World Culture Vocabulary

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of culture – can happen through trade, conquest, immigration, etc.

Variations of cultural diffusion Assimilation - When a minority group generally adapts

to the customs of the prevailing culture. Known as the melting pot concept.

Pluralism - When numerous distinct ethnic, religious or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society. Known as the salad bowl concept.

Imperialism

When a stronger country extends its rule over another territory

A factor in how culture is spread The conquering power can force its culture on its

subjects The culture of the people of the territory taken over

can influence that of the imperial power

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s own ethnic group is superior to another.

Stereotype

A common opinion that is oversimplified and often inaccurate.

Why did I include a picture of the Brady Bunch on this slide?

Prejudice

A negative judgment or opinion formed beforehand without knowledge or examination of the facts. An attitude.

Discrimination

Treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit. An act.

Which is an example of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination?

Saying that all teenagers are shoplifters.

A store clerk thinks the teenagers who walk in his store will shoplift.

The store clerk only allows two teenagers in at a time while the rest of the group waits outside.

Which is an example of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination?

Hitler rounds up the Jews and puts them into concentration camps.

The belief that all Jews made money while the rest of Germany suffered during the Depression.

Jews are thought of more negatively than other Germans.

Quote from E.B. White

“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.”

Follow-up writing assignment

In a well-developed paragraph, respond to one of the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.  Choice 1 - After reviewing the definitions of assimilation and pluralism on the cultural diffusion slide, which do you think better describes the U.S. today? In other words, is the melting pot or the salad bowl a better metaphor?

Follow-up writing assignment

 Choice 2 – After reviewing the definition of stereotypes, think about if some are worse than others. Are there such things as innocent stereotypes? Explore how different people may perceive stereotypes differently.