Ethnocentrism and Ethnic Conflict - Essay Example

PRECIS Marc Howard Ross presents the argument in his paper, “Ethnocentrism and Ethnic Conflict”, that, despite current journalistic and popular opinions, ethnic conflicts among various cultural groups have been managed and resolved successfully (p. 3). (No date found in the document) Among popular journalistic sources, it is frequently presented that ethnic conflict is deeply rooted in ancient grudges, often not even recognized by the parties involved. While these journalistic sources claim that the conflict is over money, land, political differences, or political status, at times one of these sources may reference the irrationality of the parties, and their inability to resolve the conflict without outside help.

These arguments differ from those of anthropologists in several ways. This article examines these differences through the scholarly lenses of the social scientists who study ethnic groups. It discusses the concepts of ethnocentricity and ethnic conflict and continues to examine the true sources of ethnic conflicts and the various ways ethnic groups have resolved these conflicts both on their own and without the aid of outside interference.CRITIQUE In the article, “Ethnocentrism and Ethnic Conflict”, the author Marc Howard Ross begins by explaining the difference between ethnicity and ethnocentrism on pages 4-8.

The author posits that cultural and social aspects of ethnic groups are at the root of ethnic conflict. Mr. Ross further continues that ethnic conflict is a result of the group’s sense of threat to their identity and existence (p. 8), inequitable distribution of resources (p. 8), and differences in cultural beliefs, behaviours, and styles of communication (p.9). Anthropologists agree that the ethnic groups being “guided” in these conflicts should be allowed to, and are capable of, resolving the conflicts on their own (p.12). By this argument, the citizens of Iraq should be left to solve their religious and political differences.

The Sunnis, Shiites, and Christians of that nation are persons capable of resolving their conflicts and creating a prosperous nation. Language and cultural identification are often the source of ethnic conflict as well (p.9). The author references the ongoing conflict between the Egyptians and Israelis, and the ongoing Palestinian conflict. An ideal example of this type of conflict would be that of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has long been a country divided along linguistic and tribal customs and identifications.

For this conflict to be resolved, it would be helpful to incorporate the conflict management model described by Mr. Ross on pp.12-14. One dramatic example of a breakthrough in conflict resolution was the visitation of Anwar Sadat to Jerusalem and his acceptance of Israel. This led to the Camp David Accords and finally peace between Israel and Egypt (p.10). There is an ethnocentric rhetoric common in today’s media regarding the current “War on Terror”. A great number of Americans adhere to the ethnocentric belief that the United States provides the best source of culture and that all other countries should model themselves after the ideal of American “freedom”.

This scholarly article “Ethnocentrism and Ethnic Culture” summarizes the differences between ethnicity and ethnocentrism. The author Marc Howard Ross presents various ways in which conflicts between ethnic groups around the world have solved their problems, both on their own and with an impartial mediator. In general, this is a strong article which presents the information regarding ethnicity and ethnocentrism well. It also presents multiple models for successful conflict resolution. Mr.

Ross has examined his subject extensively and quotes many reputable sources, which adds credibility to his information. Seems like you have not touched the points I gave you in those instructions. I do understand that this is a very short paper but those questions were meant to reflect on the writing part. Please make sure you read those once again. Also, read those questions on “Critical Reading Questions” that I’ve uploaded for CRITICAL READING/WRITING are the questions you may consider when you read/write the ‘critique’ 1.

Is the author’s purpose clearly stated (thesis statement or statement of purpose for the paper)? What is that purpose? 2. Does the author meet that purpose? 3. What research questions is the author focusing on? What anthropological understanding is sought in those questions (e.g. cultural, economic, ethnohistorical, biological, archaeological, linguistic, combined, and holistic)? 4. What kind of evidence does the author provide in answer to those questions? 5. Is the evidence presented convincing, plausible, not very clear, or insufficient?

Explain briefly.6. In what way was this article instructive? (What did you learn from it that helps you understand human diversity?).7. Would you ask questions that are different to those covered in the article? If so, briefly explain how your questions (if different to the author’s) would assist you in understanding (learning about) this subject matter/problem/ phenomenon /situation in greater depth. A Précis Must Include All the information contained within it will be paraphrased (in your own words) from the article under investigation and will not be your ideas – as such, you do not need to cite everything.

You need to reference direct quotations if you use them but prefer not to 1. Introduction: Identify the author and the title of the article. Main body (several paragraphs): StrengthWeaknesses3. Conclusion: -Re-statementCritical Thinking Must Include: Any ideas that are not your own (including material that comes from the article in question) MUST BE CITED. Comment must be made on the strengths and weakness of the articles4. Introduction: Identify the author and the title of the article.

Main body (several paragraphs): StrengthWeaknesses6. Conclusion: -Re-statement7. Bibliography (You can use the electronic version of the AAA style guide. I will copy the link into the ref…)