QUICK CHECK

COMMUNITY A group of people working together In OUR class: A group of students working together to learn history!

Culture A Way of Life

Ethnocentrism The belief that your culture or ethnic group is better or more important than others

Example of Ethnocentrism Hindus believe that cows are sacred. During the 1800’s, Great Britain forced Hindu soldiers to use fat from cows to grease their gun cartridges. This went against the Hindu religion.

Cultural Diffusion The spreading of a culture (way of life). What we “take” from another culture or “give” to another culture, including government, religion, economy, food, clothes, values, music.

Example of Cultural Diffusion People from various ethnic groups enjoy gathering at Mexican restaurants on May 5 th to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Cultural Relativism Looking at a culture (way of life) from the viewpoint of the people in that culture. Learning about other cultures. Asking questions so that you can understand other cultures.

Example You brought some cookies to eat in class. You ask the boy next to you if he would like one. He says, “No, I am fasting during Ramadan.” After class, you ask him, “What does fasting mean? What is Ramadan?”

YOUR TURN!!!!

When you visit Washington D.C., you notice buildings that look similar to buildings from Ancient Greece. A. Ethnocentrism B. Cultural Relativism C. Cultural Diffusion

Adolf Hitler believed that the Arayan race would be the best race in the entire world. A. Ethnocentrism B. Cultural Relativism C. Cultural Diffusion

You make a new friend whose family is of Italian descent. She invites you to come for dinner. Her grandmother is making “macaroni and gravy.” You think that sounds a little gross, but you ask her, “Why do you eat gravy on macaroni?” A. Ethnocentrism B. Cultural Relativism C. Cultural Diffusion