2.3.4 Ethocentrism
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2.3.4 Ethnocentrism
How did historical globalization and imperialism shape today's world?
Charles Darwin
Photo by Fox and Maull, Image in public domain.
Photo by Fox and Maull, Image in public domain.
Should the strong control the weak? Charles Darwin wrote a book called The Origin of the Species. His idea was that every species changes in order to survive. This idea was called "survival of the fittest."
Darwin's ideas led to the commonly held belief that some races and nations are better than others because they are more powerful. Many people believed that more powerful nations should take over the weaker ones to help them survive. In imperialist times, many Europeans believed in ethnocentrism - the stronger European countries had a responsibility to govern and control Africa, Asia, and the Americas until they were able to take care of themselves.
Ethnocentrism is the idea that one's own culture, values, and concerns are better and/or more important than those of others.
Eurocentrism is the idea that European society is better than other societies.
Many examples of eurocentrism are evident in the world today. Maps place the European continent in the centre — which has become traditional for us. History and literature in Canadian schools is still taught with a focus on European history and values because our "roots" are most often there, but too often ignoring the rich culture and traditions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Darwin's ideas led to the commonly held belief that some races and nations are better than others because they are more powerful. Many people believed that more powerful nations should take over the weaker ones to help them survive. In imperialist times, many Europeans believed in ethnocentrism - the stronger European countries had a responsibility to govern and control Africa, Asia, and the Americas until they were able to take care of themselves.
Ethnocentrism is the idea that one's own culture, values, and concerns are better and/or more important than those of others.
Eurocentrism is the idea that European society is better than other societies.
Many examples of eurocentrism are evident in the world today. Maps place the European continent in the centre — which has become traditional for us. History and literature in Canadian schools is still taught with a focus on European history and values because our "roots" are most often there, but too often ignoring the rich culture and traditions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Most people in Europe were Christian in imperialist times.
Not all actions taken by people during imperialist times were selfish. Many people travelled to other nations to help people lead better lives. Teachers, doctors, nurses, and missionaries travelled to North America, Africa, and India in hope of helping others.
- They believed that their duty was to spread the word of God throughout the earth, including Africa and the Americas.
- They believed they should "save" the souls of non-Christians.
- Christian missionaries brought medicine, education, and technology to improve the lives of less-fortunate peoples.
- In their attempts to convert the heathens, many Europeans suffered extreme hardships and even death.
- Eurocentrism was an important force behind imperialism.
Not all actions taken by people during imperialist times were selfish. Many people travelled to other nations to help people lead better lives. Teachers, doctors, nurses, and missionaries travelled to North America, Africa, and India in hope of helping others.
Digging Deeper
Watch any of the following movies to give you a deeper understanding:
- Blood Diamond with Leonardo de Caprio
- The Mission with Jeremy Irons
- The Last King of Scotland