocentrism can lead to negative stereotypes and prejudice towards individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

4 Short Answer Question:

Describe one negative consequence of ethnocentrism and provide an example to support your answer.

参考答案

Here are the answers to the multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions about ethnocentrism:

Multiple Choice:

1. A 

Explanation: Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own cultural group is superior to others.

2. B

Explanation: Ethnocentrism can lead to conflict, discrimination, and misunderstanding between cultural groups. 

True/False:

3. True

Explanation: Ethnocentrism promotes negative stereotypes and prejudices about cultural groups that are seen as different from one's own.

4 Sample Answer: 

One negative consequence of ethnocentrism is misunderstanding or lack of effective communication across cultures. For example, an ethnocentric American business executive may struggle to negotiate effectively in China due to prejudiced assumptions about Chinese business norms and values. The executive's belief in the superiority of American practices hinders mutual understanding with the Chinese partners.

Prejudice 偏见

Learning Objectives:

Knowledge:

Define prejudice and its different forms

Identify the causes and consequences of prejudice

Recognize the impact of prejudice on individuals and society

Understand strategies to combat prejudice

Language Skills:

Improve vocabulary related to prejudice and discrimination

Practice reading comprehension and critical thinking skills

Develop discussion and presentation skills to express thoughts and ideas

Awareness:

Reflect on personal biases and assumptions

Appreciate diversity and the importance of inclusivity

Acknowledge the responsibility to combat prejudice and promote equality

These teaching objectives aim to improve your understanding of prejudice and its different forms, as well as to develop language skills related to reading comprehension, critical thinking, discussion, and presentation. Additionally, the objectives seek to raise your awareness of the importance of recognizing and addressing personal biases and promoting diversity and inclusivity.

阅读材料

以下pdf帮助您理解什么是偏见。

视听材料

Hey everyone! Today we're looking at prejudice - those unfair negative attitudes toward groups different from our own. 

Prejudice involves irrational dislike or suspicion of others based on surface-level things like race, religion, or sexual orientation.

For instance, someone prejudiced against immigrants may see them as dangerous or criminal, without any direct experience to justify that belief. 

Other forms of prejudice include biased perceptions not based on facts, and readiness to mistreat certain groups. 

At its core, prejudice stems from seeing differences as threats instead of opportunities to learn. It distorts reality.

Prejudice prevents us from seeing individuals. A person becomes just a stereotype in a prejudiced mind. 

The injustice of prejudice is that people have no chance to show their true character before being judged.

The path forward is replacing fear-based prejudice with openness, empathy, and getting to know people's diverse stories. 

What are your thoughts on prejudice? What can we do as a society to counter it? Looking forward to discussing this important issue.

巩固练习

Read the PDF above and finish the quiz below.

1 What is prejudice?

a. A positive attitude towards a group of people

b. A negative attitude towards a group of people based on preconceived notions

c. A neutral attitude towards a group of people

2 What are the different forms of prejudice?

a. Racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia

b. Wealth, intelligence, physical ability, attractiveness, and education

c. Dietary habits, fashion sense, and hobbies

3 What are the consequences of prejudice?

a. Discrimination, social exclusion, and violence

b. Economic prosperity, social acceptance, and positive relationships

c. Empathy, understanding, and friendship

4 What are some strategies to combat prejudice?

a. Education, awareness, and exposure to diverse perspectives

b. Segregation, isolation, and homogenization

c. Stereotyping, discrimination, and hate speech

5 True or False: 

Prejudice is always based on factual evidence.

6 Short Answer:

1) Can prejudice be completely eliminated from society? Why or why not?

2) What is one example of a group that has historically experienced prejudice and discrimination? What are some steps that can be taken to address this issue?

参考答案

Here are the answers to the prejudice quiz:

1. B - Prejudice is a negative attitude towards a group of people based on preconceived notions, not facts or direct experience.

2. A - Common forms of prejudice include racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia. 

3. A - Prejudice can lead to discrimination, social exclusion, and even violence against the target group.

4. A - Strategies to reduce prejudice include education, raising awareness, and exposure to diverse perspectives. 

5. False - Prejudice is not based on factual evidence, but rather irrational generalizations and stereotypes.

Short Answer:

1) Prejudice cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be significantly reduced through societal efforts to increase contact, communication, and understanding between groups. However, some level of in-group preference seems inherent to human nature. 

2) One example is prejudice and discrimination against Black Americans throughout history, like segregation or racial profiling. Steps to improve this include reforming policies and policing practices, teaching accurate history, and creating opportunities for interracial contact and dialogue.

Stereotype 刻板印象

以下视频帮助您理解什么是刻板印象。

巩固练习

Here are some exercises on stereotypes with answers and explanations:

1 Multiple Choice:

Which of the following best defines stereotyping?

a) Making assumptions about an individual based on their group membership 

b) Judging people as unique individuals

c) Basing judgments on facts 

d) Being open-minded 

Answer: a

Explanation: Stereotyping refers to making judgments about individuals based on perceived group membership.

2 Multiple Choice:

Which of the following is NOT typically used as a basis for stereotypes?

a) Age 

b) Personality

c) Race 

d) Occupation

Answer: b

Explanation: Personality is an individual trait not linked to group membership that stereotypes are based on.

3 True/False: 

Stereotypes are always negative.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stereotypes can be positive or negative judgments about a group.

4 Short Answer: 

Give one example of a common stereotype and explain why it is problematic.

Example Answer: A common stereotype is that elderly people are bad drivers. This is problematic because it makes a sweeping generalization that doesn't account for individual differences among senior drivers. 

Racism

阅读材料

Racism remains an ugly reality worldwide. It combines racial prejudice with the power to oppress individuals based on race.

Racism includes beliefs that certain races have inferior status or negative characteristics. It also means excluding or mistreating people due to their race.

Racism can be overt, like racial slurs or hate crimes. Or it can be subtle, through biases in hiring, housing, policing, and more.

At a cultural level, racism might involve denying or denigrating the culture of a racial group. Like disregarding African American culture as distinct and valid.

Racism causes trauma and limits opportunities for people of colour. It also divides society, preventing us from embracing our shared humanity.

The path forward is acknowledging our biases, reforming unjust systems, and celebrating diversity as a strength.

Progress takes time, yet change is possible if we stand united against racism in all its forms. Small acts of justice add up to transformed communities.

What are your thoughts on defeating racism? What roles can schools, businesses, government, and citizens play? I welcome ideas on building an equitable society for all.

阅读材料

以下pdf帮助您理解什么是种族主义。

巩固练习

Here are some exercises on racism with sample answers and explanations:

1 Multiple Choice:

Which of the following best defines racism?

a) Prejudice based on race 

b) Power and prejudice based on race

c) Racial diversity

d) Equality between races

Answer: b

Explanation: Racism involves both prejudice/attitudes and power/systems that oppress people based on race.

2 Multiple Choice: 

Which of the following helps combat racism?

a) Colorblindness  

b) Multiculturalism

c) Segregation

d) Discrimination

Answer: b

Explanation: Celebrating multiculturalism fights racism by valuing diversity.

3 True/False:

Racism only refers to overt, intentional acts of discrimination.

Answer: False

Explanation: Racism can also be subtle, unconscious, and systemic. 

4 Short Answer:  

Give one example of cultural racism and explain why it is harmful.

Example Answer: Not recognizing holidays of minority groups is cultural racism that implies their traditions are unimportant. This denies people's cultural identity.