Ethnocentrism and Its Role in Society - Essay Example

The classic example we can glean from ethnocentrism is Hitler’s idea of the superiority of the Aryan race as enforced by his Nazis.  Africa’s Apartheid is also a classic case of ethnocentrism.  On a personal level, it is not good because it makes one feel superior over others which can affect its relationship with other people.  Discrimination exists because of ethnocentrism.  It fuels hatred and isolates other people in the process of assertion another to become superior.

The idea that “Latino families have too many children” supports the ethnocentric idea of a Latino male’s stereotype of male dominance and promiscuity as evidenced by the number of his progeny.  It purports the stereotypical idea that a Latino male is an irresistible lover who relegates women to be his conquest.  It subscribes to the typical male machismo and undermines the women’s endeavor to have an equal place in society and familial society.  This idea also promotes the idea of being irresponsible and having too many children beyond a person’s capacity to support.