Ethnocentrism Concepts and Philosophers

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Questions and Answers

What is the most naive form of ethnocentrism called?

Cultural relativism

Egocentrism

Phenomenal absolutism (correct)

Moral dualism

According to Sumner, how do groups typically perceive themselves in relation to others?

They see all cultural practices as equally valid.

They prioritize universal principles over cultural differences.

They believe in the superiority of other groups’ values.

They consider their own group the center of everything. (correct)

How does a more complex level of ethnocentrism differ from naive ethnocentrism?

It fully embraces cultural diversity.

It acknowledges multiple viewpoints but deems them inferior. (correct)

It dismisses cultural heritage as irrelevant.

It rejects any form of cultural judgment.

What sentiment was expressed in the defense of formalist aesthetics in the letters to Art Education?

Art principles are universal regardless of location. Signup and view all the answers

During the European Enlightenment, how did philosophers typically define man?

In terms of universal mental and psychological traits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with the concept of egocentrism?

It centers one's personal values without considering others. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sumner suggest about group dynamics concerning pride and superiority?

Groups tend to elevate their own values while disdainfully viewing outsiders. Signup and view all the answers

What was Hume's view regarding the contributions of non-white individuals to civilization?

They lacked the necessary intellectual capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the first classification of races?

Carl Linnaeus Signup and view all the answers

What stereotype of black people was introduced in Long's A History of Jamaica?

Brutish and ignorant Signup and view all the answers

What role did European males play in cultural definitions according to the provided content?

They defined the philosophical standards for humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of thought influenced perceptions in art education?

Craniometry and racial superiority Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant basis for judging non-whites according to Popkin?

Their intellectual equipment Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about women in the context of philosophical thought?

They were often excluded from philosophical standards. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Enlightenment influence the study of aesthetics?

It commonly reinforced elitist views in art. Signup and view all the answers

What notion regarding races is implied to have affected art perceptions?

Non-whites are inherently less artistic. Signup and view all the answers

What historical views contributed to the cultural prejudices observed in art education today?

Normative evaluations based on naturalistic explanations became prevalent. Signup and view all the answers

Which early perspective viewed all people as having equal capacities for understanding and feeling?

Bartolome de las Casas's viewpoint. Signup and view all the answers

What transformation did European thought undergo regarding human diversity between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries?

A shift from universalism to a hierarchy of human value. Signup and view all the answers

How did philosophers and natural philosophers justify discriminatory views of certain populations?

Through evaluations related to skin color and religious beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key belief that art educators should embrace for the future?

That students’ differing cultural backgrounds and traditions should be respected and appreciated. Signup and view all the answers

What significant work did Zerffi publish that contributed to art education thinking?

Manual of the Historical Development of Art Signup and view all the answers

To whom is Zerffi's Manual of the Historical Development of Art dedicated?

Edwin J. Poynter Signup and view all the answers

One of Zerffi's influences included a belief in which of the following?

The superiority of certain races Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Zerffi's work is criticized for expressing racist views?

His craniometric analysis of art Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best captures the essence of racism as discussed in Zerffi's work?

It assigns social significance based on physical attributes. Signup and view all the answers

What societal elements influenced discussions of race in Victorian times?

Travelers’ observations and common prejudices Signup and view all the answers

What was the general outcome of discussions about race prior to 1900?

They provided greater coherence and authority to everyday prejudices. Signup and view all the answers

Which specific type of studies did Zerffi cite to support his views?

Dubious studies about brain size and facial angles Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic did Zerffi attribute to people he described as 'the Negro'?

Slow of temperament and unskilled Signup and view all the answers

What underlying factor shaped Zerffi's analysis and attitudes toward art?

Victorian racial attitudes and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What notion did geographic determinism support regarding racial rankings?

It argued that energy-producing climates resulted in superior traits. Signup and view all the answers

How did Leclerc view the relationship between climate and beauty?

Temperate climates produced the most beautiful people. Signup and view all the answers

What stereotype does geographic determinism propagate?

The lazy native is a product of tropical environments. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the dominance of Western aesthetic canons in multicultural art education?

Distinctions between art and craft were reinforced. Signup and view all the answers

What assertion does Isaac Edwards Clarke make about civilization?

The future of civilization relies on Protestant White races. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of the climate associated with beauty in Leclerc's view?

Geographically diverse regions Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the concept of 'noble savage' under geographic determinism?

A representation of ideal humanity influenced by climate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of writings by nineteenth-century essayists on racial constructs?

They perpetuated stereotypes linked to geographic determinism. Signup and view all the answers

How did Western aesthetic canons influence perceptions of art?

They established a hierarchy favoring certain artistic styles. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'the lazy native' imply in the context of geographic determinism?

It reflects a judgment based on climatic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethno- and Egocentrism in the Art Curriculum

Art education's origins often reflect prejudiced notions of race and gender, particularly favoring European male artists.
Eurocentric views, influenced by both biblical and pseudo-scientific ideas, have shaped art education approaches.
Art educators often struggle to discuss racism and prejudice without defensiveness, anxiety, or timidity.
Western art canons have excluded the art of many cultures.
Those in power frequently use their position to elevate their own art and culture, distancing themselves from other cultural realities.
Art curricula in North America often prioritize Eurocentric art, being considered culturally bound, elitist, and biased.
This trend is often rooted in racist and sexist assumptions about art and artistic ability.
Art educators of color frequently criticize the Eurocentric emphasis in art education.
Calls have been made to include multicultural perspectives in art curricula, allowing for various cultures' expressions to thrive.
Art curricula and art education thinking have been ethnocentric for many centuries, with Western art being the primary focus.

Culture-Bound Assumptions about Art

The best art is largely considered to be European-made.
Oil painting, sculpture (including bronze and marble), and monumental architecture are the primary art forms.
Art and craft are often treated hierarchically, with art placed above craft.
Men are associated with producing the best art.
Art is often attributed to individual geniuses.
Artistic merit is assessed based on elements like line, color, shape, texture, realism, proportion, medium, and expressiveness.
Sociocultural meaning is often considered secondary compared to individual aesthetic responses.

Ethnocentrism in Art Education and History

Ethnocentrism is frequently intertwined with racism, as seen in the judgment of non-Western art and cultural artifacts.
Some individuals have argued that Western art is superior based on racial stereotypes.
The perceived inferiority of non-Western cultures has been used to justify the exclusion of their art.
Historical precedents of ethnocentrism exist in art curricula and historical accounts of art.
People from different cultures or racial groups often have widely different perspectives on art production and appreciation.

Additional Notes on the Text

The text documents historical, racial, and gender biases, which have contributed to art educational practices.
It discusses how ethnocentric views have been used to maintain power structures in art.
The text argues for a more inclusive, multicultural approach to art education and understanding art.

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Description

Explore the foundational ideas of ethnocentrism and egocentrism as discussed by Sumner and other philosophers during the Enlightenment. This quiz assesses your understanding of group dynamics, self-perception, and aesthetic defense in art education. Test your knowledge of these critical social concepts.