Sidney Stadelmann- November 3, 2022
Ethnocentrism is the concept that individuals and cultures will view themselves and their environment from the perspective of their own culture. Consequently, this view leads people to see their own cultural values and beliefs as “better than”, and to associate differences in culture with being lesser or inferior. These ideologies are harmful, especially in terms of globalization and the deterioration of culture. Europe and the West are especially plagued by these ideologies, and thus attempt to assimilate everyone else to their own values and beliefs. Additionally, they categorize countries and cultures that do not fall into western ideals as being underdeveloped and inferior. However, Russia and Ex-Soviet states are examples of backlash against Western ideologies, as illustrated by Jürgen Habernmas in Chapter 3 of Dealing With Human Rights. He claims that ex-Soviet states of Eastern Europe are a “notable example of the inability to transfer Western-style liberal democracy outside of its social and historical contexts.” Russian Communism and other political/moral ideologies are seen as extremist in the West, and are actively shunned. Additionally, many Asain governments such as those in China and North Korea are also seen as “crazy” from a Western perspective, which further proves how deeply ingrained ethnocentrism is within society.
From a Siberian and Russia perspective, ethnocentrism and human rights are complicated. On one hand, it is important to note that the media paints Russia and its political goals from a negative Eurocentric point-of-view. The battle of Russia vs. the West is ongoing, but serves as a great example of the dangers present when two powerful governments both see themselves as ideal. With that being said, we do see the dangerous effects that Russian ethnocentrism is having on neighboring countries, and the world as a whole. The Russian-Ukrainian war offers an example of this. Russia’s superiority complex, motivated by ethnocentric ideals, has led the country to invade and attack Ukraine, at the cost of many many lives and the safety of multiple countries.
