Ethnocentrism

Your friend invites you to dinner, and the moment you walk in, you're hit with a strong, unfamiliar smell. You try to hide your reaction, but your brain quietly says, "That's strange." You glance at the dish on the table—something you've never seen before—and feel a mix of hesitation and curiosity. You know your friend put care into the meal, but part of you is still comparing it to what you're used to. That quick reaction, often unspoken, is a small example of ethnocentrism: the assumption that other cultures should operate by the same rules, values, or norms as our own. It shows up in those first split-second judgments when something feels unfamiliar or "off," even if there's no intention behind the response.

It can surface in all kinds of everyday situations—a different way of greeting, a parenting decision that feels unfamiliar, or a work habit that doesn't match your own can all trigger the same internal response. Ethnocentrism shows up when we filter new experiences through the lens of our own culture without realizing it. It's a common reaction, but it shapes how we interpret others and how we decide who feels relatable or trustworthy. Noticing it is often the first step toward more thoughtful communication.