why do many people confuse ethnocentrism with racism?

Question

If I say I only prefer Black women, I only eat at Black owned restaurants, or I only watch mocies with Black actors; that is called ethnocentrist, not racist.

Why do people have the two confused?

Staciaschool - RACISM - a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races
(dictionary.com)

emphasis on the "right to rule others." true racism involves power and oppression.

Answer 1

I think that maybe you are confusing cultural/racial/ethnic pride with ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism is just a "fancy" word for racism.

EDIT:

"emphasis on the "right to rule others." true racism involves power and oppression."
----Not necessarily. The presence of power, or the desire for it, and oppression aren't necessary in order for someone to be racist. One of my late grandfathers, for example, was of the belief that all non-whites are inherently lazy and predisposed to living in filth, including not maintaining personal hygiene. But he didn't believe that non-whites should be treated any differently than whites. According to his logic, white people could help non-whites to "beat these unfortunate characteristics" by treating them with the utmost respect while setting a "positive white example". In this case, power and oppression are not present. However, my grandfather was racist just the same.

As far as ethnocentrism is concerned: According to Columbia Encyclopedia and Bartleby.com , it can also be defined as "the feeling that one's group has a mode of living, values, and patterns of adaptation that are superior to those of other groups. It is coupled with a generalized contempt for members of other groups. Ethnocentrism may manifest itself in attitudes of superiority or sometimes hostility. Violence, discrimination, proselytizing, and verbal aggressiveness are other means whereby ethnocentrism may be expressed."

Answer 2

i see what you're saying. while there is a clear distinction between the two terms, which i think you've explanined and outlined well, i don't think that being ethnocentric is any more "positive" than being racist. this isn't just for blacks, but for all races, ethnicities, and nationalities. it still reflects an inward-looking mindset that can be very limiting and dangerous (like look at america's position in the world right now - many other nations hate us for our ethnocentrism), and i'm not sure it's necessarily something that should be defended as a viable alternative to racism.

just my thoughts - i think this is a good conversation to have; many people aren't aware of the difference.

Answer 3

eth·no·cen·trism /ˌɛθnoʊˈsɛntrɪzəm/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[eth-noh-sen-triz-uhm] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. Sociology. the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.
2. a tendency to view alien groups or cultures from the perspective of one's own

Umm gee can you define racism for me? I am confused because I am pretty sure the terms are interchangable

If you think that you are superior to another race...you are racist period the end. I don't understand how people can think oh I mean I am white obviously I am superior to black people.... but I swear I am not racist. (or vice versa) I mean does that sound racist to you? I don't know it does to me. I think perhaps you should have chosen another word. I do not think that you are racist I just think that perhaps you used the wrong term that is all. Preference is not racism but ethnocentirsm is any way you look at it.

Answer 4

Its a fine line. It really depends on WHY you're doing it, I suppose. If you want to eat at black resturants because you prefer the food, thats fine. If you watch movies with black actors because you find them more entertaining, thats fine too. And I see no problem with only dating black women- I only date white men, and I don't see that as racist.

Now, if your doing it because you dislike people of other races, and think that all resturants owned by white people are evil or whatever, I'd call that racist. Like I said.. its a very fine line to walk.

Answer 5

According to my Sociology memory, racism is the belief that one race is naturally superior to another and ethnocentrism is to judge the behavior of other groups by your own culture (standards).

People confuse the two because STRONG ethnocentrism can lead to prejudice attitudes, and that can lead to racism (among other things).

Answer 6

Because some people are ignorant of the contrast of ethnocentrism with racism. It would be racism if you don't like certain races culture simply because it's that race.

Answer 7

because they are so closely related,

The differences are limited to the actions of the individuals that practice those Ideas,

outwardly professing a dislike for a specific race, while only partaking in the resorces of ones own race is racism,

your just above that by not just outwardly professing your personal dislikes :)

Answer 8

Ethnocentrism is pride in your own race. I understand were you're coming from. Racism is the subjugation of a group of people by telling them that they are inferior by laws, imposition, and an a ideology.

Answer 9

I know that there is a difference between the two, but if you exclude or boycott products, services, restaurants, etc based only on the provider's race or ethnicity......come on now
.

Answer 10

Because people can see through the ethnocentrism coating to the chewy racism center.