Comments on: Chinese Ethnocentrism. Just As Hard To Accept As Western Ethnocentrism.

By: Chris Kirk

Chris Kirk — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 05:06:11 +0000

Ethnocentrism might be the biggest reason that the global economy has not caught on sooner. So long as there are Americans that are opposed to sending jobs overseas and citizens in China or any other country around the world that despise Americans, these people will be less inclined to submit to the idea of a free market economy. Obviously some people have been able to overcome this self centered attitude to see the benefits of outsourcing. I have always felt that nobody is any better or worse than any other individual in the world. I believe that you should be judged on the way you act and the way you treat others. There is nothing wrong with being patriotic- I am proud and realize how lucky I am to have been born in the United States. Being patriotic and respectful of others can be mutually exclusive ideologies however which many don’t seem to understand. I have said from day one that this trip will be one of perspective. I am looking forward to the perspective that I will gain and I hope my fellow students gain. I think our eyes will be opened to the work ethic and perseverance of the Chinese and Indian people. I think a few will be a little less quick to judge. I hope that a few less will subscribe to being “the egotistical American” after this trip.

By: Chris Carr

Chris Carr — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:34:58 +0000

Good connect to the Hessler book. I read the book and this had not occurred to me. Yes, that is exactly part of what he was facing and he too experienced ethnocentrism coming from the local Chinese in the river town he was in. No question. In fact, as I remember, some of it was pretty bad and blatant, and almost laughable in its absurdity.

By: Brandi Eng-Rohrbach

Brandi Eng-Rohrbach — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:07:12 +0000

I think that ethnocentrism is a part of everyone. In River Town, Peter Hessler talks a lot about ethnocentrism. I thought one of the most interesting points is when he is talking about how Westerners view the Three Gorges Dam as tragic. He talks about this in reference to the town he is living in, Fuling, which is scheduled to be flooded. Since the city is being flooded by the construction of the dam, the government is building a new town for the residents. He talks about how it seems like such a loss of history and culture to the West. The Chinese, on the other hand, to his surprise view it as a good thing. The new town of Fuling that the government is building will be better planned and have new infrastructure. I thought this was a more interesting exploration of a subtle ethnocentrism. Sometimes we are biased even when we don’t realize it. The book is also very good in that it explores Chinese ethnocentrism and the generalizations they make about America.

By: Jeff Mohr

Jeff Mohr — Mon, 26 May 2008 07:15:13 +0000

I think the Ethnocentric attitude is ingrained in us as we grow up–you have to consciously try to avoid it. It isn’t just about race/culture either. I see it in things as simple as “the way I cook said item is better and you are thus doing it wrong.” I feel that growing up in the US you are pressured into believing your country is number one, and if you voice an opinion otherwise, many either look down on you or ignore you altogether. I am sure it is a similar situation in other countries as well.

What we need to do is take a step back and stop being judgmental. It isn’t easy because for most of us I believe that is the gut reaction. The easiest thing to do is to say that your own way is superior and condemn everything else. What is more difficult and more valuable is to take the time to see why other people do it a different way. Be ready to explore and look for the problems in your own culture. We are hard wired to pay more attention to information that reinforces our views than items that contradict. It is a constant battle inside our heads but a necessary one.

By: Simeon Trieu

Simeon Trieu — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:52:09 +0000

I’m not sure if ethnocentrism is the reason for China’s treatment of foreigners and who is to blame for all the pollution. First of all, what China does in their own country is largely dependent on them. If they really wanted to have cleaner cities, then they need to put more research into cleaner methods of production. Nobody is forcing them to take the contracts with foreign companies. Chinese have a nasty habit of doing things the most convenient way possible but neglecting what may be wrong in the process. If you can’t guarantee clean air when you manufacture something, and pollution is a major factor for you, then you must take it into consideration along with profit potential.

On the other hand, Westerners shouldn’t expect preferential treatment just because they are foreigners. In fact, they should expect to be treated worse than citizens. It’s how America operates also. Minorities are just not given the same opportunities as the majority. But that doesn’t stop the minorities from working harder and making a good living for themselves, does it? Stop crying and move on. What is fair? It’s the cards you are dealt and how you play them. A smart idea and a good amount of hard work will always get you what you want. But how badly do you want it?