Elise travels across Thailand with her friends and, to her surprise, finds the country quite unlike the U.S. ?”I hate the food,” she tells her family at home. “I hate the language, I hate the weird customs and awful music. America is clearly the best place to be.” ?Her response to the new environment is is lacking in what?
A. ?Paradigms
B. ?Xenocentrism
C. ?Moral Relativism
D. ?Ethnocentrism
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Ethnocentrism
Elise’s response to Thailand demonstrates ethnocentrism, which refers to the tendency to evaluate or judge another culture based on the standards, values, and customs of one’s own culture. People who exhibit ethnocentrism often believe their own culture is superior to others and struggle to appreciate or understand cultural differences.
Explanation:
Ethnocentrism plays a key role in how individuals perceive and react to unfamiliar environments. Elise’s criticism of Thai food, language, customs, and music reveals her inability or unwillingness to engage with the cultural elements of Thailand. Instead of approaching the differences with curiosity or an open mind, she rejects them outright, asserting that her home country, the United States, is superior. This mindset not only limits her ability to appreciate the richness and diversity of Thai culture but also creates a barrier to meaningful cultural exchange and adaptation.
In contrast, someone practicing cultural relativism—a concept opposite to ethnocentrism—would attempt to understand Thai customs, language, and practices within their cultural context, even if they seem unusual or uncomfortable at first. By doing so, they could better appreciate the values and significance of those practices to the Thai people.
Elise’s behavior highlights the challenges that ethnocentrism can pose in intercultural interactions. It can lead to misunderstandings, stereotypes, and even conflict. To overcome ethnocentrism, travelers like Elise need to develop cultural competence, which includes empathy, openness, and a willingness to learn about and respect other cultures.
Her experience also underscores the importance of cultural humility, which involves recognizing that no culture is inherently better than another. Embracing cultural diversity can enrich personal experiences, foster global understanding, and build deeper connections across cultures.