The Value Of Travel Summary

1. Ethnocentrism is the presumption that an individual’s culture based on their customs and values is better than that of another. For this reason, it may have some negative effects on the speaker’s effectiveness. The audience, based on their cultural views may be offended if little value is placed on what they consider to be the norm or custom. Therefore, how they identify with the speaker’s message is paramount. For instance, some cultures may be open to inexactness whereas in other cultures they are not offended when the speaker takes more consideration in being a bit more detailed. Another is that some cultures tend to choose the way of authority and power, on the other hand, people in low power cultures would rather the power distributed …show more content…
The speaker suggests in “The Value of Travel” that ethnocentrism is a mindset that we should all rid ourselves of, and traveling helps us to do this. It allows you to become tolerant of other cultures and their differences. He notes that this experience will allow individuals to let go of misconceptions and preconceive notions of others, their beliefs, and way of life. In addition, not only should we be more tolerant and sensitive to cultural differences, but embrace them. In fact, being well-traveled allows us to gain a better understanding, which in turn helps us to be more accepting of others. He expressed that like us they have dreams, hope, and pride; something that is quite relatable and not limited to a particular culture. Even so, this video correlates to the chapter based on ethnocentrism in that the speaker refers to different cultures and how similar situations may affect individuals differently based on their cultural background and beliefs. For example, some cultures prohibit prostitution to deal with societal issues whereas in other cultures it is not only illegal but frowned upon based on moral beliefs and values. I have always been accepting of others irrespective of their cultural differences, however, after listening to the speaker, I recollected on times that I may have judged others based on their strange cultural habits, simply because I did not understand them or perhaps I was too afraid to. This video will help me to be more conscientious, compassionate and tolerant of others and to become more open