Positive interaction between subcultures is an ideal worth pursuing in any situation. Although the values and beliefs held by two subcultures or a subculture and broader culture may differ significantly, to the point of being difficult to reconcile, that is not necessarily the case (Adams, et al., 2015; Haviland, et al., 2017). While these things may be different, they will not necessarily be opposed or incompatible with one another, or they may affect things that are not often relevant to interpersonal relationships. As such, belonging to different subcultures should not be an obstacle to such relationships in most cases.
The African American flag is extremely important to me as an African American. It is a tri-color flag, adopted in 1920 in response to laws still excluding people of African descent despite the country ostensibly treating everyone equally regardless of race (Robinson, 2018). The red color represents blood, black is the color of the African Americans’ skin, and green for the natural wealth of Africa, the home continent (Robinson, 2018). This flag has been a part of my family traditions for many years and I strongly associate it with who I am.
In some ways, ethnocentrism can be seen as an obstacle or opposite to globalization. As globalization erodes borders and allows more open communication between individuals, ethnocentrism can more easily lead to conflict between people from different cultures (Haviland, et al., 2017). Therefore, it can be seen as a bigger problem than it was when nations and states were more isolated from one another. This is dangerous because of its potential to spark conflict. However, in times of conflict, an ethnocentric approach can be beneficial as the sense of unity it may bring can help overcoming the danger (ConnectUS, 2019). Nonetheless, it is better to prevent conflict entirely, therefore, ethnocentrism is not a desirable attitude.
References
Adams, R. G., Ernstes, A. M., & Lucey, K. M. (2015). Subculture, Sociology of. In International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (pp. 637–642). Elsevier. Web.
ConnectUS. (2019). 17 advantages and disadvantages of ethnocentrism. Web.
Haviland, W. A., Prins, H. L., McBride, B., & Walrath, D. (2017). Cultural anthropology: The human challenge. Belmont, Calif. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Robinson, S. (2018). African American flag still flying high. Black Art in America. Web.