Homework #2

Ruby Leal-Sanchez
ENG 3308-03
February 5, 2008

Homework #2
Characteristics of Culture-Article I
Culture has several definitions; one is that it is a set of learned behaviors, beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that is passed from generation to generation. Another is somewhat similar, it is explained as a set of interrelated behaviors, beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices that is transmitted or communicated from generation to generation which is more or less the same.
As explained in the article on page 2, cultures are learned but I don’t think it changes much as described on page 3 and 4. I think it is more of an adaptation than a change. In our own culture, growing up I don’t feel that our culture has much change or adaptation for that matter. On page 4 the article talks about people not being aware of their culture, I don’t think all that is true. In our culture, elders make sure we learn study and practice our culture as a step to help future generations.
Ethnocentrism is an orientation or set beliefs that holds one’s own culture, ethnic or racial group, or nation is superior to others. It leads members of ethnic groups to view their culture as the one that other cultures should adopt. It also leads to prejudice against foreigners who are viewed as barbarians, uncultured people, or savages. It has been a factor leading to some of the worst atrocities in history. Ethnocentric beliefs sometimes bring interacting nations to wars and serve as justifications for foreign conquests.
Ethnocentrism as explained on page 5 does prevent us from understanding other cultures. Such as the Muslim culture; we are such a free world that we as women don’t understand or appreciate their ways of treating women.
This was a good article but it contradicts other articles I have read or researched on culture. Culture is something we really study on in the social work field. I would like and will look this article up for further comparison and discussion.

Cultural Dimensions-Article II
This article discusses the dimensions of culture and how it affects user interface designs. It explains how color between cultures can become an issue. In some cultures colors are sacred and can be different from another culture. So it is very important to know that when designing for a certain country.
Hofstede identifies five dimensions of culture: power-distance, collectivism vs. individualism, femininity vs. masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, and long- vs. short-term orientation. Hofstede goes into detail of each dimension in explaining the implications of user-interface and web design.