Ethnocentricism.......How to say it without being ethnocentric

What is Ethnocentrism???Well its not a good thing at all.I learned of this term in my interpersonal communications class.If my memory is serves me right,it is judging people or their culture according to your culture;feeling that you culture,pattern,value,norms are superior than that of others.

I feel like people tend to be ethnocentric without realizing it sometimes.It always seems like ones values or way of life is better that others.I know how hard it is to accept other people's way of living just the way it is.People always tend to compare their culture to others and it becomes even harder to be objective when dealing with them.

I wish people could be more open minded and ready to learn and integrate easily.I don't think it's that hard.It becomes hard when people try to make assumptions.

I found some interesting examples of Ethnocentrism,like someone would say things like "Mexican food or Chinese food is bizarre"that is being ethnocentric,the person is suggesting that her food,is better or more regular kind of food that that of the Mexican or Chinese.Instead people should to use other terms like "this is different"it sounds better and less judgmental.

Another example is when people go to another country and say,"oh they drive on the wrong side of the road of the road,implying that theirs is right/correct and the other one wrong.Instead one should say the side that they are driving on e.g left hand side or right hand side.

For a long time i used to judge others according to my own culture forgetting that it is just different and that i should appreciate it and accept it.(when you go to Rome?Pray as the Romans)........

Why is Ethnocentrism bad?It makes one make false assumptions about other cultures,nation or people.It also leads to stereotyping,prejudice and may lead to racism.

Placing ones culture superior to others causes us to misjudge others which leads to miscommunication and sometimes hatred.

I just found out that the opposite of Ethnocentrism is Xenocentrism.Which is preferring other cultures over your own culture.The assumption that other cultures are superior to your own.I think it is also bad.We should be able to appreciate our way of life and understand others way of lives as well.(EASIER SAID THAN DONE)

I will get back soon with Xenocentrism and how to avoid it.Well i hope you learned something today.