World Culture Vocabulary
Cultural Diffusion
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The spread of culture – can happen through trade,
conquest, immigration, etc.
Variations of cultural diffusion
Assimilation - When a minority group generally adapts
to the customs of the prevailing culture. Known as the
melting pot concept.
Pluralism - When numerous distinct ethnic, religious or
cultural groups are present and tolerated within a
society. Known as the salad bowl concept.
Imperialism
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When a stronger country extends its rule over
another territory
A factor in how culture is spread
The conquering power can force its culture on its
subjects
The culture of the people of the territory taken over
can influence that of the imperial power
Ethnocentrism
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The belief that one’s own ethnic
group is superior to another.
Stereotype
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A common opinion that is
oversimplified and often
inaccurate.
Why did I
include a
picture of the
Brady Bunch
on this slide?
Prejudice
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A negative judgment or opinion
formed beforehand without
knowledge or examination of
the facts. An attitude.
Discrimination
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Treatment or consideration based
on class or category rather than
individual merit. An act.
Which is an example of stereotype,
prejudice, and discrimination?
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Saying that all teenagers are
shoplifters.
A store clerk thinks the teenagers
who walk in his store will shoplift.
The store clerk only allows two
teenagers in at a time while the rest
of the group waits outside.
Which is an example of stereotype,
prejudice, and discrimination?
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Hitler rounds up the Jews and puts
them into concentration camps.
The belief that all Jews made
money while the rest of Germany
suffered during the Depression.
Jews are thought of more
negatively than other Germans.
Quote from E.B. White
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“Prejudice is a great time saver. You
can form opinions without having to
get the facts.”
Follow-up writing assignment
In a well-developed paragraph, respond to
one of the following questions on a separate
sheet of paper.
Choice 1 - After reviewing the definitions of
assimilation and pluralism on the cultural
diffusion slide, which do you think better
describes the U.S. today? In other words, is
the melting pot or the salad bowl a better
metaphor?
Follow-up writing assignment
Choice 2 – After reviewing the definition of
stereotypes, think about if some are worse
than others. Are there such things as
innocent stereotypes? Explore how different
people may perceive stereotypes differently.