Ethnocentrism Essay example -- essays research papers

Websters dictionary defines ethnocentrism as The tendency to evaluate other groups according to the values and standards of ones own cultural group, especially with the conviction that ones own ethnic group is superior to the other groups. When first reading this definition, one would naturally agree that ethnocentrism does exist in our creation and society, often confusing it with patriotism. However, many do non realize that ethnocentrism is, has been, and continues to be a leading cause for violence in the States. Different ethnic groups such as African Americans and Native Americans have suffered through years of violent crimes against them because of the white mans ethnocentric views of themselves when compared with other races and cultures.Ethnocentrism began to develop in America long before we were officially a nation. When Europeans first came to America and had their initial encounters with the Native Americans, the Europeans were so surprised about how different the N atives were. Their differences in language, dress, and skin food coloring made them doubt that the Native Americans were even human. Stemming from this notion, the Europeans eventually began to consider the Natives as the other and felt that they were more civilized than the others. Amerigo Vespucci wrote that the Native Americans were worse than heathen because we did not see that they offered any sacrifice, nor did they have a house of prayer. Consequently, these feelings...