Ethnocentrism hinders crosscultural understanding from "summary" of The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz
Ethnocentrism, the tendency to view one's own culture as superior to others, is a major obstacle to achieving a deep understanding of different cultures. When individuals approach cross-cultural interactions with an ethnocentric mindset, they are unable to truly appreciate the complexities and nuances of other societies. Instead, they impose their own beliefs, values, and norms onto the culture they are observing, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Geertz argues that ethnocentrism arises from a lack of empathy and openness towards unfamiliar cultures. It is rooted in a sense of cultural superiority and a belief that one's own way of life is the only correct way. This narrow-minded perspective prevents individuals from engaging with other cultures on their own terms, hindering the possibility of meaningful cross-cultural...
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