This document defines and discusses ethnocentrism. It begins by defining ethnocentrism as viewing one's own group or culture as superior to others. It then discusses how ethnocentrism can lead to issues like poverty, violence, and low self-esteem. Examples of direct and indirect ethnocentrism are provided. The document also lists groups known for practicing ethnocentrism and discusses different viewpoints on ethnocentrism from a biblical standpoint. It concludes by providing the author's thoughts on embracing diversity and cultural differences.

1. Ethnocentrism
Kenya Smith
GENE 100-06
Dr. Margaret Fletcher

2. What is Ethnocentrism?
o “having or based on the idea that your own group or culture is better or more important
than others” (Merriam-Webster)
o Existed since biblical times: Jews v. Gentiles Example: (Acts 15)
o Issue that we tend to dance around or ignore, due to the fact we don’t want to argue,
offend people, or because we are just unaware.
o Can lead to poverty, violence, immorality, low-self esteem, self-hatred, compulsion of
being accepted, high death rates in certain ethnic groups, negative events in life,
destruction of community
o Examples:
 Indirect: employers not hiring people due to the type of ethnic dress or hairstyle, definition of beauty=
straight hair, light skin, pointy nose, harsher punishments for certain ethnic groups
 Direct: racial slurs, propaganda, dirty stares, bullying, death threats, businesses that refuse to serve
certain people because of ethnicity, and hate mail

3. Groups that Practice Ethnocentrism
oKu Klux Klan
oNational Socialist Party (A.K.A the Nazi party)
oNeo-Nazis
oNeo-Confederates
oChristian Identity
oNation of Islam
oNew Black Panther Party

4. Viewpoints
Biblical Standpoint
o God created humans in His own image.
“ Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our own likeness;
let him have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over
the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the
earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created
him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1: 26-27 New King James
Version)
o God is universal. (Deuteronomy 10:17 & Galatians 3:28)
o All people have sinned and fallen short in the glory of
God. (Romans 3:23)
o God loves humanity so much He sent Jesus to die for
everyone’s sins. (John 3:16)
o Adding to or subtracting things from God’s word can and
will lead to serious consequences (Revelation 22:18-19)
Justifications & Excuses for
Ethnocentrism
oScience: “the missing link” between
humans and apes
oBible: Story of Noah and his son Ham
oFear of ethnic extinction
oMedia and T.V.
oInfluences from friends or family

5. Here are My Thoughts
o All ethnicities are beautiful and equal, and God created us in his own image.
o We should be proud of our ethnicities, but not to the point where we feel superior to other ethnic
groups.
o We should
try to inform ourselves about other cultures and ethnicities
embrace the positive side of different ethnicities
get to know different people from different backgrounds (result: debunk stereotypes)
Love one another regardless of differences, because Jesus loved us first. (John 13:34-35)
o It’s okay to enjoy something that is not part of your ethnicity (music, dress, dance, etc.) unless it
contradicts with Christianity or causes harm to yourself and other people.

6. Music Videos
India.Arie- Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq86e4Fhja0
India.Arie- I am not my hair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_5jIt0f5Z4

7. Work Cited
o The Holy Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982.
Print.
o "Ethnocentric." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnocentric>.