Of Cannibals, Kings, And Culture: Article Analysis

“Truth only reveals itself when one gives up all preconceived ideas.” -Shoseki. When we grow up being reinforced the same ideas we often become blinded of the truth. The conceptions we develop throughout our lifespan can be about certain people, beliefs, customs, or even government policies. Everyone develops preconceived notions, it is something inevitable. But what separates people is their ability to resist to act on these thoughts regardless of how strong they may be. Certain ideologies have the power to create boundaries between people, resulting in a more unjust or judgemental atmosphere that has the potential leave lasting effects. The three articles in which I found a common thread were: ‘Of Cannibals, Kings and Culture: …show more content…
In ‘Of Cannibals, Kings, and Culture: The Problem of Ethnocentricity’ three Brazilians travel to Rouen, France. They had never been anywhere except Brazil so all they knew were the customs practiced throughout their homeland. They first noticed the uneven development of France which highlighted the significant differences between France and their homeland. The natives of France and the natives of Brazil differed especially in what they believed to be barbaric. While the Brazilians would eat their enemies following their death, the natives of France would feed them to the dogs and pigs while they were still alive. Both parties thought the other was barbaric but in their own way of doing things was completely valid. Neither really took the time to empathize with each other and their methods. This seemingly small difference had the potential to create moral disagreements which ultimately leads to resentment. The ideas we develop within our culture can create a divide with others when we become too sheltered by it. While they learned the differences between each other, I do not think they truly understood or respected their ideas. I believe the authors focal point was the focal point of the result of this misunderstanding; ethnocentrism. While ideology is my central theme amongst all three of these articles I believe this article and prime example of …show more content…
In the first article the parties had difficulty understanding the beliefs of each counterpart. I think it is safe to say they didn’t try very hard to understand either way of thinking. ‘Tricking and Tripping’ shows how it is possible to relate one 's previous notions to those of the people they are trying to understand. Some people’s preconceived thoughts do not actually reflect the truth. In this second article a woman submerged herself into the world of prostitution. The author becomes so involved she has a hard time switching her mentality of a prostitute to the what she once had. She became too involved. From staying at stolls for long hours, to becoming so close to a prostitute that she seriously considers adopting her and her family. She often got so caught up she had a hard time regaining her own psyche. Of course her previous notions often clashed with others such as the pimps or one of the prostitutes just as the Brazilians and natives to France clashed with their ideas. I believe the main purpose the author had in writing this piece was to have the reader themselves change their thinking to understand this lifestyle. For example some women prostitute not only to support a drug addiction but for other reasons such as supporting their family after being left with no other option. It allows the reader to develop empathy for those women who develop a drug