What is the inherent ethical dilemma in ethnocentrism? In other words, what problems do you see in judging other cultures by the standards and customs of one’s own culture? Explain using specific examples from the texts.

After reading both Michel de Montaigne’s essay “Of Cannibals” last week and “Of Cannibals, Kings and Culture: The Problem of Ethnocentricity” by Adam Etinson this week, reflect on your understanding of the concept of ethnocentrism and how it affected society both in Montaigne’s day and in our present day society. Then respond to the following questions. Each questions should have a separate response in paragraph form:

1. What is the inherent ethical dilemma in ethnocentrism? In other words, what problems do you see in judging other cultures by the standards and customs of one’s own culture? Explain using specific examples from the texts.
2. In “Of Cannibals”, what is the Europeans’ perspective of the Brazilians? What is the Brazilians’ perspective of the Europeans? Explain using specific examples from the texts.
3. What is your perspective of the two cultures? Which culture is truly more barbaric? Why? Explain using specific examples from the texts.

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