-Owen Chang
There is something I do want talk about: Ethnocentrism.
According to Wikipedia, for those who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the term (cited):
Ethnocentrism is judging another culture solely by the values and standards of one's own culture.[1][page needed] Ethnocentric individuals judge other groups relative to their own ethnic group or culture, especially with concern for language, behavior, customs, and religion. These ethnic distinctions and subdivisions serve to define each ethnicity's unique cultural identity.[2] Ethnocentrism may be overt or subtle, and while it is considered a natural proclivity of human psychology in everyday life, it has developed a generally negative connotation.[3] In anthropology, cultural relativism is seen as an antithesis and an antonym to ethnocentrism.
What might be another way of looking at this definition is simply, "a means to see others different from you through your own lenses". Our "lenses" are how we view everything we were programmed to believe. This is normal and the way of things. How we get its "negative connotation" is when we make extensions of this idea to create division, sense of superiority and/or a degradation of "The Other".
Breaking down the word "ethnocentrism" for me is a telltale sign of its true meaning and, more importantly, its intention. It is racism's more attractive and socially acceptable cousin, hidden in plan sight.
While this topic is huge, I only offer this blog entry as the tip of the iceberg. Let's go to one example for now. Should I feel like indulging further on the subject, I'll be sure to post a sequel.
One term that has irked me for the longest is "Middle Kingdom" in documentaries in reference to China (on a side note, according to Wikipedia, this term is also used for the scholastic Period of Reunification in Egypt and political entities in India beginning in the 3rd century BC).
From my understanding, the word "China" is actually two words meaning "Central Country" or "Central Kingdom" (not "Central State" and certainly NOT "Middle Kingdom"). Yes, true the word "China" is ethnocentric in itself, though to reduce something from being the center to just being in the middle doesn't help the situation. I prefer a documentary to briefly explain the meaning of the word "China" and just say China thereafter. It's easier for everyone, since no one gets marginalized, and the silly, misguided romanticism comes to an end.
My point is, is that replacing the word "central" for "middle" is without a doubt intentional. After all, who wants to be in the middle anyway!?! That doesn't make any sense. This is important to me since much of my heritage can be traced back to China. Such a microcosm is part of a global macrocosm and an even "micro" microcosm back here in the US in turn (or wherever you may be in the world). In other words, ethnocentrism in this manner, while appearing innocent, affects our day to day interactions with one another in an adverse way. That's really putting quite lightly given our behavior as a collective lately!
In an attempt to end on a positive note, and in risk of appearing contradictory to my previous statement regarding mankind, many of us are starting to "wake up". This is a good thing, of course. Perhaps the negative actions are but a purge for better things to come. I sure hope so. Not that I condone ill will, though it may be a necessary part of the process unfortunately. The fact that I'm writing this blog on ethnocentrism is a part of that awakening in our evolutionary consciousness.
I truly hope that the following year 2018 will be that of prosperity, joy, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, abundance and peace of mind for us all...and a lot more blogs!
Peace!
Happy New Year!
:-)
