My OperaFriday, December 9, 2011 12:21:33 AM
Self-reference criteria is defined by Rao as an “unconscious reference to one’s own cultural values, experiences, and knowledge as a basis for decisions.” He defines ethnocentricity as the “notion that one’s own culture or company knows best how to do things”. According to Lars Perner, Ethnocentricity and self-reference criteria can be detrimental. Ethnocentricity and self-reference criteria in a general way is the idea that your particular ethnic group’s way of thinking or your experience is the normal one. An extreme version of ethnocentricity is the attitude of Adolf Hitler.
Most people believe they are “normal” therefore think others will react the same way that they do. And it has a valid point, popularity contest type polls do give very useful data and insight. Therefore and otherwise, things will only be done in a way consistent with their opinion. They will become friends with others expecting them to enjoy the same things and will overall expect others to act like them. This may not meet needs because it can lead to trust or mistrust unfoundedly. It has a tendency to lead to judging someone based on your idea of right and assuming they would act the same way.
First, you need to make sure the ones you associate with in business and your personal life do fit your idea of who a good person is...in my opinion..they are positive, are ethical, values driven and honorable..along with a few idiosyncrasies thrown in for interest.... .make sure you chose wisely then.....relax..... Part of self-actualization is realizing others have the right to grow in their own time and way. Begin to learn from the differences. Experience culture..new tastes...new experiences and new people....No attempting to avoid experiences...Don't just make a point in an argument to argue realize people have a right to an opinion and it is not your job to change everyone of them....well...if it is important for your moral integrity of course, but otherwise spend some time this week learning from others.
Realizing self-actualization work is needed can be scary. But ethnocentricity can cause someone to miss out on a valuable experience because of uncomfortableness or fear of nonacceptance. Unacceptability of others differences ourselves is also major concern. We want to stand up for what we believe in but we must also be considerate and listen learning to accept others right to walk the path of their choosing. Within our moral boundaries we must choose to error on the side of manners and experiential learning. We must be moderate in criticism and leave loud voices and violence out of our debates about all subjects. I hate to be guilty of quoting movies as source material...but as the late Patrick Swayze stated in Roadhouse, "you be nice until it is time not to be nice" which means only in the severest cases is violence even considered. I know some wars are inevitable but some of this yelling etc...is just crazy....stay out of people's business or quit criticizing...and for goodness sake... quit hurting each other over it....Ethnocentricity can be dangerous.We have all heard of people who were killed because of cultural differences. It can cause wars, political differences and personal emotional crisis. It would be a better idea to analyze the situation, person, religion, political candidate or program to determine if it fits your needs, if you fit a need for it or can contribute, see if you can learn from the needs of the situation, including ethical and cultural differences.
Culture has a huge impact on all aspects of life, war, religion, politics and personal relationships so must be considered in any adventure. For example, in France the atmosphere is slower and more relaxed. I would not expect to be rushed or for decisions to be made immediately. If I met a new French friend, I would know to ask early for invites out to give them plenty of time to go over it. They dress more formally for outings so I would dress in a suit instead of a blazer and designer jeans. In other words, I would do as the locals do in as respectful of a manner as possible and use it to enjoy a new experience. If I were camping with friends I would not expect to to keep my Ralph Lauren jeans in perfect condition.
There are sites on the web to find cultural information so get informed. Simply start with a culture you are interested like Spanish or French and learn some things about the culture and see where you can add it to your life to spice up your life with adventures and to learns some new techniques for doing things and how to deal with others more effectively....Together We Can
Most people believe they are “normal” therefore think others will react the same way that they do. And it has a valid point, popularity contest type polls do give very useful data and insight. Therefore and otherwise, things will only be done in a way consistent with their opinion. They will become friends with others expecting them to enjoy the same things and will overall expect others to act like them. This may not meet needs because it can lead to trust or mistrust unfoundedly. It has a tendency to lead to judging someone based on your idea of right and assuming they would act the same way.
First, you need to make sure the ones you associate with in business and your personal life do fit your idea of who a good person is...in my opinion..they are positive, are ethical, values driven and honorable..along with a few idiosyncrasies thrown in for interest.... .make sure you chose wisely then.....relax..... Part of self-actualization is realizing others have the right to grow in their own time and way. Begin to learn from the differences. Experience culture..new tastes...new experiences and new people....No attempting to avoid experiences...Don't just make a point in an argument to argue realize people have a right to an opinion and it is not your job to change everyone of them....well...if it is important for your moral integrity of course, but otherwise spend some time this week learning from others.
Realizing self-actualization work is needed can be scary. But ethnocentricity can cause someone to miss out on a valuable experience because of uncomfortableness or fear of nonacceptance. Unacceptability of others differences ourselves is also major concern. We want to stand up for what we believe in but we must also be considerate and listen learning to accept others right to walk the path of their choosing. Within our moral boundaries we must choose to error on the side of manners and experiential learning. We must be moderate in criticism and leave loud voices and violence out of our debates about all subjects. I hate to be guilty of quoting movies as source material...but as the late Patrick Swayze stated in Roadhouse, "you be nice until it is time not to be nice" which means only in the severest cases is violence even considered. I know some wars are inevitable but some of this yelling etc...is just crazy....stay out of people's business or quit criticizing...and for goodness sake... quit hurting each other over it....Ethnocentricity can be dangerous.We have all heard of people who were killed because of cultural differences. It can cause wars, political differences and personal emotional crisis. It would be a better idea to analyze the situation, person, religion, political candidate or program to determine if it fits your needs, if you fit a need for it or can contribute, see if you can learn from the needs of the situation, including ethical and cultural differences.
Culture has a huge impact on all aspects of life, war, religion, politics and personal relationships so must be considered in any adventure. For example, in France the atmosphere is slower and more relaxed. I would not expect to be rushed or for decisions to be made immediately. If I met a new French friend, I would know to ask early for invites out to give them plenty of time to go over it. They dress more formally for outings so I would dress in a suit instead of a blazer and designer jeans. In other words, I would do as the locals do in as respectful of a manner as possible and use it to enjoy a new experience. If I were camping with friends I would not expect to to keep my Ralph Lauren jeans in perfect condition.
There are sites on the web to find cultural information so get informed. Simply start with a culture you are interested like Spanish or French and learn some things about the culture and see where you can add it to your life to spice up your life with adventures and to learns some new techniques for doing things and how to deal with others more effectively....Together We Can
