Jasmin Gonzalez
Anth 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Fall 2014
When we are introduced to the unknown or
confronted with abnormal scenarios from our everyday life, we can be quick
to judge. In the passage of the
student getting up and making a joke
of the hula dance being presented in
class he was unaware of the history
behind the dance and therefore made
a joke about it without being aware it
was offensive. There are two ways
to interpret a culture
through an ethnocentric view and
a cultural relativistic view. This paper will discuss this situation from both the ethnocentric and cultural relativistic points of view.
The way the student acted towards the Native Hawaiian guest speaker was ethnocentric. Ethnocentrism is “The tendency to view one’s own culture as best and to judge the behavior and beliefs of culturally different people by one’s own standards” (Gezon 30). Ethnocentrism is a way of comparing cultures and suggesting that one culture is better than another. In other words, the student was not considering the background of the dance. Instead he simply jumped to the conclusion that there was nothing else to the meaning of the dance.
In regards to the situation of the student and the guest speaker, the student was unfair in not letting the guest speaker continue on and give an explanation to the class on the importance of the hula dance. Rudely interrupting her was a sign of unknowing disrespect. He was surely coming from an ethnocentric point of view. By identifying the dance as something sexy, having girls in a skirt and bra of some sort, girls swinging their hips and caressing the air with their arms. We as humans can be very superficial and judge such a dance by the way it appears. In our society we are conservative to an extent. Women who are exposing more skin than should be exposed are judged as sluts. It is something that is programmed into our heads since we are born and we judge unconsciously.
The way the student acted towards the Native Hawaiian guest speaker was ethnocentric. Ethnocentrism is “The tendency to view one’s own culture as best and to judge the behavior and beliefs of culturally different people by one’s own standards” (Gezon 30). Ethnocentrism is a way of comparing cultures and suggesting that one culture is better than another. In other words, the student was not considering the background of the dance. Instead he simply jumped to the conclusion that there was nothing else to the meaning of the dance.
In regards to the situation of the student and the guest speaker, the student was unfair in not letting the guest speaker continue on and give an explanation to the class on the importance of the hula dance. Rudely interrupting her was a sign of unknowing disrespect. He was surely coming from an ethnocentric point of view. By identifying the dance as something sexy, having girls in a skirt and bra of some sort, girls swinging their hips and caressing the air with their arms. We as humans can be very superficial and judge such a dance by the way it appears. In our society we are conservative to an extent. Women who are exposing more skin than should be exposed are judged as sluts. It is something that is programmed into our heads since we are born and we judge unconsciously.
On
the other hand when we allow for respect of other cultures and acknowledge the
differences of another culture into our life we experience cultural relativism,
“ the view point that behavior in one culture should not be judged by the
standards of another culture” (Gezon 30).
Gathering more information about a foreign concept we do not understand
allows us to understand the difference in culture. If the student would have sat still through
her speech he would have not been rude and offended the speaker by degrading
something that pertains to her culture.
In order to have been able to be
understanding of the Native guest speakers’ speech a cultural relativistic view
would be applied to the situation. By
letting her continue her speech we would have learned that there are cultural
and spiritual connotations with the hula dance.
In Dr. Boston’s blog post she mentions, “Hula was
originally passed down through the generations to chosen Polynesian men and
women who were entrusted with not only learning the hula moves and chants but
also the myths, oral history, and traditions of their culture” (1). There
is evidence here that the hula dance means much more to the speaker than just
some hip moving arms flapping dance. History is passed down from generations to
generations in different forms. Some groups like storytelling and others like
to pass it down in a dance form.
Personally
if I were to have been in the class with the guest speaker I would have turned
to look at the student who interrupted and just gave him a look of “Sit down,
boy, and pay attention before things go bad”.
By this I mean we never know how a person is going to react when their
culture is being made fun of. From experience my uncles get very offended when
Mexican culture and customs are looked at, talked about, or seen as something
bizarre and out of this world. Coming
from a different cultural background than from here in America I would have let
the speaker continue until she fully explained the hula dance. I know that there is more to culture than the
superficial opinions that at times shadow our view.
When
we are properly introduced and informed about a different culture or custom we
are able to respect it and be courteous of another person’s way of living, which
is cultural relativism. Being uninformed
and judging because we are unaware of a different culture makes us
ethnocentric. Keeping these views in mind will help us respect one another’s
cultures.
Bibliography
Boston, Dr. Christine E. "Humerus
Revelations of the Naked Ape." : Out on the Dance Floor: The True Meaning
of Hula. N.p., 16 Aug. 2014. Web. 11 Sept. 2014
Gezon, Lisa. "Language and
Communication." Culture 2nd Edition. By Conrad Kottak. N.p.: McGraw-ill
Education, n.d. 30. Print
Cara Frybarger-Moore
Anth 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Fall 2014
Cara Frybarger-Moore
Anth 101: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Fall 2014
Culture is an integral part of
life. Where there are groups of people,
there is culture. How we perceive and
react to culture varies depending on our perspective. I american society, we
are exposed to many different cultures daily.
Our perspectives can determine weather these encounters are friendly or
offensive. Our perspectives of different cultures can come from an ethnocentric
point of view or a culturally realistic point of view.
In the
given instance, a student reacts to the demonstration of Hula from an
ethnocentric point of view.
Ethnocentrism is defined as “the attitude that one's own group is superior”. (Ethnocentric, n.d.) During the presentation, the student does not
specifically state that his culture is in any way superior to the culture of the
Native Hawaiian speaker. His actions and
words, which he chose to describe the sacred dance of the Hawaiian people, were
demeaning and offensive. We are not
provided enough evidence to suggest that said student may be apologetic about
reacting the way he did when he heard the word Hula.
Looking at the Hula dance from an ethnocentric
perspective, the student was interpreting the demonstration from a perspective
heavily influenced by advertisements and previous portrayals of what hula is
supposed to look like in America. This
explains why he jumped to his conclusions, but in no way does it excuse his
behavior to the guest speaker.
Ethnocentrism can be a good thing when one is supporting one’s own culture
in an act of patriotism. When ethnocentrism is used on disrespectful terms to a
person of differing nationality, it becomes something that is looked down
upon. If not careful, displays of
ethnocentrism can bring shame upon the individual and whatever culture he may
belong to.
The student next time may do well to consider a
culturally relativistic perspective of the situation. Cultural relativism, as defined, is “ the
viewpoint that behavior in one culture should not be judged by the standards of
another culture” (Gezon & Kottak, 2011)
Instead of offending the guest speaker by interjecting what he thinks is
the correct interpretation of hula, he should let her speak and explain what
the dance truly represents to the Hawaiian people. When operating from a culturally relativistic
perspective, there is a better chance for growth and understanding. Cultural relativism allows for us to expand
our knowledge of other cultures in order to cultivate a better understanding of
how everyone relates and connects in daily society. Cultural tolerance plays a big role,
especially in America. We have such a
diverse population that ethnocentrism can only counter ac the environment and
values that we offer to the diverse populations of America.
I think that the speaker, in the instance, was showing
grace in being respectful to the student who interrupted her. She serves as a model for the tolerance that
sometimes needs to be shown in the face of people who do not understand and do
not wish to understand. In today’s
society, it is important to portray cultural relativism even if the cultural
practice one is confronted with does not agree with your own personal tastes,
views, or opinions. What is acceptable and even celebrated in another culture
can be completely disgusting to your own personal preferences. When confronted with a differing lifestyle, I
always like to revert back to own personal motto, live and let live. As I grow older, I find this to be more and
more applicable in any situation of life.
In conclusion, we see that perspective, whether it is
cultural relativism or ethnocentrism, can greatly determine your interactions
with others. It is important to strive
towards a culturally relative perspective. When speaking, it is important to
remember to be respectful and mindful of the other culture’s beliefs and
values. It is also important to remember
that you are representing whichever culture you chose to associate with. I
think the student who interrupted our guest speaker has now learned more
tolerance and respect for others. Cultural relativism allows for a world where
people are free to express themselves without judgement. This is something that
we should continually strive for in America and all over the world.
References
Cited
Ethnocentric. (n.d.). Retrieved
September 9, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnocentric
24 comments:
Social norms and ethnocentric perspectives have been defining deviance for a long time now, and in my opinion, for all sorts of absurd reasons. This very country, the United States, was developed with an ethnocentric conviction. That belief was later coin-phrased as our Manifest Destiny. Moreover, western civilization in the name of Christianity, has been obtaining land and changing out-ranked cultures beliefs and religious practices for centuries. It seems to me that in these situations it boils down to power, competition, and ends in conflict.
Interesting interpretation. Individuals, particularly students, very rarely make the connection between enthnocentrism and the drive for colonization of the New World, particularly the US, but that is a correct connection.
This examples of students' work really help show me what you are looking for and how I can better my own assignments.
-Laura Redl
I'm glad that you find these posts useful. :)
Cultural relativism is something that is very important as we continue to develop in society. I cannot even begin to explain how much ethnocentrism affects our daily lives, as it has a deep influence on the attitudes and actions of many. This Halloween alone, I saw so many Halloween costumes that were insensitive and blatantly offensive (Ebola Victim, Native American, black face Nicki Minaj, etc.), that I had to question how ethnocentrism could cause these people to see these costumes as "just a joke." Cultural relativism is important in all aspects of society, even in something as silly as a Halloween costume.
The issue of Halloween costumes is something I was tweeting quite a bit out recently, and I'll be talking about it in Anth 101 in the next few weeks. It's a topic that, unfortunately, has not gotten old for anthropologists, sociologists, and the like to talk about. I long for the day when it is an old topic that is no longer necessary for discussion.
I always try and think before I judge now. Before I didn't realize how ethnocentric my own point of view was. After taking cultural anthropology and doing this assignment I realized I was unfair towards people without meaning to be. After reading these assignments I am forced to think about times where I was rude to people about their culture. I may not have meant it to be rude but I was rude nonetheless.
Awesome examples, it also reminds me how easily one can have an ethnocentric view point because one lacks information. just like the boy who made fun of the hula without realizing what hula really is and what it means to the Hawaiian culture.
These papers are perfect examples of Ethnocentrism and Cultural relativism. I do believe that people should respect all cultures and not think that their culture is superior to others because some culture share some similarities and all cultures are different in their own way.
Noelani Schramm
I also noticed the insensitivity in modern day Halloween costumes. It seems they get increasingly more offensive every single year. Not only are they offensive in the sense of culture, (as you mentioned the black face Nicki Minaj, Native American, etc.) but they are also offensive in their lack of "coverage" let's just say. Half of the people I saw on Halloween were barely clothed and I think this is a huge example of cultural relativism as well. People in our culture don't blink twice when they see a girl in her underwear on Halloween, whereas in other cultures, this person might be shunned for dressing that way. Sorry, I know you said you long for the day when it's no longer a topic for discussion, but I had to put my two cents in. This example actually helped me understand the concept of cultural relativism and ethnocentrism much better.
I definitely agree with all of the comments and both papers. You should always think before you judge a culture or insult a culture with your words and/or actions. Sometimes we don't even mean to, but every culture is different and therefore comes with a different set of rules and list of things they might find insulting. We should be more sensitive to these groups just the way we would hope they would consider our culture.
I read this and I think of my kids. I know that's not what u want to hear but it's true. I work really hard for my kids to be respectful to others. I feel that people should know about the cultures before they dismiss what they are seeing and hearing. If they don't want to hear or see they can dismiss them selfs for the room. Taking the different cultures and putting in anyone room is hard.
we as humans always find something to judge even though we may not know what it means but we do it because we don't know what it is and it may look weird or silly to us. No matter what is is we tend to find something to blame on just because of looks. People are judgmental and we will never be able to change that. All around the world, they do things diffidently then we do. We may think it is weird because we don't know there cultural and it is something new to use.
Briana Banuelos
Anthro 102 1001
Whoops I can not imagine you letting something like that go on. Did the boy get thrown out of class or anything? at the very least he should have been forced to write a paper on what it was he said and how it could have been seen as rude.
Nikki, this was a fictional scenario based on comments I have heard others say. I typically address such matter delicately in class and use it as a teaching moment, as you have seen in Anth/Soc 205.
Ethnocentrism is defined as The tendency to view one’s own culture as best and to judge the behavior and beliefs of culturally different people by one’s own standards. And Cultural relativism, as defined, is the viewpoint that behavior in one culture should not be judged by the standards of another culture. That's what the difference between the two are.
-Monique McAllister
Dalyla Jordan
People are always judging one another whether its simply to boost theirselves or because someone is different. sadly, we cant change that but as indidviduals we can work on seeing people for who they are and recognizing people and cultures are different. maybe that will help, one day at a time.
No culture is better than another. Everybody has their own ways of doing things, nothing is wrong with that. We can't change the way people feel or think about a different culture but we can educate them.
-apreshana page
Culture is an integral part of life which is why I believe all cultures are equal and that no cultures traditions or beliefs are better than one another. America for example is a very diverse, and although most people don't sees eye to eye we cannot change their perception of
Everybody whom have their own ways of doing things although nothing is wrong with that. We can't change the way people feel or think about a different culture but we can educate them so they have a better understanding of our viewpoints.
All cultures are amazing in their own way, there isn't one that is any better than the other. I feel we go wrong when we think one is more superior, that is when all conflict begins. We just need to be able to accept everyone's differences.
I enjoyed reading this post because It mentioned things that I have never heard of before. I have seen the Hula dance going around facebook. a challenge has made it popular urging people of that culture to show how they do it. Being that this is a cultural dance, it makes me think of comment that some one said about twerking being a cultural dance as well. Is twerking a cultural dance?
Excellent question, Tonii. Twerking is a cultural dance. You may remember we talked a little about it in SA 202 when we watched the video about cultural appropriation.
Based on a previous assignment in class i learned that cultural relativism is the idea that's a person's , beliefs, values and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria or another and if everybody knows how to associate and study what others believe everyone will be united.However, there are bound to be things that are misunderstood by each culture to the next.
-JASMINE BUSBY
This blog is a good examples of cultural relativism and ethnocentrism. although i would not let that go one. it should have been some type of discipline.
- Lavonza Marshall
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