Compassion for dummies: backwards
September8
Ever heard of “ethnocentrism?” It basically means you think your way is the best way – or the only way. Ethnocentrism is measuring another culture against your own, and it’s not at all compassionate.
Here is a simple example: “Hebrew is read backwards!” Actually it is read right to left, and who says that is backwards? Only someone applying an ethnocentric measurement of English against Hebrew.
Everyone does this to some degree. It crops up in many areas. One way to overcome it is to pay attention to our vocabulary. A careful choice of words can make a big difference. Any ideas? Please comment!