Introduction

Culture can be defined as the social behaviour, ideas or customs of particular groups of people who live in a central place and share common values in common. In the modern world, people interact with one another based on what they think or perceive against one another. Cultural norms and beliefs are the primary cause of division among nations that leads to war and any other form of conflicts.it also lead to stigmatisation which leads to self-rejection and mental distraction.  In this report, I will focus on how to overcome negative cultural attitudes such as Ethnocentrism, xenophobia and stereotyping.

How to overcome negative cultural attitudes

Ethnocentrism is an act of viewing things in comparison to one’s own in terms of superiority according to William, G.S (October 30,1840-April 12,1920). He argued that ethnocentrism leads to vanity and pride of individual over the others.it starts with one person and spread like a disease to infect the entire population and finally to the whole world. Ethnocentrism can be overcome through; First, Avoiding assumption. You do not assume that what you know or think; everyone does the same way or the values and norms contained in culture is the same with others. For instance, the Arabs, Japanese and united state people had no universal norms and values (William, G. S (October 30,1840-April 12,1920). Secondly, through acknowledging the distinctions among ourselves. Every individual in the world is unique in its way of personality. For instance, even if you are identical twins, your character and capability differ from one other.

The next negative cultural attitude that affects society today is xenophobia which can Be defined as the prejudice against people of different background, denominations, countries or nations. Xenophobia leads to social condition such as discriminations and isolation among races (Bekker, S., Eigelaar-Meets I., Eva, G. & Poole, C. 2009 ).   For instance, the law of immigration which prohibits Islamic nationalities from Iran, Iraq and Somalia moving into the united states of America. This has resulted in a contraction of the wall along the boundaries of those nations and signing of original travel ban (Executive order 13769) by U.S President Donald Trump. Despite Xenophobia can be overcome through; First, involve the victims in the fight against Xenophobia. This will help you to understand their experience and emotions against xenophobia, how to develop proper strategic measures and to give the victim platform to denounce their enemies. Secondly, Institutional equality should be encouraged among societies. Suitable educational curricula are designed to celebrate diversity and promote tolerance for cultures different than one’s own. The government and various forms of institutions need to portray positive images of minorities. Thirdly, avoid the general judgement of people. Before making a judgement against a group of people, ask yourself why a particular group of people perceived as a threat or inferior.

The stereotype is also a significant threat in society today. This is the behaviour of having a fixed mindset or image of a particular group of people, for example, underrating an individual based on gender, physical attributes and sex type. One can overcome stereotype through encouragement. For instance, young women generation should be encouraging to study science-based discipline. They should be encouraged that no gender is best and successful for a particular line of study. Secondly, both men and women should be given equal responsibility in family matters and set-up. The notion that women belong in the kitchen and the man is the who should go job should be avoided since a family is a union in which responsibility should be shared equitably. Thirdly, every individual should build self-esteem based on their personality and capability they possess. This will limit yourself seeing the best of you and what can achieve regardless of your physical appearance.

Conclusion

Negative cultural attitudes should be avoided among people since Cultural norms and beliefs are the primary cause of division among nations that leads to war and any other form of conflicts.it also lead to stigmatization which leads to self-rejection and mental distraction. Such as Ethnocentrism, xenophobia and stereotyping.

References

Bekker, S., Eigelaar-Meets I., Eva, G. & Poole, C. 2009. ‘Xenophobia and Violence in South Africa: A Desktop Study of the Trends and a Scan of Explanations Offered’, Unpublished report, University of Stellenbosch.