ETHNOCENTRISM: As Diversity Grows, So Must We
When I was a child, I was taught by my mom that no matter where you are from, you have to respect others around you. When she said this when I was younger I didn't understand it nearly as much as I do now. She went on to explain how there’s all sorts of different people around the world then also explained there are different people in my own neighborhood. When she was informing me about this, I didn't know that she was talking about overcoming Ethnocentrism. Which refers to the fact that people have cultural bias – where they tend to think their own cultural practices are right while others are wrong.
But, now it’s clear to me that she was talking about how there’s all types of different people (races and cultures) around the world and I am just as different to someone of another race as they are too me. In hindsight, I realize that basic ideology had a significant influence on the core of who I am. I do my best to accept people for who they are, I try to come from a place of understanding, and I take opportunities to learn from people and situations that are new to me.
That said, I have also found this to be one of my downfalls, because I truly have a hard time understanding why there are so many people in the world who are unwilling to open their minds, instead choosing to reject anything that is different from their own ideals.
The best thing that can happen? You might find that you have a whole new arena of possibilities to explore – friends, opportunities, culture – the growth that a person can experience from an open mind is endless.
Consider this for a moment: the human race is an incredible species. We’re innovative, intelligent beings with the ability to do nearly anything we put our minds to. We have the capability to form and exchange thoughts through many languages with our choice in how the information gets communicated. Yet, instead of collaborating on how we can leave the world a better place for the generations behind us, we fight each other over religion, beliefs, race, and politics.
Why does it matter if you’re a Christian and your neighbor is Muslim as long as you’re both good people? Does it truly have any personal effect on you if you discover that your co-worker has different beliefs as long as they do their part to ensure the job gets done? Wouldn’t it be nice if the generations that follow us didn’t have to worry about being targeted because of the color of their skin; and political agendas really were for the greater good of the people? Idealistic, I know; but my point is that we can gain so much more from one another by being open minded to the differences that make up our societies. All things being equal, ethnocentrism is clearly unacceptably negative, and society must fight for it. You must respect and adhere to the customs, practices, and beliefs of people from various backgrounds and cultures.
People have a tendency to fear the things they don’t understand, but what they don’t understand is that the things they fear might guide them to become better, more enlightened versions of themselves. You don’t have to agree with another person’s ideals in order to understand and learn from them. Everyone has something to offer and we all have many things to learn. The differences that set us apart don’t have to divide us when they have the ability to unite us.
We need to begin looking at humanity as a single entity. Yes, we are seven billion individuals, each with his own culture and beliefs, but we are also a single society inhabiting Earth. So embrace each other, and embrace each other’s differences. Our diversity is what makes the world such a beautiful place, the differences that set us apart don’t have to divide us when they have the ability to unite us.
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ABOUT ME:
Hi! I am Jasril Remolleno, an 18-year-old, Grade 12 Science Technology Engineering Mathematics student who’s studying in St. Therese Christian Development Center Foundation, Inc. (STCDCFI) a prestigious institution in Tacloban City. As a student, many things have shaped my passion for inclusion, and the few facts I have shared with you is just a scrape of the surface. I wanted to share a few more things that have been deeply influential for me to be against Ethnocentrism.
Growing up in a Historian family and catholic school changed my perspective. I became very disconsolate to see other people suffer from discrimination and bullying. And to think that many people are insensitive. Don’t misunderstand me. But we don’t have the right to put down and discriminate others. And based in the bible, ethnocentrism is a sin. We are all made in the image of God. He doesn’t judge people. On the other hand, we, as ordinary people, we don’t have the right to judge our fellowmen. We don’t have the right to put them down and discriminate them. We are all unique. We have abilities that other human beings can’t do.
In this case, let’s forget about our pride. Think of our future. Because if people will continue being ethnocentric then this nation will fall apart. Since, ethnocentrism can be the result of war, bullying, killing others and other negative effects to the society. Try and do whatever we can to help each other, while also trying to appreciate life in our own way, while we still can.
One of the biggest gaps that I’ve seen in my life is that the people who should or could be advocating for others are not doing so, especially in the heat of the moment. Whoever you are, consider being an advocate and ally for others different from yourself.
I hope that this blog will form a community of likeminded people with the opportunity to explore areas of cultural competence. For future endeavors, I hope we will work together for a better world to live in! <3