The idea of ethnocentrism is not one that sits well with me. I have a very hard time deciding that one culture is superior over another, especially coming from a country in which many people believe they are inherently better because of their place of origin and, even more so, their ethnic background. I […]
Culture Post #3: Syncretism
This weekend travelling in Cañar, I noticed several examples of syncretism. We visited a Cañari woman who practices indigenous medicine, specifically limpas. The ritual lasts around ten to 20 minutes and is very elaborate. During the various treatments ranging from rubbing an egg over the person being cleansed to spitting herbal water on them, she […]
Culture Post #2: Ethnocentricity
The concept of ethnocentricity is inevitable. Everywhere, the backgrounds of individuals shape their ideas and opinions about every aspect of life. I think the first experience I had with ethnocentricity was when I was 11 years old and had just been given a Guinea Pig as a pet. Coincidently, I was doing a project in […]
Culture Post #1: Culture Shock
The classic definition of culture shock includes a series of four stages: honeymoon, anxiety, adjustment, and acceptance. There is not a set amount of time for the duration of each of these stages, nor a guarantee that everyone will go through each one. However, I can apply them to the experience I have had […]
Sincretismo: la idea confusa
Desde la primera vez que oye la palabra “sincretismo,” me he sentido un poco confundida. Para mi, el tema de sincretismo ha sido confuso porque antes de esta clase, no he oído la palabra. Aun después de hacer investigaciones, todavía no creo que entiendo la idea como debo para estar segura sobre el tema. Lo […]