Does a "Thumbs Up" Really Represent a Good Thing?

This week in Sociology we learned about cultural differences within material culture such as toilets, food, and transportation, as well as nonmaterial culture, such as language and gestures. We also touched on ethnocentrism, which is when someone thinks that the way they were brought up (they’re ingroup) is the best way and the only way. For example, when someone from a different country visits the United States, many Americans are ignorant towards their standards or norms, such as their nonmaterial culture of language. I have heard so many Americans say “why can’t they just learn how to speak English? They are in America.” These Americans don’t realize how difficult it is for tourists to learn English. The Americans in this example are demonstrating ethnocentrism because they believe that their language is the best language, and that it should be the primary language.

My dad has explained to me how for a long time Iran the thumb was the equivalent to the middle finger in America. Many Persians would use their middle finger to point out something, instead of using their pointer finger, since the middle finger is longer. With an increase in Westernization the thumb has evolved to the middle finger, and more people point using their pointer finger.

                             Does a "Thumbs Up" Really Represent a Good Thing? 

After this week I have realized that I should be more open to other cultural norms. I have always looked forward to traveling when I’m older, but now I know read about the language, gestures, and norms before I visit a new place. 

                                                                Thumbs Up!