Roger Axtell Video: Ethnocentrism and Understanding Various Cultures

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Video – Roger Axtell on Culture
1 What is ethnocentrism? (10%)
Answer:
Ethnocentrism entails being self-centered or the belief that one’s way of doing things is the right and that others are wrong. Roger Axtell explained it by asserting that Americans believe that everything passes through them, particularly because the United States of America (USA) is among the most successful countries worldwide (Axtell).
2 Why is it important to understand various cultures? (20%)
Answer:
Axtell gives a good example of how a person should respect people from other cultures even though one might feel uncomfortable. He says that he was shocked when one of his customers from Saudi Arabia held his hand and swung it while walking down the streets. Although Axtell felt that the other person had crossed his ethnocentric zone, he remained intact (Axtell). However, he came to realize that it was a sign of respect, friendship, and honor. As such, understanding other individuals’ cultures eliminate prejudice, conflicts, and disagreements that might be caused by peoples’ differences.
3 Discuss at least THREE key points you learned from the video. (30%)
Answer:
First, I have learned that it is critical to respect other people’s ways of ...