Questions for Discussion: Ethnocentrism, Culture, and Perception
Video- The Gods Must Be Crazy
1. Describe the culture of the Bushmen. (Think 5 elements of culture.)
2. What does the Coke bottle symbolize to our society?
3. What does the Coke bottle symbolize to the Bushmen?
4. List 5 uses the Bushmen found for the Coke bottle.
5. Give 3 examples of how Xi (bushman) had a biased view of the cultures he
encountered.
6. How did Mpudi’s experience with the Bushmen affect his perception of Xi?
7. List 2 examples of symbolism for the goat (To the bushmen, the boy, society).
8. Explain how Xi both broke the law and did nothing wrong by killing the goat.
9. Why did Mpudi feel that Xi must be removed from his situation or he would die?
What lesson does this teach us about norms and values?
10. Describe how the video demonstrates the concept of ethnocentrism.